The trek continues, through slush and sleet, and snow, and occasionally sun - I'm just coming into Salisbury New Brunswick - home of an Irving Big Stop where I always stop when driving through NB. Sailed on through Moncton, weather was good, so kept right on going.
Different this time walking through the province, so it'll be a virtual stop at the Big Stop.
Next major destination - Fredericton. Here I come!!...
Man, the winds crossing the Tantramar Marshes were strong and cold! Lots of snow too - it's really slowing down my progress - I'm way behind schedule if I want to get to Vancouver by year's end.
I'm just on the outskirts of Sackville New Brunswick (NB), home of Mt. Allison University. We've had a messy winter so far in this part of the country - lots of snow, freezing rain, sleet, rain, and general mess. Next major destination is Moncton, NB - I hope to be there by the end of next week.
The TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) 2009 conference is underway this week. This is Bill Gates' presentation at TED 2009 about malaria and what he and his foundation are doing to help rid malaria, and about great teachers. he answers two questions - how to eradicate malaria, and hpw to keep great teachers. A great presentation - great food for thought. So cool watching someone with such a passion for what they are doing. Watch for the mosquitoes...
His second question is "How do you make a teacher great?" So, how do you? Some interesting perspectives and numbers on what great teachers are and the impact of having more great teachers. One point Bill makes is that a Master's degree in education has no effect on improving the quality of a teacher - it's past performance that is the best indicator of success. Slightly more good teachers leave the profession than bad ones, and turnover is high...
Listen to what he says makes successful teachers - engagement, feedback, focus, caring - despite what he says about the current state of teachers and teaching, Bill still has hope for the future. Talks about using technology and education. A must watch video.
Academic Chair for the schools of Applied Arts & New Media, Business, and Health and Human Services at the Institute of Technology campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, I have an interest in problem-based learning, competency-based assessment, and alternative educational methodologies and delivery methods. I am actively exploring Web 2.0 tools and technologies and supporting faculty in the implementation of these tools and technologies into their professional practices. I believe that social networking is the future of learning-centred education.
Lately I have been researching and exploring the use of social media in the development and use of PLEs- Personal learning Environments - learner created and learner-controlled - this is where I see adult education going - out of the traditional classroom and into the hands of learners wherever they may be.
You can find me in Second Life as several of us at NSCC are currently exploring this MUVE as a learning environment.
NSCC is Canada's portfolio college and e-portfolio development is a powerful learning tool for faculty, staff, and learners.
The trek continues, through slush and sleet, and snow, and occasionally sun - I'm just coming into Salisbury New Brunswick - home of an Irving Big Stop where I always stop when driving through NB. Sailed on through Moncton, weather was good, so kept right on going.
