Helen's Escape

The best laid plans of mice and a woman!

2007-07-22T18:56:00.000+10:00

It was Steinbeck who quoted these lines of Robbie Burns and I can say it also relates to my plans, albeit in a very different context.

The best-laid plans o' mice an' men

Gang aft a-gley,

An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain

For promised joy.

I have almost completed my Masters in TESOL and was thinking of continuing on with the Masters of Learning Innovation, but my commitment to lifelong learning has all but evaporated, and I am sick of the books and the endless researching on the Web. I love using technology to discover new things, and maybe learning something useful along the way, but I much prefer interesting and fun things. I became ensconced in Cyberlearning and could see a whole new world of possibilites as I ventured on this voyage. My first serious journey along the super highway was when I studied Technology and Language Learning last semester. Some of my creations on the web for second language learners can be found here Encounters of a Different Kind and The Hunted. I have vacillated so much in what I want to do, and I still have plans to go to the University of Shanghai, but, for now, I feel two masters degrees are enough, so I think I will take a break after this Semester and travel for awhile, probably will need to after studying systemic functional grammar and reading the interminable research. My most recent contribution is to a project found at this address Hot Coffee Professors

Patience is a virtue!

2007-07-04T20:39:00.000+10:00

The completion of Assessment and Cyberlearning leaves me with one subject to go to finish the Masters. I am going to be doing Functional Grammar and I will finally be using field, tenor and mode and getting my head around language register. How do terms like mood, theme, rheme, modality and cohesion all connect? I will tell you someother time. Hilary and Ann did a sterling job with the Cyberlearning subject and I really enjoyed the task-based approach to learning. I do not have any results posted as yet.

Mission Almost Accomplished!

2007-06-07T20:45:00.000+10:00

I have completed everything for this Semester and that's a feeling of relief. I now am a lot more informed about Cyberlearning and I think that the resource I put to-gether was an inventive little piece of work. I will have to verify this thought at a later date. The markers might think it is very ordinary. As far as assessment goes, I must say that I am a whole lot more knowledgable than a few months ago, and could almost be an expert when it comes to tests and testing.I've almost made up my mind to finish my Masters with a unit of Functional Grammar, though I am not quite sure as I have a few irons in the fire heating up, as they say.

Where have I been???????

2007-05-21T11:22:00.000+10:00

I can only say that I have been doing that interminable assessment for both subjects I am studying this semester. Now with the virtual team experience out of the way I am letting my creativity reign supreme and putting to-gether the next cyberlearning project. I think I've changed tack quite a few times in where I am heading with it. I always enjoy using the Technology; and on the road to becoming technosavvy there was been many potholes and bumpy bits. I have to admit that I do really enjoy learning about new things. As the semester draws to a close, I still have one subject to complete my Masters next semester, so the end is nigh. The two subjects I am studying outside the Language area are in the Masters of Learning Innovation program. I sometimes see myself as a Cybrarian - a Librarian in cyberspace. I have found out that the old role of cataloguing books and filing stuff has long gone, and wow! how "the times they are a changing"

Know the feeling?

2007-04-11T17:23:00.000+10:00

Cyberlearning is taking on a whole new perspective for me now after putting a huge effort into doing all the reading that is required. The on-line learning resource is taking a lot of time to negotiate and keeping all the balls juggling in the air has been difficult. Fortunately, I was able to focus on a language learning component in my contribution, as I have a love of language, I really enjoyed doing my bit. Integral in all is the Technology, which is not only a means to an end, but an end in itself for me. Quite often when I become frustrated with the technology I turn to my old friend Robbie Burns who says "Prudent, cautious self-control is wisdom's root”. I am having heaps of issues with the new version of Blogger and things are just not going as they should.

A new adventure in cyberland!

2007-03-15T22:24:00.000+10:00

I've been remiss and had a big holiday away from blogging and with St Paddy's day just around the corner, 2007 brings new challenges in the form of Cyberlearning. I am not quite sure what convinced me to embark on such a journey, but here I am now in uncharted waters doing CLN 601 a subject in the Masters of Learning Innovation Program. I started off quite humbly in TESOL thinking that is where I should be as I love languages, learning new things, travelling and working overseas. However, like the young graduates I vacillitate just as much and am never quite sure where I'm headed. I am even thinking now that the Library is where I could eventually find professional fulfilment. They say learning is a lifelong process and I can certainly attest to that. I have to thank my CLN 618 Lecturer, Debra, for moving me out of my confort zone, (or should I say, sphere of ignorance) and into a new and exciting field. She gave me the confidence to undergo such a re-invention.

Thus far!

2006-11-03T14:44:00.000+10:00

It is now time for reflection and thank you to Annetta, Julie and Pam for your feedback. I will now outline your collective wisdom in summary form:

Need for extra multi-media in the form of sound and video display;
The website needed navigation buttons as the story page was too long for people to scroll and find the answers;
Interactivity of the site was a plus and the organisation was interesting to look at and explore with effective screen displays;
Useful information for learners in high school, I received some bookmarks, especially the songs (though they weren't cool numbers like Pam's).
Use of appropriate scaffolding activities;
Use of the Hot Potatoe exercises were a little un-wieldly and needed to be better organised;

With regard to my own assessment of my work, and after receiving and giving feedback, I now feel I know where I could improve things. The pedagogy behind the Website was always at the forefront of my planning and making this appropriate for its targeted learner was important. I overlooked some things. I do not think I articulated the purpose of the site. I could have spelled out the language activities and skills I was targeting with the learner. Reading and vocabulary were the main macro skills which I was addressing. I hope the content was accurate without spelling and grammar errors. My colleagues were a little too kind on me with regard to error correction, I think. Another area which I didn't address on this site, but I did on the Webquest, was that I didn't enable the user to communicate with real people on-line. I was thinking of doing an email pen pal type scenario but somehow, that got lost in the translation with due date looming all too quickly. After doing lots of the HP exercises on other websites, I think some of mine were not smart enough. Even though I am a former teacher from the "smart state". Ha!, Ha!. I didn't manage to use video, as it would have made the site more interactive. That is my next challenge, and I wish I could study more computer assisted language learning, the appetite has only just been whetted.

I enjoyed my time with the Technology class and wish everyone success in their future endeavours. It would be wonderful if the old Blogs could keep on keeping on.

Did you know November is Poppy month? This is a sad, but delightful poem:

In Flanders’ fields the poppies grow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place, and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing,

Scarcely heard amid the guns below.

Wonders will never cease!

2006-10-27T15:15:00.000+10:00

I have finally managed to publish my website. Here it is and I have also put the link on my Wiki: http://students.ed.qut.edu.au/n0289868/cln618/
I had an interesting time on the journey from start to finish and without all those nice people who helped me along the way, I would not have even got off the ground. I even managed to lassoo Masha and Yvonne when they were passing by in the Library, and thank you so much for your help. I have collared Annetta to give me feedback and I am looking for one other daring soul . I am breathing a short sigh of relief before before I start Grammar on the 6th.

Last Goodbye?

2006-10-21T21:16:00.000+10:00

This week, my daughter and I said our final goodbyes to the family dog, Buddy. He was sixteen and I have difficulty recalling life in the household without him. He was alpha dog, and boss of the household - a loose cannon. I will miss him. I am devestated, but soldier on I must, as three pieces of assessment are due on Friday.

Incommunicardo!

2006-10-13T21:45:00.000+10:00

I haven't been around much so I've missed you all. I have been having a research fling with Eric doing the final assignment for Methodology. I didn't think a database could be so engaging. I'm almost there and hope it is cut out of the right cloth. Meanwhile, I'm now back to Technology so I am sure much fun is yet to be had. I've been preparing the activities in Word so far and haven't yet hit the Hot Potatoes site or joined in the fun of Dreamweaver. It will be back to Eric to research the theory, as that is quite a good educational data base. Also, I must remember to to read that nifty little book we all bought. Cia bella!

"A Rose by any other name"

2006-10-03T14:03:00.000+10:00

Hot potatoes are all around me so I shouldn't be waxing lyrical and thinking about Shakepeare's "Romeo and Juliet", but this time last year I was in Verona looking up onto Juliet's balcony and how things change in a short time. I am now swamped with assignments due and the Semester coming to a close. I even managed not to heed the Jacarandas' early bloom. When those purple flowers bloom, it means to stop living and start studying. The Website task preoccupies my mental energy, but I somehow managed to not do very much. It was reassuring to chat to Nilly who is quite savvy with these sorts of things.

Where to now?

2006-09-22T07:50:00.001+10:00

The next challenge ahead of me is to create the website for my next module of call materials. Sometimes, not very often, I am pleased with what I have done. I have to say that what I have learned so far in this course is no exception. When I started at the beginning of the Semester I didn't even know what a blog was. I have been doing quite a bit of reading about the use of CALL and Debra has given us lots of references from VIP's in the CALL world. I have actually found another one who seems to know a lot about these sorts of things. I will put his link on my Wiki. There seems to be a plethora of literature about the subject. All I can say that being a graduate from the teacher dominated classroom, where the blackboard reigned supreme, we have come a long way. The misfortunate students who had to suffer my paroxysms of coughing from the century old accumulation of chalkdust, must have thought the old OHP was an invention like no other. Now, what a wonderful world, the possibilities are endless.......................

Paradise regained!

2006-09-17T10:06:00.000+10:00

Oh what a day! My head is spinning with all the new learnings. I did learn a lot from the workshop. I tried Hot Potatoes and learned about all the nifty, little things I can do for my ESL lessons. I grew up on a diet of what Debra calls "drill and kill", and now I can see a whole new world appearing before me when I venture to the classrooms of to-morrow. We were also pointed in the direction of some very good readings which I am saving for bedtime. I am looking forward to completing my e-portfolio and linking things hither and thither so goodness knows what the results will be like. I don't know about the music and soundwaves yet, I don't think I'll be producing the best video clips of my own performances for a little while, so please be patient.

Another day in Paradise!

2006-09-16T10:20:00.000+10:00

Another Saturday immersed in the joy of it all, a day of discovery with Debra steering us along the pathway to an epiphany. I have managed to learn a lot and am really getting on board with this technology stuff. I have bought my first notebook computer and soon I will not only be, but also look the part, quite a techno chic. I am looking forward to the interaction with the students from the University of Calgary when they are up on their feet and running.

One small step for mankind!

2006-09-08T11:11:00.000+10:00

With a sigh of exilaration or exasperation I am not entirely sure, but I can say that I have completed the WebQuest to a standard which I sincerely hope meets the grade. If it helps anyone, I have placed it in the Student Projects section of the Wiki and if I can help others, I would be only too pleased. Thank you to those who helped me along the way. I think I can get my head around the curriculum underpinnings that is required because I did spend an eternity in Queensland secondary schools. For me, the greatest challenge was mastering the technological environment, as you all know what it is like for the "baby boomer" generation. I have even discovered that I actually like doing things like I was doing in the assignment. Now to the readings, and I need to do a lot more to develop my understanding further, as my old friend Robbie Burns says:

"suspense is worse than disappointment"

Spring has Sprung!

2006-09-03T16:53:00.000+10:00

The countdown has begun with regards to the first round of Assignments. I find while I am in the throes of one subject I cannot get to another. I haven't managed effectively to do everything at once. I took some time away from the keyboard to watch Skyfire on Saturday night and that was spectacular, though I couldn't help thinking about all this money spent on Riverfest with tonnes of Fireworks exploding into the sky. Have we got our priorities right? Meanwhile, the celebrations went on and F1 eleven's spectularly soared overhead with flames illuminating the sky. I felt very insignificant in the scheme of everything.

"Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die."

2006-08-29T10:01:00.000+10:00

That's a quote from my favourite poet, dear old Robert Burns, the Scott, whom I usually allude to when things go pear shaped. I think he was referring to things bigger than a WebQuest and downloading to H Drive. I have dearly departed from the QuestGarden and moved on to a more celestial world in Dreamweaver. I have even tried to connect to H Drive from my computer with imported expertise from a dear friend with a very high level of skills in technology, and guess what? It didn't work. I know I shall always have fond memories of CLN618. I can't remember much about any other University subject I've ever studied over the years.

The Lad, my one and only!

2006-08-25T21:38:00.000+10:00

The little hero in the fore-ground is my grandson, Liam. I love him dearly although he is such a little tearaway. He has lived with me for five years. It appears as if he may be the one and only. He goes to pre-school.

2006-08-23T12:16:00.000+10:00

I find it all too amazing when I finally accomplish something. I have yet to work out how to put this crazy little flower, which I sometimes feel like when splashes of brilliance come my way, on to other blogs when I post. I must admit that "in the goodness of time" things happen.

A bridge too far!

2006-08-19T12:10:00.000+10:00

Maybe, I am finally getting somewhere and beginning to understand the theory behind social constructivism and how it relates to pedagogy. The WebQuest has been commenced, jettisoned, re-commissioned, abandoned and resurrected. The trials and tribulations of doing something one loves so much has a lot to recommend it, even spending Friday afternoon's and Saturday's at the University are a small sacrifce to make in order to be able to create a blog and post to a Wiki. My friends think I am going crazy when I talk about posting on the Wiki and keeping my Blog up-to-date. Mind you, much more is said than what is done.

Around and Around in Circles!

2006-08-10T13:34:00.000+10:00

2006-08-05T20:07:00.000+10:00

As you can see, all systems GO.

2006-08-05T12:50:00.000+10:00

2006-08-03T22:05:00.000+10:00

Wow! I have hit a brick wall getting my head around Webquests. I think the traffic to the sites is causing congestion as I have not been able to get into the Quest Garden to smell the roses. It has all been so frustrating, so I am typing my curriculum experience out in Word. Hopefully, I will develop something that resembles the task eventually.

2006-07-28T13:34:00.000+10:00

I have surfed the blogs and enjoyed leaving a few "musings from Helen" for my class mates. This is a whole new experience for me and I am feeling enthusiastic about everything. It is a wonderful experience being able to transcend into the cyber world.

2006-07-24T22:11:00.000+10:00

Now I have had time to reflect on the quantum leap that I have made in the field of technology, all in a day mind you, I have a huge sense of satisfaction. I never thought that I may have the potential to become an addicted blogger.

2006-07-22T13:56:00.000+10:00

Learning Curve!

2006-07-22T10:50:00.000+10:00

This is my first blog.