I don't think I am a monster. My students don't think they are monsters. Separately, we both think the other is a monster. Communicating by blog feels safer than being trapped together in a room!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Week two schedules
Finding computer availability is exciting! This schedule is likely to change.
Class 21
Tuesday 9:00 Lab (d216?)
Tuesday 10:00 Classroom(d222)
Thurs 3:30 Lab (d118)
Thurs 4:30 Classroom (d222)
Fri 2:30 Lab (d118)
Class 22
Mon 4:30 Classroom (d222)
Wed 9:00 Lab (d118)
Thurs 2:30 Lab (d118)
Fri 3:30 Classroom (d222)
Fri 4:30 Lab (d118)
Class 23
Tues 2:30 Classroom (d222)
Tues 3:00 Lab (d118)
Wed 2:30 Lab (d216?)
Fri 9:00 Classroom (d222)
Fri 10:00 Lab (d118)
Class 24
Mon 9:00 classroom (d222)
Tues 4:30 Lab (d216)
??Very tentative below this point??
Wed 10:00 Lab (d118)
Fri 12:00 Lab (d118)
Sat 12:00 Class (d222)
Class 21
Tuesday 9:00 Lab (d216?)
Tuesday 10:00 Classroom(d222)
Thurs 3:30 Lab (d118)
Thurs 4:30 Classroom (d222)
Fri 2:30 Lab (d118)
Class 22
Mon 4:30 Classroom (d222)
Wed 9:00 Lab (d118)
Thurs 2:30 Lab (d118)
Fri 3:30 Classroom (d222)
Fri 4:30 Lab (d118)
Class 23
Tues 2:30 Classroom (d222)
Tues 3:00 Lab (d118)
Wed 2:30 Lab (d216?)
Fri 9:00 Classroom (d222)
Fri 10:00 Lab (d118)
Class 24
Mon 9:00 classroom (d222)
Tues 4:30 Lab (d216)
??Very tentative below this point??
Wed 10:00 Lab (d118)
Fri 12:00 Lab (d118)
Sat 12:00 Class (d222)
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Interesting introductions
Many introductions are boring and don't tell us meaningful details about the person. Your first assignment is to introduce yourself in as interesting a way as possible.
I will update this post to include links to a few interesting students from each class.
I will update this post to include links to a few interesting students from each class.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
possibly viral videos
Wikipedia on Viral Videos:
I am simply preparing this post so that I can fill it in later. The assignment is for students to choose one of the videos below and comment on it.
Comments and discussion should include: what is happening in the video, how it makes you feel and why you chose it, and some examples of research you have put into understanding the video.
-----------------------------------
Mr Dean's example:
I am not sure if this is viral or not, but I have seen it pop up in several locations online. I like it. If the embedding doesn't work, here it is.
In the video, a frog is confused by the images on a smart phone screen. It sees a game where one is meant to touch the screen on the ants as if eating them. The frog doesn't know it is a game. I think it is funny for three reasons. First, the image is clear enough to fool the frog. I have seen cats attack images on TV screens but haven't seen frogs tricked like this before. Second, I can only imagine that the frog is getting confused and angry. For some reason, I find the idea of an angry frog funny. Third, the surprise at the ending is great. For some reason the exclamation the person makes sounds Korean to me.
In researching the subject, I have found that at least one other animal has tried to eat ants from a phone screen. Here is a horny toad.
------------------------
Mr. Garrioch and Ms. Palomo were in a video that went viral. Have a look!
A viral video is one that becomes popular through the process of Internet sharing, typically through video sharing websites, social media and email.[1] Viral videos often contain humorous content and include televised comedy sketches, such as ..., amateur video clips like Star Wars Kid[2] the Numa Numa[3][4] videos, The Evolution of Dance,[5] Chocolate Rain[6] on YouTube; and web-only productions such as I Got a Crush... on Obama.[7] Some eyewitness events have also been caught on video and have "gone viral"[8] such as the Battle at Kruger.[9]
With the proliferation of camera phones,[10] many videos are being shot by amateurs on these devices. The availability of inexpensive video editing and publishing tools allows video shot on mobile phones to be edited and distributed virally, by email or website, and between phones by Bluetooth or MMS. These consumer-shot videos are typically non-commercial, intended for viewing by friends or family. A video becoming viral is often unexpected, and an accident, and therefore a video cannot be called viral purely in the creator's intention at the time of recording.
I am simply preparing this post so that I can fill it in later. The assignment is for students to choose one of the videos below and comment on it.
Comments and discussion should include: what is happening in the video, how it makes you feel and why you chose it, and some examples of research you have put into understanding the video.
-----------------------------------
Mr Dean's example:
I am not sure if this is viral or not, but I have seen it pop up in several locations online. I like it. If the embedding doesn't work, here it is.
In the video, a frog is confused by the images on a smart phone screen. It sees a game where one is meant to touch the screen on the ants as if eating them. The frog doesn't know it is a game. I think it is funny for three reasons. First, the image is clear enough to fool the frog. I have seen cats attack images on TV screens but haven't seen frogs tricked like this before. Second, I can only imagine that the frog is getting confused and angry. For some reason, I find the idea of an angry frog funny. Third, the surprise at the ending is great. For some reason the exclamation the person makes sounds Korean to me.
In researching the subject, I have found that at least one other animal has tried to eat ants from a phone screen. Here is a horny toad.
------------------------
Mr. Garrioch and Ms. Palomo were in a video that went viral. Have a look!
Optional readings
Censorship is a strange thing and yet we all do it to some extent. If I am watching TV and my son is in the room and I hear too many swear words, I will change the channel or turn the TV off. I do not feel comfortable watching some of my favourite shows or movies with him nearby now.
The meaning of words change. "Gay" once merely meant happy and authors would describe two men laughing and playing gaily, but now the word "Gay" often means homosexual.
At the Gutenberg Project is a book of Censored Mother Goose Rhymes. From the forward: "The book is dedicated to the censors who have taught us to read naughty meanings into harmless words."
The second reading is one you might take home. A science fiction/ fantasy writing camp in South Carolina runs for two weeks. In the first week, students create a world for their stories. The world on its geography, biology, history and cultures. In the second week, they write stories set in that world. The pdf is here.
The meaning of words change. "Gay" once merely meant happy and authors would describe two men laughing and playing gaily, but now the word "Gay" often means homosexual.
At the Gutenberg Project is a book of Censored Mother Goose Rhymes. From the forward: "The book is dedicated to the censors who have taught us to read naughty meanings into harmless words."
The second reading is one you might take home. A science fiction/ fantasy writing camp in South Carolina runs for two weeks. In the first week, students create a world for their stories. The world on its geography, biology, history and cultures. In the second week, they write stories set in that world. The pdf is here.
Friday, 23 December 2011
To Do lists
This camp begins as the year 2011 ends. At such a time, it is traditional to look back on the past year and to plan ahead for the new one. I would like to hear a bit of both from my students and this seems an excellent way for students to introduce themselves.
First, as I think they are interesting, here are To Do lists from Leonardo daVinci and Woody Guthrie (and Wikipedia links: daVinci, Guthrie).
Guthrie:
daVinci:
Writing about your past and your plans for the future can be personal and I remind you that your classmates are expected to read your blog. Because I am asking for personal information, I feel I should tell you about my experiences in 2011 and some of my plans for this camp and 2012.
In early 2011, my son and I went to Ontario, Canada for a month. We loved our time there: skiing, skating and tobogganing. One month of a cold, Canadian winter out of five years is great; five months every year might not be.
One thing I loved doing in 2011 was volunteer swim coaching. I helped ten elementary school students learn to swim and we all had fun.
My classes at university in semesters one and two were good but I saw ways to improve them. To be honest, the weakest part of my teaching was in the blogging requirement for my second year students. They told me they forgot despite my frequent reminders. I am uncertain why so few did their blogging homework. Please, if you dislike blogging at camp, tell me why. I will not be angry but grateful.
My summer in Busan was not exciting. I much prefer Gangwon's beaches and attractions.
I would say I was lazy through 2011 and need to work harder in 2012. Here are some of my plans for the new year:
I studied Korean seriously when I first arrived but lost interest. I should speak more. In 2012, I will work to learn a few new words every day and also a few sentences and phrases. One problem I have is that my parents-in-law speak Korean in Gyeongsang dialect. A pillow is a 비개, and a sock is a 양발 to my mother-in-law.
I enjoy wood carving and when I do it, time flies by. When I stop, I feel no urge to start again and I don't know why. Maybe it is because I cut my finger so often!
My son and I have been working on a mural covering one wall of his toyroom. We should finish it soon.
I don't think the other points are all that interesting but I want to read yours. Get to Work!
First, as I think they are interesting, here are To Do lists from Leonardo daVinci and Woody Guthrie (and Wikipedia links: daVinci, Guthrie).
Guthrie:
Writing about your past and your plans for the future can be personal and I remind you that your classmates are expected to read your blog. Because I am asking for personal information, I feel I should tell you about my experiences in 2011 and some of my plans for this camp and 2012.
In early 2011, my son and I went to Ontario, Canada for a month. We loved our time there: skiing, skating and tobogganing. One month of a cold, Canadian winter out of five years is great; five months every year might not be.
One thing I loved doing in 2011 was volunteer swim coaching. I helped ten elementary school students learn to swim and we all had fun.
My classes at university in semesters one and two were good but I saw ways to improve them. To be honest, the weakest part of my teaching was in the blogging requirement for my second year students. They told me they forgot despite my frequent reminders. I am uncertain why so few did their blogging homework. Please, if you dislike blogging at camp, tell me why. I will not be angry but grateful.
My summer in Busan was not exciting. I much prefer Gangwon's beaches and attractions.
I would say I was lazy through 2011 and need to work harder in 2012. Here are some of my plans for the new year:
- speak more Korean
- Do more wood carving
- Draw more pictures with my son, help him with math and reading and teach him to swim
- ride my bike to school and exercise more.
- prepare meals at home and take them to work.
- Look for ways to earn more money.
I studied Korean seriously when I first arrived but lost interest. I should speak more. In 2012, I will work to learn a few new words every day and also a few sentences and phrases. One problem I have is that my parents-in-law speak Korean in Gyeongsang dialect. A pillow is a 비개, and a sock is a 양발 to my mother-in-law.
I enjoy wood carving and when I do it, time flies by. When I stop, I feel no urge to start again and I don't know why. Maybe it is because I cut my finger so often!
My son and I have been working on a mural covering one wall of his toyroom. We should finish it soon.
I don't think the other points are all that interesting but I want to read yours. Get to Work!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
remembering faces
I have set a goal for myself of remembering my home room student's names and faces in two days and my writing class students by Wednesday of the second week.
Here are two articles about remembering images and faces:
Build your memory, How Stuff Works.
The BBC has a image memory test. Here are my results:
Here are two articles about remembering images and faces:
Build your memory, How Stuff Works.
The BBC has a image memory test. Here are my results:
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Safe travel home, everyone
It was a pleasure to meet you all and to help you start your English blogs. It was a pleasure because I learned something of what its like to grow up with the internet. Also, it was nice to work with students who already had a strong international background.
I remember showing something on my computer and having a student comment, "Oh, that's the old version of Firefox." Few Koreans know what Firefox is, much less what various versions look like.
I have been blogging for many years and also have required my university students to do some of their work online. Thanks to GLPS and you students, I am strongly considering having my university students blog as part of their classwork.
I have been to GLPS many times and have always enjoyed it. I have missed several camps due to scheduling conflicts with my university course-load. I learned, just before camp, that some teachers had short term scheduling problems. I offered to help out with the first week and Mr Ganse accepted. With luck I'll be at the whole Winter camp in 2011-2012.
Thank you, GLPS students, and I hope you all learned as much as I did.
Brian
I remember showing something on my computer and having a student comment, "Oh, that's the old version of Firefox." Few Koreans know what Firefox is, much less what various versions look like.
I have been blogging for many years and also have required my university students to do some of their work online. Thanks to GLPS and you students, I am strongly considering having my university students blog as part of their classwork.
I have been to GLPS many times and have always enjoyed it. I have missed several camps due to scheduling conflicts with my university course-load. I learned, just before camp, that some teachers had short term scheduling problems. I offered to help out with the first week and Mr Ganse accepted. With luck I'll be at the whole Winter camp in 2011-2012.
Thank you, GLPS students, and I hope you all learned as much as I did.
Brian
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Sunday, 31 July 2011
be careful out there: Landmines
UPDATED: I'm updating this on Aug 1, 2011, after a week of nightmarish rain and deadly floods in Seoul and Gangwondo. Mudslides occurred in various mine fields and there are now mines that are not accounted for. We don't know where they are. Friends of mine wonder how the mines could have been tumbled in a multi-ton mess of mud and not have gone off. I do too, but they were first to bring it up. I suppose these are old and unstable mines. Hit them with a hammer enough and something might happen on the twentieth try even if it didn't the previous 19 times.
From Marmot's Hole, The Herald and the Joongang.
Joongang: The areas where the search is focused on include air-defense entrenchments in Mount Umyeon, Gyeonggi and Gangwon, as well as some areas in Yangju, Gyeonggi. The border areas where North Korea’s wooden land mines are often discovered at a time of flooding were also included.
Note that Umyeon is in Seoul, just south of the Han. I lived near Sadang Station and learned the danso at the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Centre just below Umyeon mountain.
--------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST: written June 30
--------------------------------
The Joongang reports that recent storms in North Korea have washed land mines -the exploding kind, if you really didn't know -into South Korea. It appears that two mines drifted in the ocean and landed on South Korean islands, but the one in Gangwondo was carried by a river.
I have heard that mines shifted by storms, floods and mudslides are a problem in South Korea, too. Without being able to recall the specifics, I do recall hearing that some mine fields in South Korea are impassible to South Koreans because the current locations of the mines is unknown.
Arirang is also reporting on the story.
Hmm. the Joongang seems to describe the Gangwon mine as being in a river:
...but Arirang states that it was found at sea:
.
I have discussed cross-border flooding before.
From Marmot's Hole, The Herald and the Joongang.
Joongang: The areas where the search is focused on include air-defense entrenchments in Mount Umyeon, Gyeonggi and Gangwon, as well as some areas in Yangju, Gyeonggi. The border areas where North Korea’s wooden land mines are often discovered at a time of flooding were also included.
Note that Umyeon is in Seoul, just south of the Han. I lived near Sadang Station and learned the danso at the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Centre just below Umyeon mountain.
--------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST: written June 30
--------------------------------
The Joongang reports that recent storms in North Korea have washed land mines -the exploding kind, if you really didn't know -into South Korea. It appears that two mines drifted in the ocean and landed on South Korean islands, but the one in Gangwondo was carried by a river.
I have heard that mines shifted by storms, floods and mudslides are a problem in South Korea, too. Without being able to recall the specifics, I do recall hearing that some mine fields in South Korea are impassible to South Koreans because the current locations of the mines is unknown.
Arirang is also reporting on the story.
Hmm. the Joongang seems to describe the Gangwon mine as being in a river:
One mine was found on Gyodong Island, one on Bolum Island in Incheon, and the other in Suip Creek in Yanggu District in Gangwon..
...but Arirang states that it was found at sea:
.
Two were discovered in waters off the west coast near Incheon and the other on the east coast off Gangwon Province.-----
I have discussed cross-border flooding before.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Camp Activities: Yoga
Yoga is a great activity and is it offered at this camp. It is good for all ages and both genders, but typically younger men don't care for it.
I am unhappy to see it explained here as "S-line". My writing students should be too young to worry about this. I hope some do take it, but please don't worry about your s-line for a few more years.
PA/ 파 Office!
I don't who these kids are but their teacher must be either the coolest or the worst teacher at GLPS! Note the artful blurring of the student's face.
From 2009, the same trick:
From 2009, the same trick:
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
How much do these kids eat?
This is the second day of classes and only the fourth day since the students arrived. I wonder what is in these boxes. Lots of junk food, I think! Click on any photo to enlarge. If you click on this one, you might notice the great job I did of covering the addresses on the packages.
Monday, 25 July 2011
links and pieces
Again, it is a symbol of peace or war? Can a land where humans literally fear to tread due to land-mines ever be accepted as a positive?
The DMZ has given South Korea fifty years of prosperity and stability; at the same time it has kept the North Korean people out-of-sight and recently (without Russian aid) suffering greatly. The DMZ has given us four kilometres of distance and curtaining so we can't see what is happening, but we are getting reports that beyond the DMZ is a hell-hole and Kim Jong-il is probably thrilled that we are looking at the DMZ and thinking about the DMZ and not beyond it.
The DMZ is a pretty bandaid hiding a hideous wound and we are admiring the bandaid.
The DMZ is a beautiful place and you should go and see it. I wish it were as endangered as the animals it protects. See it, but look around and see more than it. It is a symbol of deliberate, selective blindness.
---------------------------------
silly at work
--------------------------------
government, internet and foreigners
---------------------------------
side walks in Gangneung
--------------------------------
Not me:
water bottle in roof- Philipines
-------------------------------------
Bad Student
The DMZ has given South Korea fifty years of prosperity and stability; at the same time it has kept the North Korean people out-of-sight and recently (without Russian aid) suffering greatly. The DMZ has given us four kilometres of distance and curtaining so we can't see what is happening, but we are getting reports that beyond the DMZ is a hell-hole and Kim Jong-il is probably thrilled that we are looking at the DMZ and thinking about the DMZ and not beyond it.
The DMZ is a pretty bandaid hiding a hideous wound and we are admiring the bandaid.
The DMZ is a beautiful place and you should go and see it. I wish it were as endangered as the animals it protects. See it, but look around and see more than it. It is a symbol of deliberate, selective blindness.
---------------------------------
silly at work
--------------------------------
government, internet and foreigners
---------------------------------
side walks in Gangneung
--------------------------------
Not me:
water bottle in roof- Philipines
-------------------------------------
Bad Student
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