Podcast Stuff - Episode 52 of Down the Hall

Isn't it amazing what you can do with DNA?

In this week's episode, we talk about how a researcher has managed to code every one of Shakespeare's sonnets into a strand of his DNA (the "why" of this may elude you). Is this the key to our data storage solutions? Not until it doesn't cost you multiple thousands of dollars to decode the DNA strand. But it's still cool!

We also have part 2 of our interview with Dr. Michael Marker, talking about the challenges involved with bringing good education to remote indigenous communities, as well as getting a little bit metaphysical. How about the clash of cultures when attempting to bring teachers to these communities from the outside? It's another great interview, one that I know you'll enjoy (though you should listen to Part 1 if you haven't already).

All of this, the remains of an English king, and why Penguins don't tweet!

You can check out episode 52 here.

You know what else you could do on this Valentine's Day (ok, week, since we still have a few days)? You know, as a Valentine for me?

Why not go to our Facebook page and "like" us?

You do care about me, don't you?

Don't answer that.

Podcast Stuff - Episode 51 of Down the Hall

It's always fun when you get really fascinating people to sit down for an interview with you.

In episode 51, we have our first-ever two-part interview. I talked to Dr. Michael Marker, from the Educational Studies department in the Faculty of Education (loyal fans may remember him from episode 37). We talked about a wide range of subjects, from schools as transformative experiences (hence the title of the episode) to academic conferences and the problems some of them have, and the great work that many MET students have been doing in his ETEC 521 course.

He also provides some great music too.

Make sure you join us in two weeks for part 2.

Fiona and I also talk about culturally-responsive education, and we extol the virtues of the Radiolab podcasts and site. There's even talk of rat-licking!

You can download or listen to the episode here. Let us know what you think!

You know what else you can do? You can make us cry with happiness by liking us on Facebook! Because my happiness tear ducts haven't received enough of a workout yet this year.

Go on! Do it for me.

Podcast Stuff - Episode 50 of Down the Hall

Has it really been 50 episodes? We started this podcast back in December 2010 and it's been going strong with only a couple of hiccups along the way. I'm very proud of what we've done with it.

It's also the first episode of 2013, so there's a double-reason to reflect on things.

We have an interview with Dr. Marv Westwood, head of the Veterans Transition Program out of UBC. He tells us all about the program, from how it was envisioned to what it has done to help those service members who have been traumatized by their experiences, and to help them return to civilian life. It's a wonderful program, and the interview is fabulous.

We also talk about the Royal Canadian Legion (for some reason I keep trying to type Canadian Foreign Legion, and what a concept that would be!), our holidays, and much more.

While it is an episode of reflection, that doesn't mean there aren't laughs. There are plenty of them.

Episode 50 can be found here. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

While you're at it, there's something else you could do for us too. I'm not sure exactly what it is, though. Let me think...

Oh yeah! You could go like us on Facebook.

You know, to follow your New Year's resolution to be kind to people and stuff like that. You don't want to fall off the wagon this early, do you?

Podcast Stuff - Episode 49 of Down the Hall

It's the holidays! Our last show of 2012, and we're almost at 50! We have a very special holiday episode this time around to tide you over.

This is definitely *not* Leanna's class, but it's the same idea

Lots of laughs, some good information on the various December holidays that are floating around out there, as well as even a little singing.

Also, I interviewed Leanna Johnson, who's a teacher in Missouri whose school is going paperless. They're using e-texts, networked dropboxes, laptop and tablet computers, and all of that. It's a really great interview and we had a few laughs too.

It's all packed into 40 minutes of goodness. We had a lot of fun recording it, and I hope it's just as enjoyable for you to listen to.

Episode 49 can be found here.

Take a listen and let us know what you think! What are your holiday traditions?

And while you're posting all of your pre-holiday, on-holiday, and post-holiday snapshots on Facebook, why not take a moment to "like" us over there? It's just a click a way, and it's really in the spirit of the season, isn't it? A season of giving?

Give your finger a little bit of a workout, why don't you? It doesn't get enough exercise.

It also has our cool new picture! Ok,"new," as in it's about a month old, but it's probably new to you!

Podcast Stuff - Episode 48 of Down the Hall

A wild mix of stuff in this week's episode of Down the Hall!

Fiona talks to Dr. Marlene Asselin from UBC about her work with CODE Canada and CODE Ethiopia. They are working to train teacher-librarians in Ethiopia, a really important project. Marlene provides her insights on the program, the challenges and successes of the program.

In addition to that, among other things, Fiona and I discuss our feelings about Disney buying Lucasfilm. Darth Mickey, anyone? I know I was entertained by this discussion, and I know you will be too.

Episode 48 can be found here.

And while you're at it, you know you're a Facebook junkie. I know you're a Facebook junkie. You're on there all the time anyway, playing CityVille, Farmville, Warville or WhateverVille. So why not head over to our Facebook page and "like" us while you're there?

It's the moral thing to do, you know.

Podcast Stuff - Episode 47 of Down the Hall

Fighting our way through the ravages of the Common Cold, we managed to get this week's episode recorded, edited, and posted!

Episode 47 has an interview with John Yamamoto from the Teacher Education Office here at UBC. Fiona talks to him about his experiences as a student in one of our Master of Education cohorts, REA3 (Educational Administration & Leadership in Richmond). It's a great interview and I think should be of interest to anyone who's furthering their education, not just those interested in the cohort experience.

Also, Fiona and I talk about blogging for teachers and how it can help their professional development.

We enjoyed doing the episode, and we managed not to pass out in the middle of it! Or, maybe we just edited those parts out? Try and guess.

Episode 47 can be found here.

If you really wanted to be nice, you could also "like" us on Facebook.

We like you, you know.

Podcast Stuff - Jacked-Up Indie & Mojo Show - Ep 47

This is how I prefer to podcast: anonymously

This podcasting stuff is fun!

During my latest blogging hiatus, another appearance slipped past, in addition to the regular Down the Hall segments.

I was on Episode 47 of the Jacked-Up Indie & Mojo Show in late September. This is a podcast done by three great guys in the Game Informer community: Mojomonkey12 (Jeremy), Indie Jones (Daniel) and Jack Gardner (ummm, Jack). We talk a lot about video games, but we did delve into other topics as well. Stuff we we're doing, other pop culture items, can short-shorts really be *too* short on women out in public? That sort of thing.

You may even learn a little something about me that's *not* video game related, if you listen closely.

How's that for a tease?

It's a fun conversation, almost 90 minutes long (it felt like it flew by, though). So I hope you enjoy it!

It can be found here.

Podcast Stuff - Ep 46 of Down the Hall

It's Halloween!!! Ok, in a few days, but this is our last episode before the holiday, so it's time for a scary good episode of Down the Hall!

Because you know you've missed it, right?

In this episode, Fiona and I talk about Halloween traditions and history. As well, I interviewed two graduates from the Master of Educational Technology program who were part of the Jamaican cohort of teachers who went through the program together. We talk about online learning, life as an international student in an online program, what they've done with their degree, and much more.

It's a fun episode, and I have to credit Fiona for making it even more fun than it already was. All of the sound effects and everything? All her idea. Thanks to my co-host for making it such an awesome episode!

Episode 46 can be found here.

Also, I realize that any who just follow my blog and nowhere else have missed a few episode too (the last one I posted on here was Episode 37). You can find all past episodes of Down the Hall here.

And why not "Like" us on Facebook too? Show us some love, eh?

Podcast Stuff - Ep 37 of Down the Hall

In this week's episode of the show, Jenny and I talk about the death of noted science fiction author Ray Bradbury, especially examining his phenomenal book, Fahrenheit 451. Jenny has some wonderful insights and I come along for the ride.

But seriously, it is a great little discussion about Bradbury and the book before we get into the rest of the episode, which is a 30-minute interview with Dr. Michael Marker, who teaches ETEC 521 (Indegeneity, Technology, and Education) in the MET program, as well as being heavily involved in the Aboriginal Education program at UBC. We talk about technology and how it's affected Indigenous Education, the importance of cross-cultural inquiry and improving the training of native teachers (or non-native teachers who will be coming into Aboriginal schools), and Michael's history of studying the ethnohistory of Aboriginal Education.

It's a truly fascinating interview, and I say that 100% because of Michael. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to sit down with him, and I found it quite inspiring.

You can listen to it, or download it, here.

And while you're at it, why not head on over to Facebook and "like" our page? It would be really great if we could get over 30 "likes" as that's a threshold that let's us do more things with the page.

So what are you waiting for?

Do it before your nap!

Podcast Stuff - Ep 36 of Down the Hall

Ain't nostalgia grand?

In this week's episode, Jenny and I talk about our past school lives and just what exactly technology in education was like in our younger days. I actually go back to compiling computer programs with punch cards!

We also explain why Fiona isn't on this week (so you new Fiona fans don't come at us with pitchforks) as well as talking about a couple of interesting sites that we discovered on Twitter. It's amazing how much cool stuff you can find on Twitter. Why aren't you on Twitter yet?

Anyway, the meat of the episode was the interview that I did with Sandy Kendell, who works with K-12 teachers in Texas and helps them with their professional development. We have a long and awesome conversation about social media and technology and how all of this has transformed both the classroom as well as their development opportunities. She's a great person to talk to and also to follow on Twitter if you're involved in the field at all.

And for those you who are just being lazy layabouts on this gorgeous morning (or night, if you're half-way around the world), why not spend just a little bit of energy and go to our Facebook page and "like" us over there?

There may be a cookie in it for you.

Podcast Stuff - Ep 35 of Down the Hall

We all know what the question of the day is. The one that's been eating you up for the last two weeks.

No, it's not whether or not Community would be renewed for a fourth season, though the fact that it was (or at least for a partial season) is very good news indeed.

I know you were holding your breath to find out whose theme song would be chosen for the new Down the Hall theme! Would I go down in flames, crying in my beer, or would I be able to lord my victory over my co-hosts for years to come?

You'll just have to listen to Episode 35 to find out.

That's not the only thing in this episode, however. Otherwise, it really wouldn't be much of a podcast. I talked to a graduate from the MET program about her time in it and how she's using what she learned to form a Virtual Learning Commons at the college where she works. It's a really great interview (because of her, as I wouldn't toot my own horn that way :P) and it has a lot of great information for those who may be thinking about applying for the program.

Secondly, take a look at the cool new picture that's on the player for the podcast on the blog page I linked to above. Notice a different picture? Yes, we had to update our photos to include Fiona in them, and I think they all turned out great. The avatar picture is on the player, but you need to go to our Libsyn page to see our brand new banner. I think that picture is marvelous.

Also, while you're doing things for me/us, why not go to our Facebook page and "like" us? It's just the click of a button. Doesn't take any energy at all. You probably have enough energy even if you're checking this right after you got out of bed. Assuming, of course, that my blog is the first thing you check when you get up.

It is, isn't it?

Anyway, let us know what you think!

Podcast Stuff - Ep 34 of Down the Hall

There are important things going on in this week's episode of Down the Hall. The most important is that we need you to help us choose our theme song! We introduce Fiona Czeschel to the show (another great co-worker of mine, I'm so lucky to be blessed with so many wonderful people around me) and we've decided, as part of our spring cleaning, to update the theme song.

Each host has chosen a song that we'd like to use for our theme. But only one can win, so we want you to help us decide. Even if you don't listen to the episode (and c'mon, you know you want to) because you don't have time or something (Dawnie, this means you!), we'd still love it if you voted for our song. As I said on Facebook yesterday, I won't even hold it against you if you don't choose mine (not that we can tell who voted for what anyway).

Here's the link to the episode.

I suppose you probably want some educational content along with all this frivolity? Well, we've got it. I talked to Dr. Stuart Poyntz of Simon Fraser University, who's also teaching in the Recurring Questions in Technology summer institute that we're holding (ta da!) this Summer. He talks about the importance of media literacy with children, and how it's imperative that we teach our kids how to discern what's good and what's bad, to evaluate and discard media that isn't relevant to them. We also talk about children and technology.

I found it a fascinating discussion, and I know you will too.

And hey, while you're at it, why not go over to our Facebook page and "like" us. Just click on the little "like" button at the top of the page.

Podcast Stuff - Ep 33 of Down the Hall

With the return of this blog, it's the return of plugging our show!

Episode 33 of Down the Hall is now up!

Jenny talks to Norman Daoust, Director, Academic & Information Technologies in the Faculty of Education about the direction e-learning is taking in the faculty. He also talks about the importance of educational technology and producing teachers who are skilled in its uses. It's a fascinating interview, I thought, and for more than just UBC people. I usually do the Ed Tech stuff for the podcast, but Jenny did a great job with the interview!

Before that, we talk about the Vancouver Canucks and the top 4 things on our Education Bucket List, things that we want to learn before our time expires (which will be a long time from now, so we've got a lot of leeway on when to do it).

And we posted on Friday the 13th! I'm hoping that wasn't a bad omen.

While you're at it, why not go over to Facebook and like us? I'm feeling very unloved right now. *sniff*

Let us know what you think!

Podcast Stuff - Episode 27 of Down the Hall

It's that time once again! Yes, Jenny and I are back with the next episode of Down the Hall. Instead of the normal discussion, we have two great interviews for you.

The Master of Educational Technology (MET) program is something that I've been a part of since its inception ten years ago, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished in it. So far, 342 students have graduated with the Master's degree in that time. This year is the 10th anniversary of the program, and we're celebrating with a double-barrel blast of MET goodness that should also be of interest to many other people as well.

First, we have an interview with Yael Tagerud (from Linnaeus University in Sweden) and Leah Macfadyen (UBC's Faculty of Arts), who are designing a new course for the MET program, "Culture and Communication in Virtual Learning Environments." We not only discuss the new course, but also the concepts behind the course. They both have extensive experience with multicultural settings in educational backgrounds. In a classroom where students of many different cultures are represented, how do we get along, get past any cultural biases we may have, and succeed in creating a learning environment that's conducive and supportive to everybody.

We then talk to Tony Bates, who is a respected leader in the field of online learning, as well as being involved with the MET program at its inception. We talk the history of the program and how it was set up, and also get to pick his brain on what he believes is coming in the field of online education.

Both conversations were fun to do, and ones that I found fascinating. I hope you do too.

You can listen to the episode here.

And why not go over to Facebook right now, and "like" our page? Don't make me use my teacher voice...ok, I'm not a teacher. But even so, go do it!

Podcast Stuff - Episode 26 of Down the Hall

It's a brand new year! And, due to unforeseen circumstances (like Jenny being away unexpectedly), this podcast is a little late.

However, it's also very good. I fly solo this week, but it's only for the beginning and the end, as the rest of it is an extended interview with Dr. Blye Frank, Dean of the Faculty of Education. Jenny and I talk to him about the UBC Strategic Plan, called Place & Promise, and what he feels is the Faculty's role in that plan. We talk about everything from diversity to sustainability, indigenous education, global outreach, and a whole lot more.

He's an interesting guy, and very passionate about what we're doing.

Since I am alone, there are no zombie references, sadly. Maybe next time.

You can listen to it here.

And why not "Like" us on Facebook while you're at it?

Podcast Stuff - Ep 25 of Down the Hall

It's our last episode of the year, and we've got a real winner for you.

The Christmas Season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by giving? I talk to Denise Lauritano, co-chair of the UBC Community United Way Campaign. She stepped in at the last second when our originally scheduled interview fell through, and not only agreed to do it, but was quite enthusiastic about it too. It was amazing, because I knew her back when she worked at a different position at UBC, before she left to go somewhere else where it was in the middle of nowhere. So when I thought of doing the United Way and looked at the page to see who I might talk to, seeing her name there was a wonderful surprise! I didn't even know she had come back.

Jenny and I also have a great discussion on e-textbooks and whether they are the future of post-secondary course materials. Don't worry. It's not all for the college crowd, though, as we do talk about e-books in general as well, and some of the e-textbook stuff is certainly applicable to you Kindle readers! And Nook, and...well, e-readers in general.

There are a lot of laughs in this episode. I think you'll enjoy it. You can find it here.

Also, don't forget that if you want to subscribe to us, you can find us on iTunes! But if you don't want to use iTunes, you can subscribe to us in any blog reader by using this address.

And most importantly, like us on Facebook!

Podcast Stuff - Ep 24 of Down the Hall (Radio EPLT)

It's our one-year anniversary! Yes, the podcast is one year old, and we're celebrating with what I think is a great episode. What makes it so great? Because in addition to your usual awesome hosts, we also have an interview with Carl Leggo, from the Language & Literacy Education department at UBC. He's a fascinating guy that I've known almost since I started at UBC 13 years ago (has it really been that long?). I haven't had the opportunity to work directly with him, but he's always interesting to talk to. So we thought we'd get him on the show! It was a fun interview to do, and I hope you have as much fun with it as I did. Dawnie, I think you might really like this one.

Jenny and I also talk about the podcast itself and how it's changed over the last year, as well as bringing back former co-host Sharon to talk about what she's been up to.

You can find the episode here. Let us know what you think!

Also, don't forget to "like" us on Facebook!


Wow, has it been almost two weeks since I've posted? Sorry about that.

Podcast Stuff - Ep 23 of Down the Hall (Radio EPLT)

Have you seen those weird looking squiggly black designs on ads, magazines, or some other form of print? You know the ones I mean.

Those little things can actually contain a great deal of information, and in this week's episode of Down the Hall, Jenny and I discuss the use of these codes in Education. Appropriately titled "QRacking the Code," we talk about the tons of things you can do with them. And while our discussion is (mostly) limited to Education, if you have a smartphone with a code reader, you will be able to see a lot of cool things by scanning them.

This doesn't keep us from talking about other things in the process of the discussion, though, including my book reviews.

I also talk to John Egan, instructor for one of the courses in the Master of Educational Technology program. We discuss his course, "Learning Technologies: Selection, Design & Application" and how it came about. There's a wealth of great information about the course, but also about learning technologies in general.

We also nerd out a bit in the introduction, with a brief Walking Dead mention and one A Song of Ice and Fire reference as well.

What can beat all of that?

If you listen and comment in the next 30 minutes, you could even win an EPLT snuggie (snuggie not included).

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook too!

Podcast stuff - The Indie & Mojo Show Ep 13

Yes, I am taking over the podcast world.

In addition to our bi-weekly podcast (I'll be doing a post about this week's episode tomorrow, probably), I also appeared on the latest episode of the Indie & Mojo show, Episode 13. Some of you know that I do video game blogs and am part of the community over at Game Informer. The site has spawned many community podcasts from various members, and one of them (one of the ones I listen to religiously now, and that was even before they asked me to be on) is the Indie & Mojo show. It's two guys talking about video games and Game Informer and other pop culture type stuff.

You can listen to the episode in the player below, or go to the site and download it if you want to take it with you.

We talk Uncharted 3, Modern Warfare 3, how people don't read emails, and the controversy over review scores (which is mainly caused by people paying more attention to scores than to the reviews themselves), and lots more.

Just one thing I would like to add before you listen to it. Unfortunately, I made my first mistake less than 2 minutes into the podcast. When I say that we script our intros for Down the Hall because they "would sound terrible otherwise," I should have added that this is totally because of me and my inability to ad-lib something like that. I'm sure Jenny could do it easily. In fact, I know she can, because we tried it, and my inability to do it is why we script it.

That was supposed to be self-deprecating, but I left off that part so it sounded like I was dissing both of us. So, apologies, Jenny!

And I can't believe I talked about our podcast but neglected to say the name. It's "Down the Hall" (I really need to work on this advertising thing). You all know that, of course.

Anyway, it was a fun show to do, and I hope it sounds that way too.

Podcast Stuff - Ep 22 of Down the Hall (Radio EPLT)

Did you like watching films in class when you were in school? They were the highlight of my day, whether it was because the movie was interesting or because it gave me time to sleep.

In this episode of Down the Hall (nicely titled "Duck and Cover," for those of you who remember growing up with those civil defense films), Jenny and I talk about media studies in K-12 education. It's a pretty lively discussion with lots of laughs and memories, as well as talking about the state of media studies in today's schools.

Also, Jenny talks to Teresa Milden, from the Vancouver School Board, about Gifted Education. There's some great information in there, and it's not just Vancouver-specific.

This episode also forced me to finally watch the Walking Dead, to prepare for the coming Zombie Apocalypse. Thanks, Jen.

Take a listen and let us know what you think!

And don't forget to head on over to Facebook and "like" us! We need to be liked.