Gamification course done...#DCMOOC & Math AQ starting

It's been a month since I've blogged. Still loving learning and also working on some great projects as part of the AT team. Just a quick post to let you know I've successfully finished my #Gamification14 course - so much useful info that I can apply to education. (I'll post some of my game design work for a collaborative economy company next.) 

May 11th there's a new Massive Open Online Course headed by University of Saskatchewan educator Alec Couros @courosa . For more info check out: http://dcmooc.ca

For those who know me, know how much I absorb, read, learn and thrieve in a STEM environment. My background educational is Biochemistry & Genetic Engineering and I speak the language of Math. Still, there is always something new to learn. So, I'm taking yet another AQ course- so much to learn (hard to believe I know - but it will the official Math Part 1 course).

 In fact, one of my passions is to support Mathematics Education using #gamified systems and 21st century learning using Universal Design for Learning principles. No wonder I'm part of many of my departments Math initiatives including the Desire2Learn Math Mission - promoting math communication andcollaboration for special ed teachers and students at a Junior level. Maybe the future I'll have a Master's program of study..or even I've been looking at OCAD University's inclusive design Masters one day...

Have you heard about it? http://www.ocadu.ca/graduate-studies/programs/inclusive-desig

My lovely cousin Vanessa Pfaff is currently a student. There are educators, engineers, game designers and public relations people and more...
Sigh..one day. :)

Entering 2013 - or where my head is at.

Starting off 2013 

I've had an incredibly sad start to the new year 2013 - losing my beloved mini-schnauzer Octavian - too young and suddenly to an aggressive blood cancer on Jan. 7. He shared two homes - making both me and my parents' his castle.
He was supposed to come back to us on Jan. 25 to stay for the winter. 
Sadly, he will not.

Octavian Reinsalu July 7, 2000 - January 7, 2013

He's been my best buddy, supporter and of course, listener as I made the transition from journalist to educator a decade ago. He's been part of so many milestones. It feels weird to be motivated to learn, motivated to do anything actually. 
But here I start the MOOC without him sitting by me and my husband's side as we both tinker on the computer.

#etmooc  - it's the Massive Open Online Course regarding educational technology and media.

I am interested in learning - always - and during this time of grief, I hope that I retain the information and incorporate it into my best practices. I think learning, reflecting and writing is quite therapeutic and helpful. Photography helps too. But I'm sad to realize that my favourite subject won't be posing for me again. 

Time moves on and that is difficult.