WeTransfer

Its been a while since I posted an online tool, and given today's discussion about the perils of transferring and storing files, I thought WeTransfer would be an appropriate site to highlight. WeTransfer allows you to send big files (up to 2 gigs) to as many as 20 different people- without having to register. 

The file stays on WeTransfer's server for 2 weeks, and anyone who is on the email list can access the file at any time during that period. I think this service is a great way of sending a large file to a large group - but it also might be a good backup for those who fear that their USB may get lost or corrupted, and feel more secure with another method of accessing their files. It takes a bit of time to upload the file - at least it does on my sub-standard computer- but other than that, this is a very useful tool.

Reflections on reflection – or the barber shop effect

“Simply being encouraged to reflect is likely to be as meaningful as a lecture on cooperative

group work.” - J. John Loughran

         All joking aside, everyone knows the value of reflection. When you look at anyone who is at the top of their field, you see someone who has learned the value of reflecting on their decisions. This is a personal and varied process, which will depend on what it is you are reflecting on.

         In our program we are encouraged to be reflective, through these blog posts, the e-portfolios, and through various assignments with a variety of word counts. In theory – great! We will be able to examine our practice and become better practitioners. But wait. We aren’t practicing yet. Once we get into classrooms, the ability to be reflective practitioners will be an important part of our professional development, but right now it is feels like a hoop we have to jump through.    

         I am not saying that reflection is useless, but it is a shame that we don’t have more classroom experiences to reflect upon. We can reflect vicariously about classes we have observed, but we are reflecting on other peoples practice, not our own. We need an opportunity to get our hands dirty – to make mistakes. This is where learning happens and where reflection would be at its most useful.

        For example, at the University of Scarborough’s teacher education program, in addition to the 5 week and 8 week practicum, pre service teachers will have 45 or so extra days “to observe school communities and gradually become involved in tutoring, student-teaching, and research-based inquiry experiences.”

           Also, there used to be an internship based teacher education program at Uvic – school work was done during the summer, and they would spend the full school year in the classroom – but this is obviously no longer offered.

           What do you guys think? Would you be encouraged to reflect by having more practical experience?

Remembrance

Yesterday I travelled downtown to observe one of our countries most solemn ceremonies: Remembrance Day. In years past I have either sat through an assembly in school or simply watched on TV - but this year, I thought I would put my social studies teacher hat on and take a look at how the official parliament hill version shaped up.

As I was walking up to the parliament buildings, I followed a young family headed to the ceremony.  By this time, they had started firing off the big guns, and the morning was punctuated by periodic blasts. I noticed that the children in front of me were getting more and more excited, as we walked up the street and the source of the blasts grew nearer. They weren’t alone. Many small children were riled up by the noise, and many parents had to remind them of the solemn nature of the event.

A question that rose to my mind was: who or what are these blasts for? Are they to remind us of the storm and clash of battle? Are they to let those who haven’t experienced combat get a little taste? Are they designed to bring tears to the eyes of elderly veterans?

At any rate, the ceremony proceeded, interrupted by the occasional blast: “And now from Victoria city council, Mrs *BOOM* will present a wreath,” or “and now a few words from our *BOOM* Dean Fortin.”

One more thing. I respect the military, and the role that it has historically played. World Wars One and Two, though senseless, were both pivotal turning points in history, and Canadians should be proud of the role they played.  However, the general feeling I have always felt at Remembrance Day is ‘never again.’ I am glad that our forebears had the courage to sacrifice what they did, but I hope that no future generation has to suffer as they did.

So when I hear the media, and announcers at the event itself, try to link the Remembrance Day tradition to our ‘modern heroes’ I have a bit of trouble.  Aside from the fact that our national security is not threatened by tribal militias in Afghanistan, besides the fact that many believe it is an unjust war likely to spark more conflict… our modern military is made up of volunteers, not conscripts. Yesterday I remembered the casualties of war. Not the innumerable civilian casualties of the great wars, but those who suffer to this day as a result of military intervention.

Never again, right?