The Orange Peal

Fields states “rudeness is a neurotoxin”

ckjudd1 — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:46:37 +0000

“Americans are rude” states Dr. Douglas Fields, Chief of the Nervous System Development and Plasticity Section, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. We are rude. As Home Depot associates we experience rudeness on a daily basis. However, it is safe to say that everyone is rude no matter where they come from. That my friend is a result of globalization. We have no longer cornered the market on rudeness.
Fields (2011) states that “A disrespectful, stressful social environment is a neurotoxin for the brain and psyche, and the scars are permanent”. Fields describes the attitudes and dialogue in the old television show “Leave it to Beaver” as reflecting the social discourse and the use of manners in the home as well as outside the home. Taking a look back on some of those old black and white sitcoms can be a real eye opener. In comparison, spend a few minutes watching today’s television programming and movies and the contrast is startling. Fields describes today’s programs show “domestic and social interactions driven by narcissism, factionalism, competition and selfishness”.
So what does that mean for us. For many of us, it simply represents a deteriorating society and we are able to draw the comparison between generations. For our young children, the damage can be severe. Especially when they are exposed to real life stress and serious psychological trauma. The trauma can cause damage to the development of child’s brain and can result in drug use, alcoholism, depression, aggressive behavior, and anger in their later years. “Using modern brain imaging” explains Fields (2011),” the physical damage to these children’s brain development can be seen as clearly as a bone fracture on an X-ray”.
Also states Fields:

“A series of studies by a group of psychiatrists and brain imaging scientists lead by Martin Teicher, of Harvard Medical School, shows that even hostile words in the form of verbal abuse can cause these brain changes and enduring psychiatric risks for young adults. In a study published in 2006, the researchers showed that parental verbal abuse was more strongly associated with these detrimental effects on brain development than was parental physical abuse.”
I imagine that witnessing this type of behavior on television or at the movies is not helping the situation. I have seen videos of nannies and babysitters being caught on hidden camera hitting and abusing kids. The images are shocking and appalling and we know that if it was our kid we were watching being abused, the abuser could not find a place on earth to hide from our retribution. We need to remember that next time we throw on the old babysitter while we go about our business.

Fields, Douglas, Dr.(2011) Rudeness is a neurotoxin. The Huffington Post. Posted January 5, 2011.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-douglas-fields/rudeness-is-a-neurotoxin_b_765908.html

a rewarding lesson

ckjudd1 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:17:15 +0000

As a researcher, and doctoral candidate at the University of West Florida, I spend a fair amount of time at the university going from building to building, department to department, however, I never really thought about the nature and hiking trails that cover the grounds. I would always tell myself that one day I will take some time and walk a couple of the trails just to see for myself what seems to be a very popular past time. We live right outside the gates of the university and so its literally a minute from our front door.

My doctor told me that I needed a better exercise plan and walking would be a good start. I thought I was getting enough just running around my work at Home Depot, but I guess I was wrong. A couple of years back we gained two additional members to our family, a golden named Max and a border colie/ newfe mix named Zoot. They have really changed our lives in so many positive ways.
I logged on to the university web site and printed off a couple of the trail maps and started taking the dogs out to the trails once a day and we have been doing it ever since. They get the outdoor exercise they need and so do I. It is just some simple quiet time and I have come to love it and am disappointed when a busy schedule prevents me from doing it.

So, if you need to get some exercise, find a dog and a trail and go for it.

Spatial Thinking and Web 2.0 Geospatial Applications

ckjudd1 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:56:52 +0000

There are numerous types of thinking: logical, metaphorical, hypothetical, mathematical, verbal, and spatial just to name a few. Spatial thinking has been receiving increased attention in the past couple of years. Some possible reasons are the rapid development of commercial geo-technologies such as recreational GPS devices both handheld and in-vehicle. Virtual globe software has both increased in accuracy and complexity and become more readily available for desktop use. Global issues such as the need for renewable energy sources, biodiversity loss, hazards both natural and manmade, and the state of human health are growing in their complexity and affecting our daily lives in both positive and negative ways. Finally, accelerated globalization is showing the need for increased spatial thinking and an awareness that our current educational system needs to make necessary changes to keep pace with the rest of the world. It will be vital for our cultural and technological advancement that we educate students in the development and use of spatial thinking.

Unfortunately, educational institutions are slow to adopt a specified curriculum in spatial learning. Spatial learning skills can be integrated into multiple educational disciplines. The use of geospatial tools has tremendous potential to increase the advancement of an educational curriculum that is rich in spatial thinking development. There are a number of Web 2.0 geospatial applications that have the potential to be effective tools for spatial learning skills development. I have developed a short presentation on spatial learning, Web 2.0 geospatial tools, and how Google Earth has many advantages for educators in multiple disciplines. Here is a link to my Google Site.

Next time don’t smile

ckjudd1 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:53:47 +0000

This whole story is just wrong on so many levels. A Canadian woman by the name of Nathalie Blanchard lost her long-term sick leave benefits when her insurance company, Manulife, found pictures of her on Facebook appearing to have a good time. Blanchard was diagnosed with major depression and was on long-term sick leave from her job at IBM in Bromont, Quebec. She had been receiving monthly payments from Manulife, however, this fall the payments dried up. When Blanchard contacted Manulife concerning her benefits, she was told that she was available to work because photos on Facebook depicting her enjoying herself on holiday at the beach and a birthday party proved to the company that Blanchard was no longer depressed and she could return to work.

Blanchard told the CBC that her doctor had instructed her to go out and have a good time, get together with friends, and try to forget life’s problems. Currently, she has enlisted the services of a lawyer to help her get her benefits back. According to the report by the Associated Press, Manulife would not comment on the Blanchard situation, but stated that the company would not deny or terminate benefits due to information published on the internet or Facebook. Yeah right. What exactly was her insurance agent doing looking up her profile on Facebook anyway?

I am not going to berate insurance companies and their ethical contradictions, but you are dealing with organizations who are determined to find a way, any way not to pay benefits to their clients. So, if you rely on them in any way, you become public property. Be prepared. Also at issue is the use of Facebook as a portal into your life. Millions of people use Facebook in both productive and destructive ways. Allowing that kind of transparency into your life is risky at best. I am not saying Facebook is bad. I actually enjoy using it and being in touch with friends. But when it comes to sensitive issues, less is best.

Sharing Neko Case

ckjudd1 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:51:21 +0000

I am happiest when I can share experiences with my ten year old son. We both have an incredible love of music. In the past year, my son has become quite an accomplished drummer. We gave him a new drum set last winter and he has since developed his talent. I am proud. What can I say. Especially since I never really learned an instrument myself. What I really love is sharing my music with him. He has developed his own tastes, after all, he is a ten year old. But for the most part, he likes a lot of the music I do.

One of my favorites these past few years has been Neko Case. There is just some music that strikes a deep inner chord within and Neko Case provides. She is a rare talent and I was not sure if my son would be quite so engaged. We had an opportunity to see her in Birmingham, Alabama last spring and it was a real treat. I know he enjoyed it and talked about it often with his friends. But tonight, we drove over to Tallahassee from Pensacola to see her again at the Moon and it was unbelievable. At first, my son was a little apprehensive to move up close to the stage because the opening band, Deer Tick, was pretty loud. Good, but loud. However, I convinced him that it would not nearly be as loud closer to the stage because we would be between the PA towers. So we moved up and up and by the time Neko came on, my son was right at her feet leaning on the edge of the stage. I think I had as much fun watching my son watch her. He was blown away. Fan for life. Those are my favorite moments.

By the way, if you get a chance to see her, you really need to go. She is absolutely fantastic live. We have seen her twice within the past year and she did different sets of songs each time which made each show unique. She finished the show with a blitz of old tunes,”The Train from Kansas City”, “The Tigers have Spoken”, and “Favorite”.

Cool School

ckjudd1 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:51:15 +0000

Fayetteville Technical Community College was the first college in North Carolina to offer online courses and now they are leading in another area; simulation-based learning. The Advanced Visualization and Interactive Design Center is located in the Harry F. Shaw Virtual College Center at FTCC. The Center was designed to deliver leading edge interactive 3D and Virtual Reality curriculum to develop local economic and workforce development.

The Center which was opened in 2008 focuses on three key areas: developing simulation modeling technicians, creating interactive objects for other collegiate disciplines such as business, communications,nursing, radiology, and criminal justice, to use in training their respective students; and creating models for businesses to use in workforce training and development. The Simulation Modeling Technician Certification is a 16-week program that consists of four courses and a Capstone Exercise. The courses include Computer Aided Design, Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems, 3D Modeling, and simulation and game development programming. The Capstone Exercise is an experiential learning activity that facilitates student interactions and conversations with professionals outside of the classroom.

The Advanced Visualization and Interactive Design Center facilities include:

* Visual Learning Labs- designed for faculty and students to communicate ideas for discovery and development

* Telepresence Lab – an innovation hub for advanced distance learning and human interaction that provides cognitive eye-to-eye contact for more effective collaboration of ideas

* Immersive Learning Lab- A CAVE environment to create hands-on learning-by-doing.

* Experience and Discovery Lab- an innovative method of knowledge transfer in order for audiences to discover new ideas and concepts

*Broadcast Studio and Lab – a digital and 3D media environment where students and faculty can learn how to integrate virtual reality technologies with traditional media capabilities and emerging broadcast technologies

* Development Lab – provides 3D content life cycle development in order to support advanced distance and simulation based learning initiatives

ckjudd1 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:48:36 +0000

With the rapid development of Web 2.0 technologies comes the increasingly difficult challenge to educate and engage today’s students. The 21st century student gets the majority of their information digitally. As instructors, the pressure is on to provide educational content that can both instruct and capture the imagination. That was the challenge put forth to the Florida Virtual School and 360Ed Inc. and the result has been the development of a truly innovative series of courses called Conspiracy Code. Conspiracy Code is a new interactive learning environment that facilitates the development of 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking with the aid of Web 2.0 technologies.
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is an established leader in award winning virtual K-12 education solutions. Founded in 1997, Florida Virtual School was the United States first public state-wide internet-based education program that provided unique solutions for K-12 students. FLVS teamed with 360Ed., an award-winning interactive education company based in Orlando, Florida, to create the ground breaking online game-based learning environment.

The American History course is a game-based environment that takes place in the fictional online location Coverton City. A devious organization called Conspiracy Incorporated is attempting to rewrite history in a plot to take over the world. By rewriting history, they can coerce the residents to follow their plan. Enter two high school students, Libby Whitetree, and Eddie Flash, with B.E.N, a Bio-Electronic Navigator, to save history and foil the plot. The students play the parts of the characters and defeat the agents of Conspiracy Incorporated and set the tables of history right.

The online gaming environment features, clue finding, interactive information modules, a system of note-taking, a large environment navigation system, character interactions, and assessments. The game is monitored and administrated through an integrated content management system that students use to communicate with Faculty, submit written assignments, participate in chat discussions, and view announcements.

Cool.

On Lambert…..

ckjudd1 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:18:58 +0000

Since we are on the subject of Web 2.0 technologies such as YouTube, I might as well chime in on Elizabeth Lambert, the University of New Mexico soccer player turned freakazoid who went on a rampage against BYU in the Mountain West Conference semifinals. It is all over YouTube. Of course it is, its violent. It shows one human being taking it out on another. Meanwhile, every have no girlfriend, no life, I sit and play video games all day in my underwear, cheesepuff eating fool is getting off on it. According to ESPN, Lambert has been suspended indefinitely for her actions. She should be gone. Out of the program. History. Women’s soccer has come a long way with the hard work of players and coaches who really care about the game. It takes some idiot like Lambert to undue the efforts of others.

The level of violence in sports is climbing to scary new levels. It seems like everytime we tune in for a game, somebody is going after someone. So much money is being poured into college sports that we forget that these are institutions that were created to develop and educate our young people. Are Lambert’s actions the result of higher education? Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount will probably get to play this season after all. It doesn’t matter that he was suspended for the rest of season for punching a Boise State player in the season opener. What is important is Oregon’s ranking and what bowl game they land. Screw the example he set for America’s youth.

Bundle up, a tropical storm is coming

ckjudd1 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:25:28 +0000

You gotta love Florida weather. Isn’t it great! Oh, we are just sitting here relaxing, watching Monday Night Football, nice chill in the air because it is almost the middle of November, and waiting out a hurric…tropical storm. Awesome. This is one of those “I have seen everything” episodes that we will be talking about in the not-so-distant future.

Transformative Learning

ckjudd1 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:09:56 +0000

Participating in online learning communities gives us the opportunity to be exposed to varying viewpoints and perspectives. Since members of an online learning community are often geographically separated, there is a tremendous amount of diversity in these communities. Diversity among learners is a true benefit to the online environment and enriches the learning experience. Many of us will bring our personal perspectives to the community. Our perspectives have been reinforced by our personal experiences or by ideologies we are continuously exposed to in our daily life. Whatever the reason, the meanings that we create from our experiences and our surroundings are powerful and greatly influence how we may look at things and create meaning.

Transformative learning is the process where we challenge those habitual frames of reference and mindsets. If we critically examine our views and perspectives and make them more open and inclusive we will have transformed some meanings in our world. Transformative learning involves critical thinking and discrimination, being open to different opinions and views that can be established through discourse. In recent years I have spent some personal time investigating the controversy over the use of the Confederate battle flag and other southern iconography. The debate over the use of the embattled emblems has been emotional and sometimes violent. The view held by many white southerners is that the flag and other symbols represent a heritage and tradition that has nothing to do with slavery and the oppression of an entire race of people. Many southerners can trace their familial history back to members who served under the “stars and bars”. A majority of the southern men who fought for the Confederacy in fact did not own slaves and had no stake in the conflict as far as slavery was concerned. For them, the war was an unwarranted invasion of their homeland and most willingly picked arms to defend it. For many, the Confederate battle flag simply represents the ultimate sacrifice that members of their family and their society gave to preserve a way of life.

However, for many others, the flag and other southern iconography represent an evil that was visited upon their race and still has implications in our society today. The flag itself may not represent slavery or the oppression of a people, but it has many times been adopted by radical hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacy groups. The actions of these hate groups can never be erased and many African-Americans can still remember a time when they lived in fear. The Confederate battle flag for them is a constant reminder of that time.

In recent years the flag and other southern iconography has been removed from the public sphere. Both opinions and positions are firmly entrenched. However, some teachers and educational institutions are choosing to engage in dialogue and collaborative learning to present both sides of the debate to promote a greater understanding of the issue. If students are open to differing opinions and perspectives and can effectively research the issue from both sides of the debate, real transformative learning can happen. The point is not to change minds but to open minds. The benefit will be learners who can think critically on issues and through research and constructive dialogue, come to a more productive understanding of their world.