Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Look Up

Ian Jukes - Teaching the Digital Generation: Powerful Teaching Strategie...

Hackschooling makes me happy: Logan LaPlante at TEDxUniversityofNevada

TEDxManitoba - Rick Van Eck - The Gaming of Educational Transformation

Chris Gayomali: "The benefits of writing by hand."

4 Benefits of Writing by Hand

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filed under: writing
By Chris Gayomali
Today is National Handwriting Day! Although we don't write like we used to, here are four ways handwriting is still helpful.

1. IT'S BETTER FOR LEARNING

One of the most effective ways to study and retain new information is to rewrite your notes by hand. That's because putting ink to paper stimulates a part of the brain called the Reticular Activating System, or the RAS. According to Lifehacker, "The RAS acts as a filter for everything your brain needs to process, giving more importance to the stuff that you're actively focusing on that moment — something that the physical act of writing brings to the forefront." One study from 2010 found that the brain areas associated with learning "lit up" much more when kids were asked to write words like "spaceship" by hand versus just studying the word closely. 

2. IT MAKES YOU A BETTER WRITER

Many famous authors opt for the meticulousness of writing by hand over the utility of a typewriter or computer. In a 1995 interview with the Paris Review, writer Susan Sontag said that she penned her first drafts the analog way before typing them up for editing later. "I write with a felt-tip pen, or sometimes a pencil, on yellow or white legal pads, that fetish of American writers," she said. "I like the slowness of writing by hand." Novelist Truman Capote insisted on a similar process, although his involved lying down with a coffee and cigarette nearby. "No, I don't use a typewriter," he said in an interview. "Not in the beginning. I write my first version in longhand (pencil). Then I do a complete revision, also in longhand." A 2009 study from the University of Washington seems to support Sontag, Capote, and many other writers' preference for writing by hand: Elementary school students who wrote essays with a pen not only wrote more than their keyboard-tapping peers, but they also wrote faster and in more complete sentences.  

3. IT WILL PREVENT YOU FROM BEING DISTRACTED

The computer in front of you is a time-sucking portal to puppy videos and ex-boyfriend/girlfriend stalking. That's why self-imposed lockout programs like Facebook Limiterand Minutes Please exist in the first place. Of course, the internet isn't all bad. In 2012, neuroscientists even suggested that taking five-minute breaks to browse Tumblr or BuzzFeedcould make you a more productive worker. On the other hand, when you're all GIF'd-out and it's time to work on that dissertation, there's something to be said for the elegant simplicity of having only a pen and paper in front of you... especially since that paper probably isn't plugged into the distraction-laden internet. Try writing with laser-like focus for short 20-minute stretches at a time.

4. IT KEEPS YOUR BRAIN SHARP AS YOU GET OLDER

Writing longhand is a workout. No, not necessarily for your wrist, but for your brain. According to The Wall Street Journal, some physicians claim that the act of writing — which engages your motor-skills, memory, and more — is good cognitive exercise for baby boomers who want to keep their minds sharp as they age. And if you're looking to pick up a new skill, a 2008 study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that adults had an easier time recognizing new characters — like Chinese, math symbols, or music notes — that were written by hand over characters generated by a computer.

Take Notes by Hand for Better Long-Term Comprehension - Association for Psychological Science

Take Notes by Hand for Better Long-Term Comprehension - Association for Psychological Science

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Quiet: "The power of introverts"


"I prefer listening to talking, reading to socializing … I like to think before I speak (softly)." — Susan Cain


Susan Cain’s TED talks

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http://on.ted.com/Cain


Monday, June 23, 2014

Twitter

I was new on Twitter and this website helped me to understand what is twitter and how it works. 


 https://support.twitter.com/groups/50-welcome-to-twitter#topic_203


The Twitter glossary from the link:

The Twitter Glossary contains vocabulary frequently used to talk about features on our site and aspects of our service. Following each definition are links to related articles in our help center for further exploration of each term.






Thursday, June 19, 2014

Music

Bolero De Ravel a delight for our souls.

Tips for Non-GMO Summer Skin Care

From the Non GMO Project Blog: http://www.nongmoproject.org/2014/06/19/11-tips-for-non-gmo-summer-skin-care/


11 Tips for Non-GMO Summer Skin Care

June 19, 2014
As BBQs, swimming, gardening and recreational adventures ramp up for the summer season, consider what this extra outdoor time means for the largest organ of the human body—your skin! Since warm weather is right around the corner for much of the country, the Non-GMO Project has reached out to the skin experts for ideas on how to keep your skin in love with summer. Companies of Non-GMO Project Verified skin products share some of their favorite tips to having the healthiest, happiest and non-GMO summer skin possible.
skinbeachboy

Raw Elements

Apply Enough Sunscreen and Reapply Often 
In order for sunscreen to be effective as advertised, the correct amount must be applied.  Approximately a teaspoon size amount is needed to adequately protect the face, ears and neck. Using less than the correct amount drastically reduces the sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin and the SPF claim will not be met. It is imperative to reapply sunscreen often, at least every 80 minutes during long periods of sun exposure. It is wise to reapply after any water exposure, sweating or towel drying. Applying and reapplying often will give the sunscreen the best chance to perform effectively.
Choose Broad Spectrum Zinc Oxide Protection 
Donʼt let the term Ê»Broad Spectrumʼ on the label make the sale for you; look deeper. Zinc Oxide is the only ingredient that physically blocks the entire range of UVA & UVB. Zinc Oxide sits on top of skin and is not absorbed like other ingredients. It is also not a skin irritant. Look for Zinc Oxide percentages to be over 18% and the only active ingredient.

Dr. Bronner’s

Discover Coconut Oil’s Many Talents 
Coconut oil is more than a tasty cooking ingredient. It’s also good for makeup removal—especially around the eyes where skin is the most delicate—and replenishing skin cells in the epidermis. As an added bonus, it also helps battle wrinkles!

Andalou Naturals

Love the Shade
It’s important to limit direct sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through cloud cover. For best protection and comfort it’s best to stay in the shade.
Get an Undercover Agent
Wear clothes that protect your body. If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a hat. Consider using an umbrella for shade. And don’t forget to protect your eyes with quality sunglasses that offer maximum UV protection.
Defend the Skin You’re In
Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin damage and premature aging caused by weakened, damaged cells, described as free radicals. To help defend your skin against damaging free-radicals and premature aging, we recommend our antioxidant-rich Daily Defense SPF 18 and BB Beauty Balms with SPF 30. Better than ordinary facial sunscreens, Andalou Naturals facial sunscreens with Fruit Stem Cell Science act like supplements for your skin, working inside and out.
Renew, Repair, Regenerate!
Antioxidants are nature’s secret weapon against premature aging caused by sun damage. Antioxidants effectively neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons to mend and stabilize the weakened, damaged cells. These stable antioxidant nutrients act as scavengers, helping to prevent and reverse cellular tissue damage. Fruit Stem Cell Science is a highly concentrated and effective dermal delivery for cell-saving antioxidants.

HANA Organic Skincare

Get a Good Tone! 
Toners work to rehydrate dry, dull summer skin and restore your skin’s natural pH level. Spritz our Gentle Toner onto your face and neck to refresh and invigorate, after cleansing or taking a dip in the ocean!
Hydration for Health 
Drink water! Our bodies need water to thrive, and our skin needs water to keep it hydrated, supple, and full of nutrients. Four to six glasses a day, especially with the summer heat, and your skin will thank you!

Alaffia

Make Friends with Shea Butter
Unrefined Shea butter is one of your skin’s best friends. In recent clinical trials, Shea Butter was found to help to protect skin against climate and UV aggressions, prevent wrinkle formation, soothe irritated and chapped skin, and moisturize the epidermis. Shea Butter also enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation, which helps prevent and minimize stretch marks, inflammations, and scarring. For direct application to the skin, take a small amount in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to warm up the butter until it is smooth and liquid. Then, apply to your skin. If you are concerned about an oily feeling, use only a small amount or apply the Shea Butter before going to bed. Shea Butter absorbs quickly into the skin, but there will be a few minutes that it feels oily.
Cook with Red Palm Oil
Its common knowledge that one of the most important things you can do for your hair and skin is eat a healthy diet and drink sufficient amounts of water. The hair specifically requires fat soluble vitamins A & E to nourish the roots and scalp. Red Palm Oil is not only very high in vitamin E, but also in beta carotene. When consumed, beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A. One tablespoon of Alaffia’s Non-GMO Project Verified Red Palm contains 170% of the daily value for vitamin A!





Non GMO Project

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
For consumers, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on food ingredients that are at-risk of being genetically modified, as the list of at-risk agricultural ingredients is frequently changing. As part of the Non-GMO Project’s commitment to informed consumer choice, we work diligently to maintain an accurate list of risk ingredients.
Agricultural products are segmented into two groups: (1) those that arehigh-risk of being GMO because they are currently in commercial production, and (2) those that have a monitored risk because suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible. For more information on the Non-GMO Project’s testing and verification of risk ingredients and processed foods, please see the Non-GMO Project Standard.
High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):
  • Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
  • Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
  • Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
  • Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)
Listed in Appendix B of the Non-GMO Project Standard are a number of high-risk inputs, including those derived from GMO microorganisms, the above crops or animals fed these crops or their derivatives.
Monitored Crops (those for which suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred, and those crops which have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination is possible; we test regularly to assess risk, and move to “High-Risk” category for ongoing testing if we see contamination):
  • Beta vulgaris (e.g., chard, table beets)
  • Brassica napa (e.g., rutabaga, Siberian kale)
  • Brassica rapa (e.g., bok choy, mizuna, Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, tatsoi)
  • Cucurbita (acorn squash, delicata squash, patty pan)
  • Flax
  • Rice
  • Wheat
Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.
You may also be wondering about…
  • Tomatoes: In 1994, genetically modified Flavr Savr tomatoes became the first commercially produced GMOs. They were brought out of production just a few years later, in 1997, due to problems with flavor and ability to hold up in shipping. There are no genetically engineered tomatoes in commercial production, and tomatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
  • Potatoes: Genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes were introduced by Monsanto in 1996. Due to consumer rejection by several fast-food chains and chip makers, the product was never successful and was discontinued in the spring of 2001. There are no genetically engineered potatoes in commercial production, and potatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
  • Salmon: A company called AquaBounty is currently petitioning the FDA to approve its genetically engineered variety of salmon, which has met with fierce consumer resistance. 
  • Pigs: A genetically engineered variety of pig, called Enviropig was developed by scientists at the University of Guelph, with research starting in 1995 and government approval sought beginning in 2009. In 2012 the University announced an end to the Enviropig program, and the pigs themselves were euthanized in June 2012.
 Here the link: http://www.nongmoproject.org

Facilitators in Education





We are SO Excited to share this illustrated video that uses simple language and charming illustrations to explain just what we facilitators do!

In only 4 minutes the video describes the three principal dimensions of the facilitator´s job in a way that your friends, colleagues, clients -- even your mother-in-law - can understand.

As far as we know, no one has ever told the group facilitator´s story this way before.

Does the video match your concept of what a facilitator does? What other metaphors do you use to describe the role?

Would you like to know more about what Facilitation really is and how you can become a professional facilitator?

Check out our website to find out! http://english.iifac.org/

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creators

I would like to share with all of you this link that talks about the  Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creators (http://mor10.com/code-of-ethics-for-bloggers-social-media-and-content-creators/). His creator is Morten Rand-Hendriksen how has his digital media company based in Burnaby, BC.

Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creators


As an Online Content Creator – whether it be as a blogger, a video blogger, a podcaster, a microblogger or a general social media participant – you are an important part of the wider public knowledge creation and discussion. This role carries with it a responsibility to be fair, honest and respectful not only toward your fellow members of society but also toward fact. The content you create today will more than likely outlast both the content’s relevance and your own lifetime and it is of vital importance that it be a truthful representation of the topic at hand not only for those who access it today but for those who access it in the distant future. Above all else your job as a Content Creator is to present fact as fact and opinion as opinion. To this end I have created a Blogger and Content Creator’s Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical guidelines any and all Content Creators should go by when publishing material of any sort for public consumption. The Blogger and Content Creator’s Code of Ethics is closely based on the Code of Ethics for the Norwegian Press published by the Norwegian Press Association and adhered to by all members of the Norwegian press.
This is a work in progress. Please submit your comments, questions, suggestions and edits in the comments below and I will apply them as time allows.

Short Version

1. It is your right to voice your opinion. Freedom of Speech, Information, Publication and Expression are basic elements of a democracy. As a Content Creator it is your obligation to use and protect these rights at all times.
2. Be critical of everything, even your self. As a Content Creator you are part of the creation of free knowledge creation and discussion. It is your obligation to shed critical light on what goes on in society as well as how Content Creators, including your self, are presenting these events.
3. Use your power to protect. As a Content Creator you can shine a light on injustices and neglect perpetrated on individuals and groups. Use this power wisely.
4. Tell the truth at all times. With great power comes great responsibility. Words and images are powerful weapons that should be used with the utmost care. When publishing content, present the facts as they are, even if you disagree with them.
5. Present your opinion as your opinion. Your opinion and interpretation of events is important and should be shared but must never be confused with hard facts or data. When voicing your own or someone else’s opinion or interpretation, always state it as such. Never present opinion, interpretation or conjecture as fact.
6. State your allegiances to stay independent. To preserve your own trustworthiness and integrity as a Content Creator, always state any relation, financial, personal, political or otherwise, to the subject or topic you are presenting. Bias, even if it is only perceived as such, immediately discredits your account unless you warn of it first. In simple terms; if you have a political affiliation that colours your judgment, say so; if you are employed by or received money from the subject you are covering, say so; if you were given gifts or preferential treatment in return for a positive review or commentary, say so. By stating these facts of allegiance your opinions gain informational value that would otherwise be lost in suspicion of bias.
7. Reveal your sources unless doing so can harm your sources. Always reveal your sources to ensure transparency unless doing so may put the source in harms way. In ensuring transparency you lend credibility to your own content as well as provide others to further pursue the facts of the matter.
8. Be critical of your sources and seek independent verification. Even if you are ethical and unbiased there is no guarantee your sources are. Before presenting information as fact, always check your source’s credibility and seek independent verification of these facts. If none can be found, state so clearly.
9. Always give credit where credit is due. Give proper attribution when using, quoting or basing your content on the work of others. In other words present quotes as quotes, link to original articles, give photo and illustration credit to the original creator etc.
10. Always preserve the intended meaning of a given statement. When quoting or paraphrasing a statement always ensure that the intended meaning is communicated. Never edit or change a statement in such a way that the intended meaning is changed.
11. Give your opponent a chance to respond. The very foundation of an open discussion is to give either side an opportunity to voice their opinion. Always provide an opportunity for your opponent to present the case of the opposing side.
12. Admit and correct your mistakes immediately. When an inaccuracy or error in your content is discovered by you or someone else, correct it immediately and announce that you have done so to ensure that those who base their opinions and other content creation on the incorrect information have a chance to make corrections as well. It is your duty to uphold the truth and present fact even if that means admitting you were wrong.