So much as happened the last few days! I am going to focus on what I can deal with for right now.
Friday night was graduation, it was a VVVEERRRYYY long ceremony. Only supposed to last 1hr so we could be at dinner on time, instead it took 2hrs and we missed cocktail hr. But the main point is that I finished year 2!! I am so happy and proud of most of the things I did (some was crap, let's face it) but overall it must have been good since I ended with at 4.0GPA. Saying goodbye to all my wonderful friends was really hard. We all get along so well and have so much fun together, but then again we all scattered as quickly as possible once graduation was over.
Saturday was wonderful, and busy. Left my dorm in Plymouth at 8:30 am and arrived in London around 1:30. Checked into my new dorm room- cheaper than a hotel and safer/cleaner than a hostel- and headed back out. First stop was Harry Potter's house from the movies in Bracknell. It was pretty to cool to be there but not overly exciting. Not much to take pictures of since it is all in the movies. Then back in London I decided I might want to catch a show in the West End. So I stopped by a couple of those "cheap ticket" places and they actually told me the best price/seat would only be offered at the theatre. I was a little confused over them sending business away, but took them at their word. I decided to try Wicked and went to that theatre first. I was a little worried since I had heard tickets started at about £70, but it doesn't hurt to check anyway- besides it was starting in 30min so who knows if there would even be any tickets left. I ended up with a FRONT ROW ticket for only £25. It was an amazing show!! The cast was wonderful, I couldn't help comparing it to the soundtrack I love listening to and this was just as beautifully sung if not better for it being live.
Showing posts with label MAET Year2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAET Year2. Show all posts
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
YAY!!!!
Today we had our PLATE conference!! It went really well.
As part of the MAET program 2nd year students had to organize a conference for the other students within GSEO. We were told about it only 3 weeks ago, and then only got one day to work on it in class. Everyone had to present two sessions, one on issues and one on applications of a technolgy. I got to do one on applying the computer into the math and science classroom. The other one was a discussion on the gains and losses of technolgy integration.
You should check out our site here. Be sure to check out the video on the bottom of the home page. Then within each session page you can watch screen captures and voice threads that give you most of the information you would have gotten if you had attended each of the sessions. Really explore site and try out the links. I have included the gallery from the site for all to see our wonderful faces today.
Now we can actually sleep!
As part of the MAET program 2nd year students had to organize a conference for the other students within GSEO. We were told about it only 3 weeks ago, and then only got one day to work on it in class. Everyone had to present two sessions, one on issues and one on applications of a technolgy. I got to do one on applying the computer into the math and science classroom. The other one was a discussion on the gains and losses of technolgy integration.
You should check out our site here. Be sure to check out the video on the bottom of the home page. Then within each session page you can watch screen captures and voice threads that give you most of the information you would have gotten if you had attended each of the sessions. Really explore site and try out the links. I have included the gallery from the site for all to see our wonderful faces today.
Now we can actually sleep!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Week 3
I can't believe week three is already over. The last thing I remember is Sunday, but it's Friday now something happened. Let's see if I can remember anything . . .
Monday, I only know that I posted. And that is only because my posts are dated.
Tuesday we turned in our TPaCKs. Then went to the Fresher for a long evening of relaxing, our professors came out to join us. I learned how to play darts, and we convinced the bar tender that it was both Tuesday and Wednesday- we wanted both specials.
Wednesday, um . . .
Thursday, now that I remember- it SUCKED. Well actually only a part of it was bad. Class was fine, actually got my work done early. But then I got out of class. I was typing up my to-do list when my computer decided it was done. Shut down, no power. My battery died entirely before leaving for England so I have been keeping my laptop plugged in all the time- not very convenient for a portable device. But then Thursday the power cord went on strike also, or rather quit. My computer is a Dell and the only way to get a proper power cord is to order one, but I can't do that here, since it would most likely arrive after I left. So I went to Staples hoping for a miracle, there was not one. But they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. And then they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. That third store had something that COULD work, it cost 50pounds ($100) . And it does work but not really well, it'll do for the time being. So after all that, and the good cry I had, I only wanted to go to the gym and shower before dinner. Gym was fine. My shower however broke. The handle came right off!!
Now it's Friday, just have to wait and see. . .
Monday, I only know that I posted. And that is only because my posts are dated.
Tuesday we turned in our TPaCKs. Then went to the Fresher for a long evening of relaxing, our professors came out to join us. I learned how to play darts, and we convinced the bar tender that it was both Tuesday and Wednesday- we wanted both specials.
Wednesday, um . . .
Thursday, now that I remember- it SUCKED. Well actually only a part of it was bad. Class was fine, actually got my work done early. But then I got out of class. I was typing up my to-do list when my computer decided it was done. Shut down, no power. My battery died entirely before leaving for England so I have been keeping my laptop plugged in all the time- not very convenient for a portable device. But then Thursday the power cord went on strike also, or rather quit. My computer is a Dell and the only way to get a proper power cord is to order one, but I can't do that here, since it would most likely arrive after I left. So I went to Staples hoping for a miracle, there was not one. But they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. And then they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. That third store had something that COULD work, it cost 50pounds ($100) . And it does work but not really well, it'll do for the time being. So after all that, and the good cry I had, I only wanted to go to the gym and shower before dinner. Gym was fine. My shower however broke. The handle came right off!!
Now it's Friday, just have to wait and see. . .
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Pizza
Last night we decided we wanted pizza for dinner, it was raining and it had been a long day. Online we go. . . Domino's site. . . ordering. . . ordering. . . ordering. . . 30 minutes later the order is finally completed. Then we wait. An hour later- still no pizza. We decide to call and find out what is taking so long.
In the dorms the only phone available for public use is in the kitchen, most of us don't have local phones so this is all we have for calling locally- which nobody ever does. But the kitchen we were in did not have a phone, ripped off the wall for some reason or another. We had to walk over to my building to use the phone in my kitchen. Great! Now we can find out where our pizza is.
Oh yeah, did I mention these pizzas were $32 EACH?!?! Better be GREAT pizza.
But the phone doesn’t work. At least not without the purchase of $10 calling card, which no one has or wants to buy. We will never need it again, we live with everyone we know locally. Back with everyone else we decide on a new plan for pizza.
Alright, we'll give up on delivery. There is a local pub (The Fresher) that makes pizza, two of us will walk over there and order pizza to go. Out into the rain we go again. Just outside we run into two people who inform us the Fresher is no longer serving food- just drinks. But there is another pub (Cuba) which is still making food. Off to Cuba we go- and no they are no longer making food either. Okay, I ask where the next closest place to get pizza is - DOMINO'S!!! It’s a 10 minute walk, up-hill (of course). Off we go to Domino's, maybe we can find out what happened to the pizza we had ordered 2hrs ago. On the way we see a little to-go shop, selling hamburgers, kebabs, falafels, sundries, and PIZZA. We ordered our pizza and 10 minutes later were on our way home with them. FINALLY.
As we leave the store we run into Captain America.
Have I mentioned I LOVE it here!?!?!
In the dorms the only phone available for public use is in the kitchen, most of us don't have local phones so this is all we have for calling locally- which nobody ever does. But the kitchen we were in did not have a phone, ripped off the wall for some reason or another. We had to walk over to my building to use the phone in my kitchen. Great! Now we can find out where our pizza is.
Oh yeah, did I mention these pizzas were $32 EACH?!?! Better be GREAT pizza.
But the phone doesn’t work. At least not without the purchase of $10 calling card, which no one has or wants to buy. We will never need it again, we live with everyone we know locally. Back with everyone else we decide on a new plan for pizza.
Alright, we'll give up on delivery. There is a local pub (The Fresher) that makes pizza, two of us will walk over there and order pizza to go. Out into the rain we go again. Just outside we run into two people who inform us the Fresher is no longer serving food- just drinks. But there is another pub (Cuba) which is still making food. Off to Cuba we go- and no they are no longer making food either. Okay, I ask where the next closest place to get pizza is - DOMINO'S!!! It’s a 10 minute walk, up-hill (of course). Off we go to Domino's, maybe we can find out what happened to the pizza we had ordered 2hrs ago. On the way we see a little to-go shop, selling hamburgers, kebabs, falafels, sundries, and PIZZA. We ordered our pizza and 10 minutes later were on our way home with them. FINALLY.
As we leave the store we run into Captain America.
Have I mentioned I LOVE it here!?!?!
Stonehenge and Bath
Stonehenge is massive! But it's kinda like the Grand Canyon, everyone tells you its just a really big hole in the ground and then when you see it really is just a big hole in the ground (a pretty hole, but still just a hole). That's Stonehenge, it's just a bunch of really big rocks. And it really is just a bunch of REALLY big rocks formed in a circle. It was cool to actually be there and see what all the hype was about.
Bath is a really old city, from before 1500 something. It has beautiful old building and an infamous Roman Bath, that is replenished by a natural spring. But something is weird about the water since no one is allowed to actually touch the water, not sure what but found that odd. We really just wandered for a couple hours, but I did find out that the city was home to Jane Austen. I love her books so I was excited to stop by a museum dedicated to her and bought a copy of Sense and Sensibility.
Oh, yeah. . . there were these crazy pigs all over the place. Most were just hanging out on the sidewalk but some were in trees and one was even in chains.
Bath is a really old city, from before 1500 something. It has beautiful old building and an infamous Roman Bath, that is replenished by a natural spring. But something is weird about the water since no one is allowed to actually touch the water, not sure what but found that odd. We really just wandered for a couple hours, but I did find out that the city was home to Jane Austen. I love her books so I was excited to stop by a museum dedicated to her and bought a copy of Sense and Sensibility.
Oh, yeah. . . there were these crazy pigs all over the place. Most were just hanging out on the sidewalk but some were in trees and one was even in chains.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July!!! Tonight we are heading out to celebrate in the most ironic way possible. Being that we are in England and basically celebrating our independence from THEM it's a little weird how nice they are about helping us celebrate. The local pub is decorating for us, allowing us to bring our own music, and are even offering a free buffet for dinner.
(they didn't do fireworks for us, but I liked the pic anyway)
(they didn't do fireworks for us, but I liked the pic anyway)Friday, July 4, 2008
Stats
Today was great! We spent the first hour of class talking about statistics. Finally something I am knowledgeable about. I was so excited I was actually able to contribute the conversation, not that there was really much of a discussion but I was happy anyway.
I was even able to complete my work for today in a relatively timely manner. I figured out and used voicethread for the first time. You can see it if you want to here but it is all about functions, more for my TPACK project. But I am proud of learning this new tool.
I was even able to complete my work for today in a relatively timely manner. I figured out and used voicethread for the first time. You can see it if you want to here but it is all about functions, more for my TPACK project. But I am proud of learning this new tool.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Podcast
I just made my first podcast!! It is only about 90seconds long, but still. I have 4 different sound clips and I talk for about 1 minute. You can listen here if you want to but I won't be hurt if you choose to skip it. FYI- It's for another class project so the content again won't make any sense if your not one of my teachers or classmates.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Lab 7
To anyone not Joe or Brandon, This is an assignment for my class. It will not make sense to anyone except my teachers or classmates. Sorry for any confusion.
Web pages and blogs have many differences, at first look their basic layout is different. Web pages are basically static with links taking you to different parts of the content. Blogs are more fluid, changing often, sometimes multiple times a day, and is one long feed. Both resources allow embedding of various types of mediums, pictures, videos, etc. Blogs offer more in the way of archiving the history, you can choose to go to posts specifically from a certain time period, or you can specify a particular "tag" you are interest in. Web pages offer a larger "area" for you to play with allowing you to set up your own layout and once things have been changed they are always changed.
I am going to use a blog to work with my TPACK project. I am going to compare paper/pencil to calculator or computer based technologies to do computations in math class. I will use the a blog to allow teachers to comment on their findings while using the technologies presented. I can also use the blog to allow room to add more content and information about possible uses.
Web pages and blogs have many differences, at first look their basic layout is different. Web pages are basically static with links taking you to different parts of the content. Blogs are more fluid, changing often, sometimes multiple times a day, and is one long feed. Both resources allow embedding of various types of mediums, pictures, videos, etc. Blogs offer more in the way of archiving the history, you can choose to go to posts specifically from a certain time period, or you can specify a particular "tag" you are interest in. Web pages offer a larger "area" for you to play with allowing you to set up your own layout and once things have been changed they are always changed.
I am going to use a blog to work with my TPACK project. I am going to compare paper/pencil to calculator or computer based technologies to do computations in math class. I will use the a blog to allow teachers to comment on their findings while using the technologies presented. I can also use the blog to allow room to add more content and information about possible uses.
Pictures
I was finally able to load picture shows onto the blog. Look over to the right side and there should be three different going on, just above my survey on where you think I should go next (which I have changed so even if you voted before vote again) and the two youtube clips. Please let me know if you are not able to see the pictures, if the page takes a REALLY long time to load or any other technical difficulties my page may be having.
I miss everyone at home and AZ. But I do get happy every time I see the weather forecast and see those huge numbers. Here I am having to wear sweaters everyday, but its still so beautiful and nice that sitting inside seems like a crime.
I miss everyone at home and AZ. But I do get happy every time I see the weather forecast and see those huge numbers. Here I am having to wear sweaters everyday, but its still so beautiful and nice that sitting inside seems like a crime.
Monday, June 30, 2008
First Weekend
This weekend was very busy. It all started with Thursday night when a bunch of us went to the oldest watering hole in Plymouth. It was great, on Thursday nights a bunch of locals get together and play their instruments and sing songs. A couple people joined them and got to play the little drum that was there.
Friday afternoon we had our weekly “news” and then social after classes to close out our first week together. That night we took our tour of historic Plymouth watering holes. I think we made it 6 different places, there was lots of dancing and we got to meet so many people. There was a “hen” party that included many of us in their little games. (A hen party is what they call a bachelorette party in the UK.)
Saturday I was up early to go on a morning hike. The schedule had us back by noon- HA! At noon were done with the hike and had nice lunch at a seaside pub, . . . but then . . . we had to hike back! So our morning hike didn’t have back to our dorms until after 4pm. It was a nice day to be out though, I would have hated sitting inside all day on such a sunny pretty day so it was good. Luckily I was able to write the first pages of my paper in just 2hrs, so I was still able to go out to dinner and then see Wanted. (I do NOT recommend this movie, as I am certain we are all a bit dumber for having sat though it all.) When I got back in I revised my paper, added a few big words to make it sound like a grad student could have written it and submitted it around 1am. It was due at 8am so I was a whole 7hrs early (YAY me).
Sunday morning I was up early again to walk to church. The nearest one I know of is only about a mile away and it is really nice. Afterwards went and had a traditional English breakfast (eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), except I had coffee instead of tea. I got more homework done, a few readings and some research for my project. Then I was able to join everyone in the courtyard for another social, this one included a bbq.
I love grad school.
Friday afternoon we had our weekly “news” and then social after classes to close out our first week together. That night we took our tour of historic Plymouth watering holes. I think we made it 6 different places, there was lots of dancing and we got to meet so many people. There was a “hen” party that included many of us in their little games. (A hen party is what they call a bachelorette party in the UK.)
Saturday I was up early to go on a morning hike. The schedule had us back by noon- HA! At noon were done with the hike and had nice lunch at a seaside pub, . . . but then . . . we had to hike back! So our morning hike didn’t have back to our dorms until after 4pm. It was a nice day to be out though, I would have hated sitting inside all day on such a sunny pretty day so it was good. Luckily I was able to write the first pages of my paper in just 2hrs, so I was still able to go out to dinner and then see Wanted. (I do NOT recommend this movie, as I am certain we are all a bit dumber for having sat though it all.) When I got back in I revised my paper, added a few big words to make it sound like a grad student could have written it and submitted it around 1am. It was due at 8am so I was a whole 7hrs early (YAY me).
Sunday morning I was up early again to walk to church. The nearest one I know of is only about a mile away and it is really nice. Afterwards went and had a traditional English breakfast (eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), except I had coffee instead of tea. I got more homework done, a few readings and some research for my project. Then I was able to join everyone in the courtyard for another social, this one included a bbq.
I love grad school.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Too Funny
So instead of doing what I should have been during class, I was looking around Digg. Here's what I found:
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Day 2
Don't worry I am not going to post daily about classes.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Plymouth
I can't tell you how glad I am to be back in Plymouth. Before I begin, though, I need to tell you about my brief stay in London.
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
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