Today was the first day of 2 classes that I'm taking. And after 8 hours of learning things in 2 different classrooms - for the first time in about 10 years - I have to say I'm exhausted. However, I loved both of the classes and I loved learning new things. I'm one of those nerds that gets excited about taking classes. I'm usually all for taking classes in things that have no bearing on what I'm doing right now. Though that gets a bit pricey, so I only actually take classes for my job or a future job.
In today's instance, the first class was on InDesign. This program may help with my job, but the best part is that it will help with a possible new job in Publishing which is something I'd love to get into.
The second class is on Interior Design which is the first in a group of classes I'm taking in Theatre Design. Hopefully this will help in writing about theatre and may possibly take off into a future in the theatre.
The problem is that both classes are super interesting, but neither actually work together in regards to a new job. For now, I'm loving just learning all the stuff. Though, I'm still not sure I'm good at either of the subjects...Fingers crossed, aside from any future jobs, I'll at least do well.
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Monday, October 23, 2017
Friday, January 6, 2017
One Very Long Week
After a very long week, in which I worked much longer than 8 hours everyday, there'll be no Friday Five. Unfortunately, I didn't have any time to discover anything fabulous because I was much too busy trying not to lose my mind.
Though, I suppose the most fabulous thing though, would have to be getting everything that we needed to get done, done. There was a far amount of scrambling, and a fair amount of whining. There was some heavy lifting and some dull reading. There was some greasy pizza and some outright cursing. But in the end, everything made it out the door in the insane time limit that was given to us. We won't know until next week how everything looks to the people with the checkbooks, but I do believe we rocked it hard.
Now, it's off to do what people that rocked it hard do - go off to sleep cozily in their beds at 9:00 on a Friday night...
Though, I suppose the most fabulous thing though, would have to be getting everything that we needed to get done, done. There was a far amount of scrambling, and a fair amount of whining. There was some heavy lifting and some dull reading. There was some greasy pizza and some outright cursing. But in the end, everything made it out the door in the insane time limit that was given to us. We won't know until next week how everything looks to the people with the checkbooks, but I do believe we rocked it hard.
Now, it's off to do what people that rocked it hard do - go off to sleep cozily in their beds at 9:00 on a Friday night...
Monday, April 20, 2015
Flipping Out
Aside from getting everything done before I leave for parts unknown in 36 hours, and living through a tornado warning, today was your usual boring Monday. Except for the crazy seminar I was forced to attend on Flipping the Classroom. Apparently when you work in education and training, seminars taught by teachers who teach teachers are a thing you're forced to live through. I've been here and done this once before - Train the Trainer - and it was not my cup of tea.
Today's was no different. What was worse was that I actually thought this one might be fun. But the "science" just didn't make sense. If you're new to the Flipping the Classroom thing, it's the new hippy dippy trend in education. Teachers give actual learning (videos, powerpoints, etc.) for homework then students use what they learn in class, essentially doing old school homework with the teacher. It's supposed to be a grand idea. And in theory I suppose it makes sense.
However, by giving students videos and things to watch, you're still giving them homework, per se. It doesn't sound much different than the homework I had. And the part that really throws me is the skills part. So, say you're in 1st grade and you're learning 1 + 1 and 2+2. Giving you videos about this and then working on worksheets in class, isn't really helping you memorize this fact. It's one of those things that you just need to remember. Doing the old school homework by writing these facts and solving these problems (multiplication tables, spelling words, etc.) are the best way for your sense memory to kick in.
I also have a problem with the teacher. She's a lovely woman and very sweet. And I love activities such as writing on placemats or stretching mid class by doing semi-sorta jumping jacks, just as much as the next girl - or just as much as the next girl who also taught pre-school. But something tells me if we were to throw these activities on the computer nerds we teach, they'd be giving us some major side eye.
Also, and as a purely personal matter of taste - slides covered in orange with a Bad Moon Rising sort of theme (with grammatical errors and formatting errors on each slide) is not the best way to show how much you know.
Oh well. It wasn't a total loss. At least we get credit for the class and there were no ice breakers - truly the worst part of any class for an introvert like me. I'll take the win!
Today's was no different. What was worse was that I actually thought this one might be fun. But the "science" just didn't make sense. If you're new to the Flipping the Classroom thing, it's the new hippy dippy trend in education. Teachers give actual learning (videos, powerpoints, etc.) for homework then students use what they learn in class, essentially doing old school homework with the teacher. It's supposed to be a grand idea. And in theory I suppose it makes sense.
However, by giving students videos and things to watch, you're still giving them homework, per se. It doesn't sound much different than the homework I had. And the part that really throws me is the skills part. So, say you're in 1st grade and you're learning 1 + 1 and 2+2. Giving you videos about this and then working on worksheets in class, isn't really helping you memorize this fact. It's one of those things that you just need to remember. Doing the old school homework by writing these facts and solving these problems (multiplication tables, spelling words, etc.) are the best way for your sense memory to kick in.
I also have a problem with the teacher. She's a lovely woman and very sweet. And I love activities such as writing on placemats or stretching mid class by doing semi-sorta jumping jacks, just as much as the next girl - or just as much as the next girl who also taught pre-school. But something tells me if we were to throw these activities on the computer nerds we teach, they'd be giving us some major side eye.
Also, and as a purely personal matter of taste - slides covered in orange with a Bad Moon Rising sort of theme (with grammatical errors and formatting errors on each slide) is not the best way to show how much you know.
Oh well. It wasn't a total loss. At least we get credit for the class and there were no ice breakers - truly the worst part of any class for an introvert like me. I'll take the win!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Drink'N Learn
I have to say, when a friend asked me to attend a lecture on Prohibition with her, I was less than enthused. I graduated college a few years ago, that should afford me certain privileges, such as not attending lectures on boring topics such as prohibition. But she really wanted to go and I thought I'd be nice, plus I knew we'd grab dinner afterwards so at least there would be food.
After attending the lecture, I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently, the lecturer, Elizabeth Pearce is a native New Orlean'er (?) and basically created her own career. She taught for a bit then started curating exhibits on food and drink then somehow went into the history of prohibition in New Orleans. My friend found out about her through a drinking & walking tour of New Orleans in which she makes a bunch of drinks for you to try as you're touring the city. In other words, she's pretty awesome and is basically my idol. (I'm DYING to create my own career!)
All in all, a lecture on alcohol for someone who doesn't drink seemed like a hard sell, but with her knowledge and sense of humour, it was a pretty interesting evening! Now I have yet another reason to travel to New Orleans!
After attending the lecture, I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently, the lecturer, Elizabeth Pearce is a native New Orlean'er (?) and basically created her own career. She taught for a bit then started curating exhibits on food and drink then somehow went into the history of prohibition in New Orleans. My friend found out about her through a drinking & walking tour of New Orleans in which she makes a bunch of drinks for you to try as you're touring the city. In other words, she's pretty awesome and is basically my idol. (I'm DYING to create my own career!)
All in all, a lecture on alcohol for someone who doesn't drink seemed like a hard sell, but with her knowledge and sense of humour, it was a pretty interesting evening! Now I have yet another reason to travel to New Orleans!
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