(Feedback from a participant -links have been added for viewer convenience)
It was great learning about Factsnet. As mentioned earlier I can see a lot of time and work has gone into this project. The overall intent and nature of the website was interesting. As a participant it was unique and inspirational. For example, it was very inspiring to take an object (i.e. Bellerose’s Chevy this post is only accessible to workshop participants) and view a part of history and pay a visit to that place or event.
Factsnet was obviously established and developed using a wealth of information and ideas that helps to celebrate events from both the past and the present. In other words, cherishing the old and timeless characteristics from Alberta’s traditional past (i.e. Bellerose’s Chevy) based on values and customs from the past. Blogging made it simple to post text, photos and video. Similarly, collecting and searching interesting information from the past and viewing and posting it was made simple and easy using Google Blogger as a tool. Blogging is an excellent publishing tool depending on what expectation the participant is fulfilling. Perhaps similar to using a looking glass to look back and reflecting on past history and events, such as special events and celebrations.
It was a unique way of discovering and learning about Alberta’s history. It was perhaps a bit confusing or rather difficult in understanding Marshall McLuhan’s concept of the ‘Anything Goes’ as educators always have to watch and to take care in fulfilling some aspect of learning as expectations and goals are apart of our success as educators.
The relevance of Marshall McLuhan’s quote helped in directing the eye towards what Factsnet describes as a ‘value based information and resource medium’ and along with Tom Neven’s quote that states: ‘modern communications are non-linear, disjointed, image-based and entertainment centered’. As well, it was very nice to see Premier Ed Stelmach’s speech as the official means and influence for Factsnet, as our future depends on working together as a community. Great to read how Alberta was established as a province based on our rich natural history.
Furthermore, it was interesting knowing that the ‘T’ in the acronym FACTS network comes from the word ‘twining’ meaning that family and community must work together in order to create a ‘value based information and resource medium’ like strands of baler twine. Perhaps a logo (i.e. decorative cloth or garment could help to create the visual image that twining symbolizes working together like strands of baler twine).
As a first time participant in a Factsnet workshop it seemed a bit awkward learning the how-to methods for blogging. Nevertheless, it was great fun creating, researching and learning how-to edit and create posts, as well as make comments, however as mentioned previously I felt a mentoring approach and/or training material may help to guide Factsnet participants, as there is a lot of material to learn in the workshop.
Based on my educational experience it was great to do something different both as a teacher and learner. Enjoyed the commitment and sharing of ideas that the Factsnet workshop offered as I felt it was a very productive and successful workshop and I look forward to any future workshops. Thank you, Dave it was great sharing this professional development day with you.
Yours truly,
Wendy Serbin
