One semester completed

It is finally there, I officially ended a full Fall semester within the PhD program. I have many thoughts, both positive and negative and now that I look back I am kind of amazed by how much I did during those 4 months. It really feels like I have been here a year. I am not sure if that is a good thing but let's sum up my experiences.
a) teaching: taught 6 PEAC courses: jogging, bowling (2), Fitness Concepts (3). Overall, I enjoyed teaching as well, I always do. I talked to another GA today and we both agreed on the lack of guidance we do receive from the administration. Mainly, you get a textbook (if you are (un)lucky) and that's it. They keep old syllabi on file but we can do what ever we want. In one way it may be nice but I do not believe it is good teaching. For example, there are about 10 slots of fitness concepts each 8 weeks and the instructors who teach those courses all have a different approach to what the course should look like. Yes, they get the textbook but that is not the same as a curriculum. Personally, I look at the students and find that in some of my courses i have students ages 18 to 60. Coming from the constructivist viewpoint I refuse to teach lecture based in a direct teaching approach. All these students have different experiences and needs and I don't want them to only learn the fitness theory principles but it is more important to me that they can try things out and have the confidence to implement a fitness plan. The text book comes with pre-made ppts, quizzes, etc. The first semester I changed the ppts added an active lab almost 1 x per week and attempted to make it as interactive as possible. Next semester know I can do better. But are we, GA's teaching FC, teaching according to best practice? Does anyone care? I think students care, most of them anyway. When I asked, they enjoyed the practical exercises as well as the wiki projects, so I modify and move on. Something ought to be done though. I think that perhaps a wiki, that compiles the course + NING network can help in bringing the GA's together. Maybe for my research I should overhaul the PEAC teaching practices? A thought.
2) Classes all went well. I think I got A's on all of them, stats will come back tomorrow but I am confident. Funny enough, of the courses (Research in PE, Adapted PE and Educational Statistics), I preferred the stats course. I really enjoyed the teacher, he explained things so I could understand it. I also really liked his way of assessment. Here it is: 8 worksheets worth 3 points each, you can keep doing them until you earn your 3 points. 4 assignments worth 10 points each, you were able to work together with a partner on 3 of them, which helped!, 4 quizzes out of 10 points and a final exam out of 40 points. I think that the assessment he used was fair and included a consistent distribution between the tasks, test, assignments. Also, his grading scale indicates an A at 85% and not 90%, which I like as well. In my classes I seem to have a lot of students getting 86 or 87 and I think they deserve an A. In Canada you have A+ which is good because than those who get 85 or higher get A's and those 90 % or higher can get A+'s. The other courses were handy in some way but fairly easy and repetitive. I prefer more of a challenge to the brain. Next semester will do just that I think. I have 4 courses: stats, effective teaching, assessment of motor dev., supervision in PE.
3) Research: I may have just jumped the gun a bit but I already got a research project completed in my first semester. I think that is fine, I already got another one started in Jan, a pilot of which I talked about before. I would really like to do a small research project in my Team Handball class that deals with TGfU. Perhaps I will ask the pro's, that's an idea!
Now I have 4 weeks off, really, I am not sure what I will do as I won't teach skiing for the first time in 7 years. That scares me. I miss the snow and the activity but I have no money, if I did, I probably would have gone to Belgium as I miss my family but that in fact I can't afford either. The good thing is that today I have found a roommate! We got along great right away and I think it will be fun and it will help me with the bills. I may, may I say, be able to afford a bike by the spring. That is my goal.
My running goals have slowed down due to my IT band issue. This sucks big time and it drives me crazy so I hike, run a bike and bike but I really want to run! GRRR. I need to be able to to run a 25K in Feb and a 50K in April. If anything, I need that. Running trails is my outlet in this process. I need it.

Moving along, ideas for dissertation.

Alright, as I continue on this path I think I am slowly beginning to formulate the progression of my dissertation idea. It's about time don't you think? I have been here for one semester! Should almost be completing this thesis. ok, joking aside. Firstly, my area of research: instructional technology in PETE. A bit more specific: how can we use the Internet for learning about teaching PE? Even more specific: how can wikis and blogs help PE teacher candidates become successful as first year PE teachers?
From my experience with wikis and blogs, I do believe that there is a learning curve even though it is easy technology. Yet, not for everyone and I think students should have some exposure learning "about" the technology before they starting using it in its full capacity.
IN my previous research studies working with wikis and next blogs, I have learned many things and the most important experience was teaching with technology using scaffolds.
I always seem to come back to scaffolding. Perhaps it is because of my "constructivist beliefs" and my "student-centered teaching philosophy" but I strongly believe in learning through collaboration and other social events. Therefore, using wikis and blogs can be (I hypothesize) useful in PETE.
Ok, here are my first thoughts:
I would like to follow a cohort of students in a class where in different courses they use a different tool (wiki, blog, social network) all the way through to graduation. Leaving me time afterwards to also investigate how using these tools helps the students in their first year of teaching. So, a progression of learning about and through different tools along their years of study in a PETE program. Here is the progression: If you have other ideas, let me know!
Course #1: Learn to wiki for group projects, creating games together, encouraging writing about PE and teaching
Course #2: Learn to blog - using NING - class blogging for class interaction and reflection outside of regular class time, finding online resources
Course #3: Using NING + wiki: During practicum - reflection and collaborative lesson planning
Course #4: Personal blogging + learning about RSS feeds and using the Internet as a resource: in this class the focus is to build a personal blog as a portfolio before graduation.
Final progression: First year teaching (this is a study that I can do after my thesis is completed): investigate the impact of using technology on their first year of teaching.

So, what do you think? Any suggestions?
This next semester I will start my first Pilot study using step #3 during a practicum. I can do pilots focused on each step over the course of next year. One thing is that I must do my comps before starting my official research, which means that I must complete all my coursework, which means that I can only start my research in my third year, but I can try to find a way to set it all up for that time and find courses where I can have a cohort of students.

IDEAS? SUGGESTIONS? Always welcome! (kinda needed, as I am kind of by myself in this here, snif snif. haha, not a lot of possibilities to collaborate on my dissertation ideas here mainly due to the topic I have chosen)

Being an international student in the US is much more frustrating than being one in Canada

That is my personal thought but so far it has not been an easy start here in the US. Most of it has to do with money. It is expensive and even with a teaching position, it is still difficult to make ends meet.
The only burden I came across in Canada was starting the program in January and finishing to quick (1.5 years). And even though I seem to miss out on some of the notifications but they did not hinder my education. I also felt more at home and right away started to do things that required some more self-confidence. Such as being a grad rep.
In the US, I feel somewhat inhibited. Perhaps it is because I am older or maybe I have become more critical or negative (hope not), but everything seems to be much more difficult.
A few examples: the money issue is big! I really need and want to buy a bike (roadbike) so I decided to go on a payment plan and pay of a $1000 bike over a few months. No can do! You have to establish credit in order to buy a bike on a plan. But here is the trick, in order to establish credit you need a credit card. So I tried to get one but couldn't as I needed an established credit to get a credit card! ARGGHHH So this year it is somewhat difficult as I have to count each penny. What makes it even more difficult is the little fees I have to deal with.
Example: I have had my social security card for the past 3 months, replied to an email that made me enter in the info on an official website. Thought that was it. NOPE, thought wrong. Got a 50 dollar late fee because I did not copy the card and brought it to person x y or z. Oh no, it is: bring it to person x y AND z! Papers must go to different people in stead of using one central station. Frustrating! I had three orientation sessions regarding the same thing but all mandatory: one for being a grad student, one for being an international student and one for being a graduate teaching assistant. Thinking I would get it all and understand it! Guessed wrong!
All this info is very overwhelming to a new student EVEN if she has been a grad student elsewhere. The one thing you want to make sure you get done is get into courses and connect with people so you do not feel alone. Oh well, you need a lot more.
Anyway, though I would vent, needed it! Thanks for those who listen in. I know I must be patient, only 1 semester passed and it feels like I have been here for a whole year already. Completed 3 small research projects, thought 6 courses, setting up a pilot for dissertation, taking 4 grad courses and publishing a paper. Ok ok ok, maybe I am just doing too much.

Well, my break in a week should come in handy! ;)
Again, thanks for listening... reading I mean.

Sharepoint

I am starting a new Departmental website using Sharepoint. The reason behind this decision was that the University was using Sharepoint, it is free and you can integrate wikis and blogs. I wanted to experiment with NING as well which I thought was a great social network but realized that for 1 credit hour courses, the students do not necessarily want to spend time interacting with each other. The 1 credit hour PEAC courses are mainly activity based except for Fitness Concepts. Although, ever since I have started to teach here I have added a web component to it. Reason: to deepen the students' understanding of the concepts behind the activity e.g. bowling, jogging. I have used Pbwiki for the first semester and now I am contemplating to use Sharepoint just so I can keep it all together. PBWiki is great and you can get free wikis that are basic and fairly easy to use. I have had a lower amount of issues with students using them ever since I gave them a scavenger hunt type assignment in the beginning.
Tomorrow I have another Sharepoint session focused on wikis and blogs so after that I will make my decision. So far I think Sharepoint can be helpful for creating books and discussions on the PEAC courses. For the other course, PHED 3301, Practicum in PE, I do believe a social network such as NING can be more benificial. Not sure. I want to do a pilot study, perhaps using NING one time and using Sharepoint another time? When I would use ning I would use it for its blogging, discussion board and would add a PBWiki to it for the project (creating lesson plans).
I know that a tool may not work for everything but I am need to find one platform that can have various possibilities such as wikis, blogs, discussion boards,... That is why I am thinking Sharepoint may work. I did do a Sharepoint session on workflow today which was to me very overwhelming. I have absolutely no notion of HTML or other coding system so I was not able to follow anything. In order to do well in creating workflows (which was the topic of the workshop) I needed to know Designer (which was cancelled last week). So I was lost and a bit discouraged. I am hoping the wiki and blog session on Thursday will provide me with the needed information ready to develop my departemental website. I want to create one mainly for GA's to collect all the info they need regarding the PEAC courses that are being offered or even other courses they are responsible for. No need to create the wheel, better to improve on what went on before. So, placing the info on one site may help out in the teaching of the GA's.
Anyway... these are my thoughts. If Sharepoint does not work, I will go with NING and PBwiki. Too many options. I can also look into Moodle but every student must pay a small fee, which I don't really want to do at this time. So I am experimenting and I hope by the summer I can define my dissertation topic so I can begin an independent reading course on the topic and jumpstart my research.
Here is a screenshot of the Sharepoint Website I have created. I have different sections: Kinesiology, Recreation and Health Science or the 3 streams within the Faculty, the H.O.G.S. is the site for the HKRD graduate student organization and PEAC is the site that will hold all the PEAC courses (activity based courses).

Mondays ...

Mondays are really tough on me and I am trying to figure out why they affect me so much. It is like no matter what good foot I put forth, I always seem to get down on myself a bit on Monday. Several reasons perhaps:
1) Tired from the weekend? I don't think so... slept much.
2) Not wanting to go back to work/class? Well, I do find that the courses I am taking at this time are someone repetitive and I am not being challenged enough. Even though I am busy, it is a lot of "busy" work, not too challenging to my mind. In fact, the extra online course I decided to take during this semester has challenged me more than anything. I guess it is probably because I am learning new things and it is related to my research. OR... it is a course from the U of M where I was used to being asked tough questions, think critically, reflect and have active dialogues, think outside the box, solve problems,... The courses I am taking here are at the moment fairly straight forward mainly based on theory and facts. The philosophical side of research is something that often challenged me at the U of M but I have yet to get that here. I am taking mostly courses that I have actually already taking at the U of M so it is normal that I am less challenged.
3) Catching up: yes, big deal! I wanted to have my weekends free from work and study so I can get down on all the work that piles up and I have to catch up on during the week. I love being busy but it does add stress, stress I don't need. I know that all I need is a couple of hours in the weekend but I really like to have that time off! Time for myself and those I love.
I think I need to relax more on Monday. I have everything planned out for the weekend, I know I will get there, I just need to be patient and let it flow. That is difficult for me. I always want to be two steps ahead of everything, even my own thought but in reality, there is so much I must learn and being open to new knowledge also means being patient. Yes I must learn a lot but everything in time and place. I must acknowledge what I have learned thus far and look forward to so much I will learn in the near future!

Second try to use ScribeFire

I attempted to use ScribeFire through FireFox but it won't upload my picture which was a simple screen shot. I wanted to see if it was an easy solution to copy and pasting a screenshot in the blog but I will try again. Scribefire allows you to write several blog entries and put it in your blog by pushing a button. Also, there seems to be way more options for formatting. So I will try to screenshot again.

Sadly but true, I have to do it the long way - screen shot - save as picture in publisher - upload picture. Frustrating! I want to copy and paste. Would make life easier!

Ok, now I am even more frustrated. ScribeFire wouldn't upload my picture! Grrrr
These tools should be easy to use! So I am sticking with text and must figure this out.

Translating!

For my family and friends in "vlaanderen"! On the left you can push a button to have my blog translated in any language including dutch. I tried it and well, it is funny. Some of my sentences are messed up but I think it can actually help me keep my dutch close to heart! Next time I go home may be in another year and that is way too long so need to keep up with the Flemish.

The Dutch is interesting to say the least! Probably not a great way to learn a new language. They translate things literally!

MyPyramid Tracker

In one course I ask my students to complete at least 3 days a full account on their eating and activity levels. I use the pyramid tracker and even though I tried it out once, I decided to go with it for a week. Reason? I think I eat too much in the weekend because I don't eat enough during the week. So let's see that this is correct. This tracker takes into consideration your activity level as well as the foods you eat and than calculates the energy balance, which should be around 0 if you wish to maintain weight, which I want to do. If my hypothesis is correct, my energy balance should be out of wack. Let's have a look.


So, my hypothesis was correct for today. Not good. My food intake was fine but not enough according to the activities I did. I did go to Aldi for groceries but I was active quit a bit today and that was not reflected in my eating habits.
When I assess my daily intake of nutrients this is what it said:

Dietary Guidelines
Recommendations My intake Recommended
Grain Good 10.9 oz equivalent 8 oz equivalent
Vegetable Average 2.3 cup equivalent 3 cup equivalent
Fruit Average 1.5 cup equivalent 2 cup equivalent
Milk Good 5 cup equivalent 3 cup equivalent
Meat and Beans Poor 0 oz equivalent 6.5 oz equivalent

Dietary Guidelines
Recommendations My intake Recommendation or Goal
Total Fat Poor 7.1% of total calories 20% to 35%
Saturated Fat Good 2.1% of total calories less than 10%
Cholesterol Good 25 mg less than 300 mg
Sodium Average 2424 mg less than 2300 mg

Ok, I really do not like beans.... and I guess I need foods that have more fat... humnn
I did take an e-gel between workouts, which gives me electrolytes and 100 cal. That was not counted for. Anyway, no wonders I was hungry when I got home at 9 pm. The problem is that I hate eating that late so again, I must get smart and just buy the food before the day begins! I try to save on money but food is not the area I should not spend money on. Lesson learned, I did go to the grocery store and we'll see what happens tomorrow.
On the active side, I taught my students core exercises in a 40 minute active class and as I was working out hard so did they so it just felt great working out with my students. This goes back to my idea to incorporate blended learning next semester.
Students can learn the theory (or at least most of it) online through reading, ppt viewing, guided tasks and come to school and learn fitness theory in practice. Focusing more on engaging the students in fitness activities may actually enhance their learning and encourage them to be more active? Perhaps, just a speculation.
Another aspect I am not good at is going to bed at a descent time before an early morning. Let's try that right now!

Using social networks in PETE

Completed an iVocalize session yesterday for an online course I am talking from the U of M on "online teaching". The course introduces people to several tools that can be used when you are teaching an online or hybrid course.
Before the start of the course I wanted to firstly gain more practical info on web 2.0 tools and how to import these effectively in your courses. When I started the course I found that I got a lot more theory than practice, which to me was a well needed challenge at the time. The course discusses several aspects of online learning and while the first few weeks went by without notice trying to figure out the "angel" network, yesterday's session was worth my while. This week we are discussion metacognition, which in fact is part of my research in PE. How do we teach teachers to be more reflective and can it improve their practice?
Last week I discussed the potential in using social networks with PETE students to combine discussion groups and blogs to encourage refection and critical analysis of their teaching. In addition, I believe that wikis can assist in the scaffolding of knowledge and reflection upon practice. So to put it all together, I had a good idea but it was not quite grounded in theory.
As I was looking at books and articles around blended learning, I was not finding what I was looking for until last night. I think that "cognitive apprenticeship" can form a framework around the pilot study I would like to do.
Here is what cognitive apprenticeship is:
"Cognitive apprenticeships are situated within the social constructivist paradigm. They suggest students work in teams on projects or problems with close scaffolding of the instructor. Cognitive apprenticeships are representative of Vygotskian "zones of proximal development" in which student tasks are slightly more difficult than students can manage independently, requiring the aid of their peers and instructor to succeed". Cognitive apprenticeship hold several parts: modeling, coaching, scaffolding, reflection, articulation, and exploration. These I must further explore.
Therefore, my next step: LIBRARY SEARCH! (which I did last night and saved several articles, which I have yet to read). That takes me to my next step: understand the theory and put it into practice.
So, can a cognitive apprenticeship theory form the grounds to enhancing metacognition among practicum students in PE? That's my question right now.

Moving along

I realize that my time is precious and know that every minute counts. As of the start of my program, one of my goals was to keep a balance between work and play. Thus far I have somewhat been successful in this quest. I work hard during the week so I can have my weekend open. However, I also know that if I want to publish, I must put away a few hours per week solely on writing and this has yet to happen.
After several weeks, the process of getting published is slowly coming to an end. Going through the process of receiving the notification of re-submitting my work all the way the final edits last week, it has been interesting and even though I like things done quickly, I must learn to be patient. Once I realized how long it actually takes to get a paper published in a journal, I now understand how long it takes to get a book published. Realizing this makes me think of the meaning of knowledge. Today, if we pick up a new book, it may be that a part of the book is out dated even though it is brand new. This is where the Internet plays a role in creating and sharing content knowledge and that is one reason why using wikis in education can be a powerful tool.
Speaking of patience, I have once again so many ideas for research studies/publications and must stop and think and set priorities! Here are some things I want to do soon, or these are things that I believe can help me along my path to professorship.
1) Write an paper/article from my thesis focus on the technological aspects of using wikis in teacher education, in particular PETE. (Innovate?)

2) Contact Curtis Bonk regarding Blended learning! I am reading his book at the moment and believe that Dr. Bonk can be a wonderful source for me but must think this through before I email!

3) Research idea #1: attendance in PEAC courses - leading into perhaps implementing a hybrid PEAC course (blended learning in Fitness concept?) Attendance seems to be an issue in PEAC courses, which are 8 weeks long. I would like to know which courses have the greatest attendance level, is this determined by the day of the week the course is offered? And are there differences among Freshman, Sophomore, junior, senior? Also, how does attendance in PEAC courses relate to test scores (content knowledge)

4) Research currently doing: Wikis in PEAC. Ch. 1-3 has been written and Ch. 4/5 will be done in course 6403. This is a great (small) research topic to get me emerged in mixed study design. I am starting to understand why statistics can be useful even though I do not believe that in Education, you can strictly use quantitative. I still believe in the voice of the student as being a huge part of the research and therefore understand the values of mixed. I look forward to understand the statistical effects and tests on research.
5) Dissertation idea #1: Sharepoint in PEAC: Sharepoint is a program used by the Uark and it combines social network with a wiki and a blog. I am now learning how to create this network by attending several workshops this month. I will see if it is feasible to create a network by Jan to try it out, if not, I will stay with Pbwiki and perhaps NING for the Spring and move over the Sharepoint next Fall. The idea is to create a network for ALL PEAC course students/instructors to use in their classes. I would like to see whether using a network such as this one can enhance learning of the concepts behind the activity being taught through the creation of an e-textbook. If I use this for my thesis, I would like to do a pilot next Fall in order to write up my first 3 chapters. But of course this is NOT my only dissertation idea. Go figure!

6) Dissertation idea #2: PETE and the inclusion of Web 2.0 tools. First I would like to view all the syllabus from all the courses PETE students are required to take. Than I would like to assess these and try to find ways to implement web 2.0 tools that may enhance the learning of the concepts taught in that particular course. Afterwards, evaluating the process. First idea: Practicum class uses a personal journal. To enhance inquiry/reflection, I would like to incorporate a blog and/or discussion board to increase the amount of reflection and critical thinking while participating in a practicum. Second idea: teaching games: building on what I have done in Manitoba. Teaching basic movement skills, creating new games and learning about models in teaching sports/activities and the use of wikis in this process to encourage collaboration, reflection, inquiry and scaffolding.

7) I need to read more! I seem to be too busy with teaching/classes I forget I must read! That is also the reason why I would like to email Dr. Bonk. I would like to ask him for a reading list in Blended learning, or web-enhanced learning. I find that there is so much information and I am looking for experts in the field of social networking, web 2.0 tools, wikis and blogs so I can create a reading course in preparation for my dissertation/ pilot study. I think that would be handy.

8) I am presenting this Fr. in Little Rock on Basic Movement Skills. I am interesting in finding out how my interaction with Arkansas PE teachers will go. I will also be presenting in AAHPERD, Florida in 2009. May do two, one is already set: using wikis in PE or PETE- a workshop of 2 hours! I am excited! The other one may be a poster that will come out of the current PEAC study. I also applied to go to CAHPERD in Banff and would like to find a conference in Web 2.0 tools - yet much is online.

9) Currently taking 3.5 courses. I say .5 because I am taking a 6 week online course through the U of M discussing learning for the future. It has to do with using Web 2.0 tools in university courses. All my courses so far are going well.

10) Want to take 4 courses in the spring: stats 6403, adapted II, Supervision in PE, Effective college teaching. That should be interesting!

11) Creating the H.O.G.S. Website - job I have to do as part of the student group within the department. Just need to find the time.

Doing too much?

After all this I am still trying to figure out how I can keep it all up financially. That is not easy but I knew that coming in. The most frustrating part of it is the fact that as an international student I can only work using my 50% GA and nothing else. I am willing to work yet I can't. And that really frustrates me. I have gone through this process before in Canada so I will get through it but it still sucks. I am trying to find a job at Christmas but teaching Skiing in Canada may in fact hurt my wallet more than it will fill it up. In stead of worrying though, I must visit the international center and ask about my options! That is step 1. There is a way to work more over the holidays and in the summer, if I can find something before the holidays for the summer I may be able to relax a bit more. Also, I have decided to look for a roommate so that may make it easier. It should!

Well, it is almost 2 am and even though I am used to it, I must get some valuable sleep so I can go run tomorrow morning and work all day until my class that end at 9 pm. Long day ahead! I know this is not my first and will not be my last in a long haul! But I am enjoying my trip! And that is what's important.

Published... almost

The email any graduate student hopes to get sooner then later came to me yesterday. It states that my article was accepted for publication. Having talked about the difficulties with publications and the length of the process I think I had the right attitude from the beginning. I submitted an article to the best of my abilities and thought it would be great if it got accepted but if it did not, I would just try to send it elsewhere. When I received the first email to request re-submission after re-vising, I was somewhat conflicted: should I try or should I send it elsewhere? See the article was based on one part of my thesis and even though it is vital to the field of PE, it was focused on the used of a technological tool (wiki) so the reviewers reflected that it may perhaps be more suited for an educational technology journal. Yet, I disagreed and replied to the best of my abilities. I mentioned that wiki could perhaps provide a way to connect the theory to the practice in PE or in this case, the teaching of games. In PE, we are always fighting for our right to exist, everywhere you go, PE is yet to be seen as a valued academic subject and this is reflected at every level of education, including higher education. I believe in a more holistic way of teaching PE where we value the connection between practice and theory or in this case, movement and the knowledge behind the movement. In the case of teaching games, playing and the theory behind teaching games effectively. Bringing it all together on a wiki may have many values. Wikis are collaborative in nature and as student collaborate, they build on each others' work. In my article I mention that wikis are not only useful in PE but they can actually assist in learning how to work collaboratively online. Nowadays, every student must learn how to work with the Internet as well as how to work in groups online. So I do believe that adding it to the journal in PE is extremely important. This being said, the global TGFU wiki is currently being spearheaded by a group of teacher candidates using the wiki for an assignment, just like the one I researched for my thesis.
My hope is that the "experts" in teaching PE, games, TGFU will join in the collaboration with the students. I can only imagine the rich nature of networking! How education can be sweet! Bitterness I experience as well but it is these reflective moments that keeps you going in Education. I start to value research more and more and that is a good thing but I also notice that I am quite on my own in this process. I look forward to continuing my research on wikis through action research within my courses. I also look forward to the conferences I will present the research. SO far I know I will be heading to Tampa, FL in March/April for AAHPERD where I will do an experiential session on "creating a class wiki" of 2 hours as well present the research in a poster. Now, I will think on presenting at CAHPERD,... perhaps I could do the experiential wiki sessions as well. Why not? One in Canada and one in the US, in the hope to catch at least 40 different teachers who may want to adopt the wiki in their classroom.
As I dream on, my mind today has been mostly on the weekend, ok, my mind has been on the weekend for the past two weeks. The Traveler 100 miler is on Sat and I am excited for the runners who will complete it. I am also happy to be part of it as a pacer so I am excited to say the least. Must now sleep so I can handle a weekend of movement! Oh boy! It doesn't have to be much to make me happy as long as I am moving!
Move on!

Glogster

Keeping up!

Week four has begun! So far so good.
Being critical of myself as I am all time I believe that my teaching is going ok but I could do better.
a) About the classes I teach!
What's working: the wiki in two classes has great results! Students are producing valuable articles. Other class has a bit more trouble. Wondering if I did something different?

What I need to do next: Create wiki scavenger assignment mandatory for all students! Here they will learn how to navigate and use the wiki through a practical assignment. This (I believe) will alleviate the various small issues that have come up. Not all students are self-starters and they should be provided with a how-to guide as the wiki workshop is not enough.

Get active assignments are not working, need to change that. I think it was a good idea but scheduling issues get in the way and I don't think it is fair to the students so I will announce that in class. In stead of 2 group activities and 3 out of class they will do 5 out of class activities of choice.

Free points is a good idea and working well. Those who like to work extra can receive free points towards their exam.

Not working: I need to uphold the absence policy more I think. I guess I tend to take the benefit of the doubt and allow for make-up classes. Perhaps a bit too lenient. Must create a solid one that is good for all my PEAC courses. This will be especially vital when I do my research!

b) About the courses I take
Research in PE is helping me jump start my research project that will begin in 4 weeks. I will investigate wikis with students in activity courses (fitness concepts) + check test performance and perceptions of students on using the wiki. I will use 4 classes this Fall and 4 perhaps next Spring. (depended on what I teach)
Oh btw I may be teaching 'team handball". If I do, I want to try to do the GPAI! Perhaps a small research project?

Adapted PE is interesting. Very practical and useful to anyone in PE. any activities I must and have been writing up on my wiki. I had to tour in a wheel chair once which was neat and I am learning about the different disabilities, which is more of a refresher but good for me!

Stats: Also refresher but this one is important! Dr. Dennis is a good teacher in that he can provide examples in a variety of ways and he is very patient. Also, we have a small class which makes it easier (FYI all my classes are small from 4 to 15 students which is nice). Tomorrow my first quiz. I don't think it is going to be easy but I seem relaxed even though I should be sleeping right now.

I am trying to sleep 6 hours a night but having class each night makes it difficult. In addition, I teach early every day so I can never get enough sleep. I think next 8 weeks will be better, only 2 early days! I must try to organize my courses better though so I can combine grad courses on 1 or 2 days in stead on 4, that would allow me to manage my time better.

As for my goal to balance my life as a grad student: that is still going strong!
During the week I focus on working hard for school (that is probably why my nights are so short). During the weekend I focus on relaxing and running. I guess it may be official that I am moving my running goal up to an earlier date. I am now planning to run my first 50K on December 5th and not in April. HA! Oh well, I will do it. I get excited thinking about it! I am so looking forward to the Traveller in October where I will be pacing a friend for at least 20 miles of the 100. Perhaps more, we'll see! That will be great training for my 50K. My longest run so far was 24 miles.

There you go, my mid course update! My mind is starting to drift to the winter at times and my cravings for snow and skiing has been popping up at various times. May teach skiing this winter. Who knows? Anyone need a private instructor! I sure need the money! (Let's NOT talk about the money concerns of international students)

Working hard and (at) letting go

I always thought grad school was about writing papers, gaining knowledge and being a loner. I asked several grad students whether they had a life besides school and often got the answer I did not want to get:"Nope, you pretty much live at school!" Before embarking on this journey I always searched for the program I could combine and balance both my personal and school activities. I don't know if it is possible. Can I go through my doctorate without having the people around me thinking I left the planet. Some people don't like to admit this but I do: I like being myself. I enjoy what I do and I love where I am heading. Right now, I get to combine learning with teaching every day and I know there will be challenges but I am having fun creating and absorbing those challenges. However, I must be able to connect with my family and friends in a meaningful way to keep connected and not disappear for 4 years. So a few things I have been working on/ will work on this year:
- Week is for study and training, weekend is for relaxation and friends.
- Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night in order to keep going.
- Have fun while teaching, make and keep it fun, create courses that are manageable, meaningful and interactive.
- Be there for my friends/family/students as much as possible.
- Set goals! (smart ones)
- Be happy, take nothing for granted and enjoy life!

Can I do this? Is it possible for a grad student to balance study, work and life? I think I can. Even though the semester has just started, I am looking at ways to life "smart". Using the wiki/Internet for my courses actually makes things easier on me and the students. Anything that I want my students to learn, or anything that I or my students need is on a central web page! So less paperwork! I like that!

Time Management is big!!! So I use the Calendar to schedule in study time, research time, office hours, work out time in order for me to free up my weekends for FUN! Don't get me wrong, I have fun during the week as well but in the weekend, I want to pursue other goals. I have recently started trail running and just completely fell in love with being outside, running trails and enjoying nature. I can honestly say that I have been on many different planets without ever leaving earth. Being alone, physically exerting myself in nature,is one of the greatest feelings of times. I always thought going for a run or bike ride was good because I could reflect upon a days worth of work, or think of the future. Running trails for hours and hours is much more than that. It goes beyond reflection. Perhaps I reflect for 30 to 60 minutes but really, most of my time is spent enjoying the moment, being grateful for what I have in life and for the ability to use all my senses together. "just being" in the moment is the best feeling in the world. Everything else seems insignificant but you, nature and movement. My first experience with ultra running/trail running was running about 1.5 hrs at Lake Sylvia a few months ago and watching the OT 50 K race.
When I ran, I felt so great and knew that at that time I can let go, I put things in perspective, I relax! When I watched the race, I found family, tranquility and comfort. A wonderful combination and one I will not likely give up.
I dislike getting up in the morning but after getting up twice at 4:30 am this weekend to go run I see the value of early rising.
My goal is to run the 50K at OT next year and complete it. I know I can. I ran 18 miles last Sat, 6 miles Sunday and 24 miles Monday so I know I can run 50K and I can't wait. I may even cheat my goal and run a 50K earlier then next April but because the OT is where I ultimately fell in love with the sport, participating in that race will top it all.
I am now training for long runs, it is different than trying to be active or run 30 min 3 times a week, this is bigger and somehow training for ultras is way more fun!
The best part of ultras is the combination of walking, running, nature and people. You can the best of everything without the competitiveness of a marathon.

Can I combine my work/study with my friends/family/trail running weekends? I want to! I will. Life is so much easier and better having started trail running so I would recommend it to anyone! Here is my plan: working hard during the week and letting go during the weekend! Life is too short to let it go by and I want to be aware of how I am living it!

Orientation completed. New beginnings.

As I complete all the required and at times optional orientation sessions, I begin to realize the start of a new beginning and a new part of my life. I did not think that being a Doctoral student would be any different from being a Master student but I think there is. Actually, I thought there was a lot at stake in my Masters and once I got through it and into a Doctorate I would be just cruising but I don't think that is going to happen. In fact, whatever you do in your doctorate seems to set the bar for whatever you want to go for later in your career. And I can go many different ways. Realizing that things can change in a heart beat, I think I must take the time to settle in, get to know people, find my way around and become familiar with the educational system. Within my first year I would like to explore different areas and the research around it. Perhaps even do small research projects with different profs so I can broaden my thinking before it narrows or focuses again. When the vice chancellor spoke in our orientation, she said that as new students should figure out what we want to do as a career later on. In addition, I should be lining up things on what to do to get there. It made me think of the "path" we do with our students. It is backwards planning. I think that is exactly what I need to do within this first semester. In stead of thinking about the many things i am interested in and how would I ever pick one for my dissertation, I should be writing out what my ultimate goal is and how I can get there.
One thing that I do notice is that this university can provide me with lots of opportunities to study with other professors, do research in different areas and even do internships in different places. One idea I had was perhaps to apply for an internship at AAPHERD in the summer months. I think that may be worthwhile as it is a national accredited organization that works with the many aspects of health, PE, Recreation and dance. It may provide me with ideas for a dissertation.
So, in stead of writing down all my areas of interest, which I did, as I thought that was the right way to figure out what to do; I will attempt to outline what I want to do as a job when I finish my PhD. It is not as simple as stating that I want to be a professor. Well, yes, figured that one out! I must find out what exactly I was to accomplish and where I can provide a service.
A good tip from Dr. Mink today, who by the way has one of the best jobs on campus and it is definitely one that I have an interest in (health promotion - I would like to have it more like wellness promotion to include a more holistic view). He says to minimize stress I should create 3 lists every week, A, B, and C. The A list is things to do right away, the B list is things to do but not urgent and the C things are those that I would like to do but they are not necessary.
One other great tip: when you pick it up, do it, schedule it or throw it away! That is so true, we pick up so many things and either put them away and pick them up again and procrastinate or put them somewhere and forget about it. So, when you pick up something you must do, do it or schedule it! Great point!
A third one, sanctuary, find a sanctuary... I think my apartment can be one as that is a place for me and I am mostly alone there. Away from work. However.... this laptop keeps work close. Another place is perhaps when I run, those places, quiet places surrounded by nature are great for me to relax and reflect in.
So I will have to find a sanctuary, make lists, don't procrastinate and write down what I want to do in 4 years. Then we'll take it from there.
In stead of thinking about dissertations, think of those interests as small research projects, do them, learn from them and then later find one worthwhile that you can specialize in, connected to your goal.
Classes begin Monday so here I go!

International Student Orientation

A busy day filled with sessions on immigration and studying. What have I learned? The importance of the 3 E's to keep my status as an international student and not get deported or arrested: Employment (max 20 hrs/week: on paper yes, however as GA's, I am positive I will work more than that!), Expiry (don't let your passport expire while you are in the US!) and Enrolment (min 6 credits max 9 credits: I will take 9, as I am ambitious as always).
I also registered today for three courses: Stats in education, Research in PE and Adapted PE, all courses I have already taken at the undergrad level so perhaps I learn much more now at the grad level. My courses are Mon/Tues/Wed and Th nights. Thank goodness for having Friday nights off!
Extremely tired as I am, I do want to say that I enjoyed this day. Everything that was said today was not new, however, I did meet new people and that was valuable. I met three undergrads, two from Trinidad and one from Columbia. They just arrived this week and after orientation I took them to Wall mart to get sheets. Which they did not get as Wall mart was pretty much out of them, so they are borrowing my sheets and will order new ones online. Glad to help! I also provided them with some of my winter clothes which they were very grateful about. I still remember being a first year international student. All you bring is a suitcase! So I actually enjoyed helping out and getting to know them. They are all part of Chi Alpha I believe, a sorority that is grounded in Christianity but is open to all students, not just those who live in the house. I visited them in the house and everyone was just great. I even thought that if I did not have my furniture, living in a house like that would be a great idea. Even though I do enjoy having my own apartment. I guess there are trade-offs for everything. The great thing about this group is that they enjoy others to their events.
Two interesting notes for today as I think about "healthy and active living":
1) I live 15 minutes from school so I refuse to take the bus... I was the only one walking while others (about 15 students I saw), took the bus. And this is NOTHING to do with the "American way of life... driving everywhere" because all the students that were waiting for the bus were all going were I was going and were all international students. What is wrong with this? How come, on a beautiful day, 24 to 27 degrees, these students rather take the bus? Laziness? This won't brake a sweat.

2) We all had a free lunch so I got to check out the food courts. Interesting fact is that you can get on a meal plan and eat for about $3 a meal. The negative part of it all is that once you get into the food court, you can eat all you want!!! AAAHHH I can't believe it. No wonders students gain 15 pounds in their first year. You must be pretty disciplined to eat healthy. Yes there are healthy choices but there are also lots of other lesser choices and eating a lot is also not good. A solution? One plate per person? I was thinking of two aspects to the problem. Does the university expect the students to be responsible enough to eat healthy? Probably! Does that work? NO! Therefore, the university should enforce something so students can't eat all they want. wow, this is amazing because I was thinking of going on a meal plan just because I am on campus from 8 am till 8 pm and know I won't make lunches and have adequate amount of healthy options during the day. What to do?

In America, it seems that everything happens around food. Come to this meeting... free food! It is with food that they get people to join the events. Not with activities... come to the meeting...free volleyball game! Yeah right, that will be the day!
These students end up away from home with lots of opportunities for food but lesser opportunities to spend those calories, or at least they choose NOT to spend them by riding the bus in stead of walking for 10 minutes.
One thing is for sure, talking with the students, especially the undergrads is useful to me so i can understand what goes on in their life and how I can motivate them to add exercise and healthy foods to their daily routine.

Tomorrow, more orientation sessions, more geared towards grads so we will see what tomorrow brings. I think I will try to become more involved with the international center. Last year I got into the GSA, this year perhaps I will take the opportunity to join the international students and become a mentor next year for new students!

By the way, I have never seen so many international students together, I think there were about 400! From all over the world, although I was the only Belgian, the only Canadian. Snif snif. I must encourage some Canadians to come to the south. You'all come down now!!!!!!!:)

Key to life: Running and Reading

Will Smith is saying it! Love what you do and do what you love.

Running and reading are according to him the keys to life.
When he talks about running he mentions that there is a little voice inside of you that wants you to quit and when you learn how to defeat that voice when you are running, you "will learn how to not quit when things get hard in your life".

I am not sure if I can test this but I do know from experience that running seems a lot easier after I ran my first 25K. Even 30 minutes was difficult before, now that I know I can run almost 3 hours without stopping, I know I can run for an hour each day if I want to and it seems so much easier. Ultra runners run 50 to 100 miles, 4 to 24 hours or longer. Why do they do it? Once you run that distance, a 5K or even a 25K must seem like peanuts! The key is to figure out how to get to that point. How to train and motivate yourself to run those distances. The love of running!

Second point Will talks about is reading! I truly believe in the power of books, text, in written or electronic form, it doesn't matter. Reading provides you with new knowledge, new insights, the ability to reflect, think, compare and make judgments, the ability to learn.

Check out Will!

Who or what motivates you?

It is Tuesday, August 12th! Lately I have been watching the Olympics in amazement. The strength, endurance and motivation of the athletes have left me more then once speechless. I am in awe of the performances of all the athletes. No favorites, I follow all of them, in particular Belgium, Canada and the US. I love watching gymnastics, swimming and can't wait for track and field to start on Thursday. The athletes' passion can help to put things in perspective for myself to finally get out of this low I have been in for the past few weeks.
I always know what is going on and how I can fix it but the motivation to change my actions is at times not there. I wonder about motivation. I am in the position to motivate others on being active, yet I at times have issues with that myself. So what is it about motivation? What is it that makes some people motivated to move while others care less? How can we keep our motivation high? So, I look at myself for answers. I lost motivation to be active due to a high stress level. However, I know, I KNOW, that being active is what lowers stress. Still, I have a difficult time getting out there and moving if I am overwhelmed and stressed out. I know as a grad student that this will not be the last time so I must get better at staying motivated.
Course work seems to stress me out. Well, perhaps not coursework itself but more the assessment of the work. Not knowing how I am doing is stressful. Ongoing assessment works well for me as far as keeping my stress level low. So, next time, I guess I should just ask how I am doing and perhaps it was because of its length somewhat impossible to really get an idea on how well I was doing. Anyway, key #1, ask the prof how I am doing, key #2: use ongoing assessment with my own students so they don't need the stress and know exactly where they stand in my course and what they can do to improve or keep up their marks.
Ok, I realized that my mood was low, with a result that my motivation to run was absent. But I also know that if I make myself go run, my mood will improve and when I finish running, I feel so much better. SO how come I know what to do to enhance my mood but still can't get motivated to do it? One major aspect that I know plays a role in my mood is feeling overwhelmed and in order to prevent that, I must keep a good journal and write down daily short term goals. When I forget, I get too overwhelmed and end up doing nothing at all.
So key #3: Set goals and keep up, write everything down, make to-do list and work through the list. In fact, when I make my list, I always include my workouts as well. When I finish all my goals, I am extremely happy with myself, usually tired and I actually sleep better! What a surprise! Goal setting should probably be Key #1, as that is, for me personally, one thing I know that works!
However, I know many people do not set goals, nor do they make lists and keep up. What motivates them? What keeps them going?
I know that when I come home after a run/workout, the feeling of being tired is to me extremely satisfying, in fact, it probably is a reinforcement to my motivation. But it has not always been like that. I started to find running fun because I run on trails not roads. So therefore, it is about finding activities that are fun! So you can find some intrinsic reinforcement that will motivate you to get out and do it! Some activities it is so "natural" to me that I don't even have to think about it, I will always be ready to do the activity. E.g. downhill skiing. However, no snow... so no skiing. no mountains... no skiing. Must find other activities. Most of the once I really like are expensive and because I have no money at this point I am trying out a new activity: trailrunning. This as a way to stay active. I also like biking and swimming. I have DVD's at home for when I decide to stay indoors and I must find a weight lifting class as I love doing that as well.

What about doing something for something else, or someone else. Running for the cure? Running for love?

My ultimate goal is trying to figure out how to help those first year students not to gain 15 pounds in their first year. How can you make being active and healthy more appealing than drinking, socializing and eating pizza. I am really generalizing here but in fact, truth is that many new students stop being active and organize or manage their first year poorly.
So far I have 3 focus points:
- Keep stress levels low in course (know expectations, ask for them, create them, organize)
- Set smart goals and stick with them (create lists, how many points?, how short of a goal?)
- Find activities that are fun, active and healthy and do them every day. (experience new activities to find out those activities you may not know about but you wish you knew about)
Is this enough? Is this a good start?

What is motivation? Is it love? For this dad it is!

Insomnia

According to Wikipedia, insomnia is a symptom of a sleeping disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. This is the fourth time within the past 2 weeks I have not been able to fall asleep even though I am tired. Is this because of all the changes that have happened in my life this summer or is there something that I am not doing right? I feel restless all the time and I can't seem to shut my mind off for the night. I even tried counting sheet!
Anyway, today I finished my coursework and handed in my exam. Now I have two weeks to prep for the courses that I teach, design a research study, get IRB approval, go through a week and a half of orientations and oh yeah, try to sleep and relax when I can.
Is this perhaps all too much for me? Really now? I love to take on challenges but somehow this is different. Is there something that changes when you move from a Masters to a PhD? Does somehow the pressure increase inherently? What is going on? Do I think everything will be ok once I get into a routine and get to know people? Is it the loneliness? Or is it just me?
I hope this is a phase, I hope so. I have ups and down more frequently at this time, sometimes a few times a day. I know that I get nervous at new beginnings, nervous and excited, so I just need to try to relax and take it one step at a time and perhaps in a few weeks I will be saying, what happened? I am fine now! I just hope I find my place, a place where I belong. Don't we all want that? Perhaps the fact that I the "stupid" Internet does not work half the time in my apartment so I can't use skype to call home really bothers me. Tomorrow I FINALLY get to talk to my mom and home to call my friends. That will be nice. My mom is back from Russia and I want to hear all about it. She has been out of the loop with my life ever since the move. It has almost been a year now since I have seen her. Perhaps that is what bothers me. Usually summers is when I relax , travel, see my family. Last year this time I was at home in Belgium. I wish I was there now, I need to get AT&T DSL or something so I can get in contact with my family and friends once again.
Anyway, I will try again tonight and I look forward to tomorrow, no library, no books, just me, and free time. Free time to relax, work out and pay attention to myself.
Wish I had money so I would go to the mall and buy something or get a haircut. Oh well, we can't have everything in life now can we?
Good night. I hope it will be a good night.

Activate the World!

Activating the world of my students is my goal this year! How will I do that or at least try to attempt to do it? By giving the students active assignments, creating possibilities for them to socialize within an active environment and connecting technology to all of this.
Step 1: Active homework: yes you heard me. All my students will need to organize one active session with a partner that I can attend. We must all be active for at least 45 minutes and it must be free of cost. Additional marks are given to those who motivate others to join the active session. IN the end I hope to have my mornings filled with activities that create active students. Additionally, relationships will be created and is that not the first step of motivating people? Creating positive supportive environments! I guess the real experiment starts on Aug. 25th. So stay tuned. Even though this assignment was designed for my fitness concepts course, I will provide the students from my other courses (bowling and jogging) to join in the fun! In order to accomplish that, I must create a schedule for me and the students, which I did (wiki). Second, I created a class blog where all my students will sign up for. This blog will show the schedule and students can connect with others to join in the active sessions.
If it works, I hope to get everyone motivated and active!

Multiple Intelligences Presentation and Wordle

Alright, you do NOT, I repeat NOT want to read this paper but at least it is over and done with. Some adjustments will be made tomorrow but it is now 7:16 pm and i have been here in the library all day and I am tired! I had to take a summer course and decided to take this course that deals with management in higher education and new faculty. Great! Should really spark many ideas and at first it did. However, after realizing quickly that an assignment required us to create, develop and carry out a complete research project, my 4 weeks of summer turned out slightly different. During the 4 weeks I also had to allot one week to go to Canada to defend! That was as mentioned before an amazing experience and I will never forget that. But really, how can one do a complete research project in 4 weeks? I thought it would be a great challenge and maybe at first it was but finding out that survey research would be the only way to get fast answers was one thing, doing the analysis and understanding the statistics was another. You really can't learn stats in one week! You just can't and it frustrated the heck out of me. I just have to be honest in my defeat and acknowledge that this is the worst paper I have ever and hopefully will ever write. I don't want to take another summer course anymore ever just because I believe students need a break just as profs do. But unfortunately that may not happen so I will continue, step by step. I know this project created a period where emotions ran high and confusion controlled my thoughts, however, I did learn that I still have lots to learn and if anything, this project did inspire me to learn more. I always thought I wanted to be a professor that was well-rounded, so I must begin my quest to understand both qual and quan research and how perhaps the two can be combined. Many thoughts run through my head and these often keep me awake at night so I must also learn to let go, quiet my mind and relax. I have promised myself that I will take it easy the next few weeks before classes. Taking time for myself, taking care of my body and exploring the horizon! Well, especially the web 2.0. world. : So I jut keep in mind my motto: just keep swimming, just keep swimming and everything will be alright.

A new low

I hit it again. One of the lows on my roller coaster ride. I have been in Fayetteville now since July 10th and have realized that too much change too fast is not good. Moving, running, new place, new people, new courses, finishing thesis,... I believe that taking this summer course was probably the biggest mistake ever. I am sure I may change my mind as I get credit for the work that I do but for my mental state it was not the best way to go. Then again, it was not my choice so however I turn it, a course had to be taken. I don't know why they wouldn't let me start Aug. 25th as that is when I start the classes I teach. Perhaps I should have requested that. I always thought the start date was Fall but this change in plans affects a lot, it specially affects my mood. Summer, between two programs, a time to relax and reflect, brainstorm and search for ideas, a time to just calm down. I think it is important to have the opportunity to shut the brain off for a bit. I still don't know how to do that and perhaps that is THE one thing I must learn in this process. I have so much stuff on the go that I get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing but bite my finger nails. Perhaps writing this blog post with help. I was doing fairly well last week but it is difficult to be alone. I believe that this may just be the toughest transition I have ever gone through. And I don't quite know why. Is it because I don't know that many people yet and have to find my way around? Is it because I miss my friends and I am having difficulties connecting with them over the phone due to poor Internet connections? Is it because I have too many things on the go? Or maybe it is just the heat? I don't know, but whatever it is, I need, NEED and WANT to get out of this mood and be happy with where I am and what I am doing. The worst part is that for the first time in my life, I had doubts about the future. I had doubts about my desire to become a prof. I also have too many interests and can't focus my research ideas. I know what I must do, take one day at a time and go with the flow. It will get to you when it is time. Wanting too much too soon is never good but I was hoping to find and formulate my dissertation early in my program. I must be patient. I need to make a to-do list and go one step at a time. Paper, presentation, exam, prepping for classes.
So quiet here in my apartment, too quiet, I need people, friends,...contact. The only sound I hear the my head pounding and sending shocks through my body. When I watched "Into the wild", the character in the movie wanted to live alone of nature. He explained that was truly living. I was sceptical and envious and the same time of him. Could I learn to enjoy myself when I am alone? Can being alone give me pleasure and ensure happiness. Well, by the end of the movie, before he died, he wrote that true happiness can only happen if it is shared. Or something like it. A shift in his thinking? A need for human contact. Some people need it more than others. Relationships,... discovering, building and maintaining relationships is intriguing to me. I don't need many good friends, I just need to be able to listen en talk with others, be around other people. I think that is probably the biggest need in my life right now. Next week, orientations begin and i am sure I will meet lots of people, but till than, I am hoping to finish this coursework and go to Little Rock. I need a different focus for at least a few days. I need a holiday... well, a small one. To calm down. I need to be outside, being active. Walking, running, biking, swimming, whatever it is, I need to do something with my body, in nature, away from the city.
Can I ever be truly happy, or will there always be something? Why can't I just enjoy my life. Why do I always want to make things more challenging?
Many questions,... no answers needed... just thoughts in the moment.

Web 2.0.

At the moment, I am attending an online summercamp, see Pbwiki.com. This summercamp is for those teachers who wish to design and implement a wiki into their course work. I will use the wiki http://peforever.pbwiki.com to organize all my courses and get my students involved in Web 2.0. So far I have learned many new tools, almost too many. I am trying to catch up on all the reading while attempting to try out all these new tools.
One thing is for sure: this summercamp is worth it! I am developing my coursework during these 3 weeks so it is great timing. I have a few more days to go before my university course is completed and than I can focus on the design of my course wiki.
I get really too excited about all of this. At times, it is difficult to shut my mind off at night and I feel I move from one computer to the next throughout my day. I guess it is my choice to focus on wikis within my research, so I just have to deal with it. I love it though.
I have been twittering all day. Started to twitter last year but did not really get into it too much. Now that I am connecting with people who have similar interests than me, it is becoming a highlight of my day!
So today I created that video below, used twitter, installed tweetdeck, listened in to a web seminar on using digital storytelling, did my homework for week 2, went to a 3 hour class, worked out for 40 minutes, went to Walmart to get food, walked for 40 minutes, created a new wiki, checked email, read my course work material for my night class, and I can keep going. I did do a lot of multi-tasking! Now I am exhausted! Good night!
I can't wait till tomorrow! I am actually not lonely anymore, if anything, this summercamp has given me people to talk to during the day! Thanks!

Becoming Canadian

Trying out new Web Tools! This is Animoto, creating videos in a snap

A new beginning... an exciting ending

It has been awhile since I reflected on here but yet I do have my reasons. I initially thought my summer would be relaxing. However, it turned out that I am more busy than ever. My quest of becoming a scholar has turned myself into a whirlwind of ideas that keep my mind so occupied I miss out on these vital reflective notes I wrote each night. IN fact, I know that writing on my blog is meditative for me, very relaxing, so I should be vigilant about it!
Anyway, during the summer, well let's say June/July, many things have happened. Here is the short version!

1. My thesis: writing writing writing! And when I was finished the writing and my advisor gave me the ok to send it out to my other committee members I felt totally excited. Wow, what an amazing experience it has been. I actually enjoyed the entire process even though there were many ups and down. I learned so much and will never forget my time at the University of Manitoba. My thesis titled: wikis and TGfU: a collaborative approach to understanding games education has brought me on a different path. Web 2.0 has been on my mind ever since and now, as I embark on my PhD, I somehow wish I could design a research plan to combine the wiki and PE once again, or if not, web 2.0... The problem is once again that I have too many ideas and interests so if anybody out there has any advice, feel free to twitter me. ok, twitter, a web 2.0. tool where you can let people know what you are doing at any point in time, kinda like instant messaging. My twitter name is helenabaert so find me and be my friend!

2. The big move! As I leave Manitoba, I decided to begin a PhD program at the University of Arkansas. So as I am about to write my thesis I had absolutely no time to think about moving. With conferences, thesis, traveling on my mind I decided a moving company would do it all. And so they did. I really did nothing except for pay too much money. But no stress! And that is great, as I had enough stress. So the moving company got my stuff around June 19th and brought it to Arkansas the second week of July. Meaning I was without any of my stuff for about a month. That was a different experience but I managed even if I had to sleep on the floor for a couple of days. I think the only big thing I was missing was my car. Not that I really needed it but it would have been handy. Now, going back for my thesis defense on July 24th, I picked up my car and drove 16 hours to Fayetteville. I did go two hours further to Little Rock, of course but I actually did not mind it at all. It stressed me out before but I did great I think. I drove from Winnipeg to Sioux City on Friday night, left at 4 pm to arrive at midnight. In the morning I left at 8 am to arrive in Little Rock at 6 pm. Long drive but worth it. Now I have my buggy to drive between Fayetteville and Little Rock. But I swore to myself that only for groceries or in extreme weather will I use my car here in Fayetteville! I rather walk or bike! And that is a deal I make to myself!

3. Thesis defense: July 24th, 10 am. An experience I will never forget. I was nervous for the 30 minutes before I started the presentation but once I started I was fine. I had presented parts of it before I think that helped enormously with my comfort level. I really loved every minute of it, especially the questioning afterwards. All good questions, some difficult, some easy, all challenged my mind, which is what I wanted. When it was all said and done, I can't believe that it is now all over. My thesis has been submitted. That is really a weird feeling. I think it is because I don't really feel it is complete. What I mean by that is the following. I know I have much to learn in that area and I am not ready to put that topic away. I became very passionate about using Web 2.0 as instructional tools and submitting that thesis just seemed so final, which I did not like. Even though I knew I had to in order to graduate! So that is why I am thinking, there must be something I can do to combine my love for teaching PE with wikis or Web 2.0. I am thinking, each day... it will come to me I am sure. The first thing that will spark some type of inquiry may be the fact that I will use wikis with the courses I will teach. I guess we will see. Right now, I am taking a summer camp on wikis and I am exploring different wikis to see which one to use in my courses. What I really want to experiment with is attempting to teach a paperless course. Except for the course outline and exam, I wanted to attempt to save a few trees. Can it be possible? Can learning occur without paper?

4. A new start: I began my program at the university of Arkansas. I thought I would start in August 25th but I was wrong. My GA position started on July 1st and in order to get paid, I had to take a summer course. I remember to have a meeting with my advisor on the Tuesday morning and not having a clue about all of this and by Tuesday afternoon I was sitting in my first class. So weird. The class I decided to take was called management in HKRD, a course on higher education, in particular in the area of health, kinesiology, recreation and dance. I think it was great for me to take that course as it could really inspire me to begin this program with confidence. The book we were required to read is called "New Faculty" and I have now finished it. It is a how to guide to becoming a professor. I really enjoyed the book. It was more the assignment that somehow excited me yet stressed me out. We are required to complete an entire study in 3 weeks, which is too short of a time frame. I think if I would have started with a different frame of mind, I would have relieved some stress but I went into the project with much excitement, thinking I would write a great paper. Soon I realized that with my limited experience in quantitative research and limited time to design and implement a survey I could, should and would not create quality work. Yet, perhaps I am creating quality for where I am right now so it just depends on how you look at it.

5. Research project: the study I decided to do was investigating the Multiple intelligences of college athletes and professors to compare the MI's with the teaching methods used. The data is inconclusive due to the sample size but I do think this topic is worth investigating further. I believe that differentiated instruction could be assessed through this examination so I hope to pursue it further. I now have also found a better, more scientifically based instrument to assess MI's. As a second project, I would like to explore the TPI's, or teaching perspectives of GA's and profs and compare these. I think it would be interested, especially in light of the realization that many GA's teach without prior teaching experience and I believe it may assist in the development of becoming a more reflective teacher. So that is an area I would like to explore as well. I also started to think about using the TPI with profs/GA's and with the students. Attempting to design an inventory based on the TPI for students to fill out so they can reflect upon the teaching style the teacher was using. I think that perhaps, the way teachers perceive their teaching may not be the way it is actually received by the students. And, wouldn't you want to know what your students think of your teaching?

Where am I now? 1 week away from finishing the summer course. 2 weeks away from starting 2 weeks of orientations. and 3 weeks away from starting teaching and learning!

To keep me sane: Exercise! ( I should really evaluate the activity level of grad students, I found it extremely difficult at times to find the time, but I do) My goal is to start with the 25 KM (which I ran in 2'43) and do my first 50 Km next spring. So I would like to create a training plan to do so, combining running with biking and strength exercises.
I can do it! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

You know, this is very exciting, I am loving every minute of it and my mind has not stopped. The more I think about whether academia is right for me, the more I think it probably is, so that is a good mind set to have at the start of a new program. I will keep you informed on my state of mind as I progress through this program! I promise!

TGfU Wiki Wordle

Defense Date set!

After hours and hours of writing frustration, it is finally over. My thesis is completed and now I must present it in an oral defense. I hope all goes well. Coordinating schedules with the committee members was not easy but a July 24th date has been set and I am happy I will be able to graduate this year. As a grad student, it seems crucial to be in contact with your committee members throughout the process and especially around the summer so you can organize your defense around their holidays. Not an easy task, especially when they all take holidays at a different time. Completing my 2 year degree in 1.5 years has caused some issues but I am glad these will all resolve itself. One lesson I have learned is to read all the guidelines of grad school and map out the important deadlines prior to beginning the program. No one is going to guide you through it as in high school or undergrad. It is really up to you to know what your program entails, what your rights are and what you must do to complete it. If you don't know! Ask! Don't expect someone to come up to you and do it for you or pointing you in the right direction. Ofcourse it does help to have a good relationship with your advisor. I had a wonderful relationship with my advisor and I am a bit worried about finding a new one for my PhD program. This relationship can be crucial to the success of your program and your choice of mentor must be carefully thought through.

Happy Canada day to all Canadians! I am suppose to start my GA position at the U of A but I am not sure what to do or where to go so I am just waiting it out. I also am waiting for my furniture to come. I can't believe that my Masters is coming to an end and my PhD is going to begin soon. I am very excited.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

I guess that is what I am trying to do while writing my thesis. Keep going without losing it completely! AH, thesis writing is a time of pressure but it is also a time of closure as the end of a program is near. As this accumulation activity evolves before my eyes, I often reflect on when this process began. Why back in 2004 I wanted to start a Masters but did not just because I wanted to teach for a couple of years in a public school. I thought I would be a hypocrite if I taught teacher candidates how to teach without actually having the experience teaching in public schools. Now I must say that teaching PE, whether I was in a public school, private school, summer camp or after school programming, it is the same. Really, my teaching did not really change just because I taught in a public school. What did change was my experience with administration and politics and all that jazz. Stuff you rather not know anything about but I guess it is part of the deal. Anyway, makes you think that if teaching is teaching no matter where you teach, than that assumption may create more options for student teaching practicum in PETE programs.
However, I must say that I taught sports to large groups before teaching smaller classes. I also did my practicum in many different schools over 3 years. So maybe that assumption was not correct. What the heck am I talking about?
I have no clue, really, I am out of it and should not even be writing anything on this blog as I am writing my thesis. AAAAAAAHHH A couple more days. Finish Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, now I am writing chapter 6 which is half way done. Really, I have one more day of writing and than editing. Not that bad considering so I should be happy! Right? AH, well, I will be happy once my advisor tells me it's a go! Yes! That is when I will be satisfied! Next, defense, cruel it is, and than holiday? HA! Fat chance! I start work on July 1st. Ohh well, my choice I know... I know...
Just keep swimming....
Just keep swimming...

Wikis and TGfU presentation, Congress 2008

PHETE Night

On a Monday evening, in Banana Leaf Restaurant in Vancouver, on the last evening of the Congress, a team of scholars ( and me), shared a wonderful meal spiced with tales of the past. Being in the midst of these scholars, I felt honored and privileged. As they had many experiences, both in life and academia, I knew they would be a great resource for me as a graduate student. Even though I will read many texts starting September 08, I thought the summer would be a great time to read books that would not appear on my course list but maybe a valuable inspiration to me as a learner, a teacher or a friend. The opportunity to ask experienced writers, scholars and academics to compile my summer reading was the beginning of this quest.

The books above were kindly and purposely listed by the other PHETE members.

I asked the following question:

As a graduate student, I wish for you to each think of a book that would be worthwhile reading within my journey through graduate school. As I embark on doctoral studies, a summer reading list to inspire and ignite questions and perhaps answers which may challenge or sooth my quest for knowledge acquisition at a different level.

For myself, I pose the questions:

- What do these books tell me about myself, life and education?

- How can these books assist me within my graduate work?

- As inspired by scholars in the area of education, why did they provide me with these books What can these books tell me about the scholars who chose them?

- How will these books shape me and how did these books shape them?

The Congress 2008, a worthwhile trip for learning and listening and creating community. Even though I spent most of my visit to Vancouver in my room writing my thesis, I am thankful for the opportunity to meet some amazing scholars.

This summer, as soon as my master thesis is completed, I will read these books and will record my reflections in this blog as I go along. I will also invite the PHETE Committee to join and respond to my reflections.

Sincerely,

PHETE Graduate REP

Finding balance

I am attending the 2008 Congress here in Vancouver and have just completed a pre-conference workshop for new scholars. It was somewhat interesting. There was a panel of 4 scholars talking about finding balance. I don't think the workshop was for me really, I think it was more geared towards new profs. So that makes me believe that the words "new scholar" should be defined. When do you become a scholar? When you publish? Am I a new scholar? when you have obtained your PhD? Anyway, I thought it was for grad students and although many of the attendees were grad students, the questions posed were mainly about beginning profs and the advice given by senior profs. The big point of advice was creating that sense of community amongst profs and finding a place for you, seeking out people who can support and work with and for you. One thing, from all 4 panels that I did not get is: balance. Yeah yeah, good advice, but how do you balance it all. Is saying "no" really the answer? Or you giving up opportunities? Which opportunities should you say no too? It seems to me, from listening to these panels that it all depends on you. So if it is all personal, shouldn't we just go for it and perhaps we get burnt perhaps we have success? It was all a bit confusing. It seems to me that all 4 brought very different experiences to the table and that there is no right or wrong answer to live and work successfully in academia. Now, that is a statement: live and work successfully!
I want to know how you can do that. In fact, live and work successfully may be defined very differently from one person to the next, so how can we even decide on that course before we embark? I should therefore just look inside myself and figure out what I want in life and what living and working successfully is to me.
Yet, it is not that simple as rules and regulation and the hierarchy in universities may encourage or hinder that success. That is what is new to me. I think by explaining what I want in life and work personally and than find a program/university to fit that life style will be a vital choice in my future. I don't believe it should be the other way: that you must change depending on the university you decide to teach in. I don't know if I am completely crazy thinking this way but that is what I think I would like to do.
I want to live and work in a smaller community that has a small or medium size university or teachers' college. I also need to be close to nature and I must be able to explore nature in person, meaning I need to be able to go outside and be active outdoors. I would want to live in a safe community that values activity and health and it would be great to have a community where I can ride my bike safely, just as I did in Europe. I want to be able to raise children in that community and want them to go to good schools that instill the same values that I will at home.
As for my work, I want to be able to teach teachers and do action research within teacher education. I also would like strong partnerships with the schools as I want to focus in on the transition into the teaching profession and how to smooth that transition through closer collaboration between universities and schools. Oh and I would like a few lakes and mountains. haha
I know I can find that, I have yet to look for it as it is a ways off but one day I will. Most importantly is that for me, it is not important to become a "big" (whatever that means) "scholar", but I want to be a "valued" "teacher" for teachers.
That being said, I must get back to my thesis or else that dream above will never become a reality!