Book reading

I recently indulged in a hobby I rarely partake of, and that is novel reading. I read the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series last week, and last night I completed The Da Vinci Code.

It is interesting to see the similarities in the two stories. Both involve mysteries and conspiracies with amazing plot twists, and they both draw upon mythology to a significant extent to provide the context for the stories. One, of course, is entirely fantasy (Potter), while the other is steeped in Christian (re: Roman Catholic) tradition. In addition, both books make reference to a figure from the 14th Century, Nicolas Flamel, who very few people would have heard of if not for these books. To top things off, there is even a reference to Harry Potter in The Da Vinci Code.

Like I said, I don't read a lot of novels. But when I do, it is usually because the story is so well-written (very descriptive) and filled with twists and turns that I don't want to stop reading until my eyes can barely stay open.

I was thinking about the two authors, J.K. Rowling (Potter) and Dan Brown (Code), and I realized that they also have an important similarity that is key to their success as writers: they do a LOT of research. I read where Rowling keeps a closet full of papers with information about various mythologies from around the world, and she works them into her story. Dan Brown traveled around Europe for a year to research the facts for his book. The result is that there are many historical truths built into these works of fiction, which is why I think they are so popular in literature.

Anyway, I decided to buy Dan Brown's other novels as a result of my enjoyment of The Da Vinci Code, and maybe I'll learn a few more interesting facts among the fiction along the way.

Korean women golfers

I wouldn't normally notice something like this, but I happen to live in Korea. Take a look at the final scores of the LPGA tourney in Portland this past weekend. Five of the top 6, and I think at least 9 of the top 20 finishers, are Korean. And that doesn't even include Michelle Wie, who I guess wasn't in the tournament.

That's quite interesting that Koreans are becoming so dominant in American women's golf. Good for them, they certainly work hard enough at it. I guess in a few years, Americans will start looking at the training methods of the Koreans.

The Bluetooth iPod watch

I most often use my iPods when I go for walks or work out at the gym. As much as I like everything about the mini and the shuffle, I often find myself imagining an iPod that serves dual duty as a watch.

There is no reason why this couldn't happen now. All the technology is out there. A flash player that you wear on your wrist. An LCD screen to give song information. Bluetooth headphones (the Logitech ones will work) allow you to hear the music without wires.

Yep, I see myself walking and listening to my tunes with no wires getting in the way, and when I need to know what song is playing, I just check my watch. Could there be a better device?

Update on Australia

I had mentioned a few posts back that I might go to Australia to further my education, and I might do a one-year diploma program first before starting a doctoral program. Interestingly, I found out that international students who complete a post-secondary program of study in Australia can then apply for permanent residence.

Thus, if I do that post-graduate diplpoma first, and then apply for permanent residence, this could offer me two huge benefits: a) the right to open employment in Australia, and b) cheaper tuition for the doctorate later on. Furthermore, it would expedite the moving of my family down there from Korea.

I can see the plan taking shape.

Teachers and technology

Right now, I'm listening to a podcast from the NECC 2005 conference. There is a lot of the usual stuff being said about why there are problems using technology in schools: administrations that are not interested in doing what is necessary to make it happen, and also a lack of teacher training.

One of the biggest concerns I had while doing my M.A. was the realization that most B.Ed. programs do virtually nothing to incorporate instructional technology in the curriculum. The teachers I have talked to (the ones who have teaching certificates) know next to nothing about using technology, except for using e-mail for personal use.

It made me think that B.Ed. programs need to be re-developed with some technology in mind. Better yet, I believe teaching should be made a profession that requires a master's degree. I suppose that the existing B.Ed. should lead to a provisional teaching certificate that is good for 5 years. To have the certificate validated beyond 5 years, teachers should have to get a master's in education.

Such a theory is supported by research that has found that teachers who had completed just the one-year B.Ed program often quit teaching within 5 years. They usually said that they felt they weren't prepared enough for the classroom. This is why a lot of B.Ed. programs now are minimum 2 years. However, I think that all education programs should be graduate degree programs, and technology should be a central part of the programs.

If I ever get into a position of authority in the field of education, this is one of the ideas I will promote.

Out of commission

The title for today's post is Out of commission. First, the Blogger server, which hosts my blogs, seemed to be down and out of commission for the last few days. Second, I will be visiting the Sony A/S store today to get some repairs done on a couple of expensive, but out of commission, toys - my VAIO notebook and my Camcorder. Both are useless to me at the moment, and I hope they can be fixed without difficulty.

Back to business

One week after returning from Canada, I've found myself trying to get back into the groove, both at work and in my research on technology in education. At JLS, I've had a few ups and downs, especially with the youngest students (grade 1's). I know that I do not prefer working with the youngest students who have little understanding of English and who have virtually no self-discipline. In fact, the longer I stay at JLS, the more I feel that I should be gravitating towards university teaching.

In terms of researching technology in education, I came across a web site called e-Learning Centre. This site offers a primer to people who may be interested in utilizing e-learning solutions either in a higher education situation or a workplace situation.

At the same time, I have been researching doctorate programs, but before applying for a doctoral program, I might go for a post-graduate diploma program in e-Learning at University of Technology, Sydney.

Sunset cruise

A wonderful vacation nears its end. Tonight, Dad and I joined Max Mitchell for an evening boat ride on Colpoy's Bay.

The warmth of the sun greeted us as it shone over the bay with a fiery hue. As we sped across from Oxenden to Colpoy's, I found myself taking in the view all around us - Wiarton to the left, the islands to the right, and a great expanse of water in all directions. Once we pulled into Colpoy's, Max suggested going for a swim. So in we jumped. The water was surprisingly nice, and beautifully clear as always.

After the swim, we climbed back into the aluminum boat and went to the marina in Wiarton to see the sailboats. One couple was sitting on their boat chatting, but the place was quiet otherwise. Soon, we pulled into the dock area at Bluewater Park before turning back towards the bay.

I marveled at how calm the water was. Except for the tiny waves caused by whatever wisps of wind managed to work themselves up, it seemed like we were moving over glass. The sun maintained its warmth even as it came closer to setting behind the escarpment. I could also smell the fresh air and the scent of the trees as we moved near land. I felt so good being there on that boat that I realized, once again, that Wiarton is a fantastic place to be in the summer months.

As we moved back towards Oxenden, I noticed all the Canadian flags hanging near the lakeshore homes. And when I once again looked over the placid water that stretched off into the distance, I understood that this is a place that has so much to offer: nature, water sports, friendly people like Max Mitchell, and memories that I will take with me as my family and I return to Korea in a couple days.

Now we have one day left.

Nearing the end

As I sit here in the wee hours contemplating the final days of our Canada vacation, I think back to all the fun activities we've done, and especially all the people we've seen. This past weekend included short trips to Port Elgin (Friday) to see the Dodsons and Hyatts, Purple Valley (Saturday) to see other members of the Coveney side of the family, and Point Clark (Sunday) to see the Schroeder side of the family.

This was also the weekend of the Wiarton Village Fair, which we attended on Saturday afternoon and Monday evening. The girls rode on many midway rides, and they got to ride ponyback as well. I was so happy to see the girls enjoying themselves at the fair since I have fond memories of going to the fair in my childhood.

The get-together in Point Clark with the Schroeders gave the girls a chance to see and play with their cousins Anna, Liam, and Lauren. They played with each other for hours, gave each other presents, and hopefully began a lifelong friendship similar to that which I have enjoyed with my cousins over the years.