David i Kbh

A grand statement from atheist Britain

A giant monument to atheism possibly to be constructed in the heart of London:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/26/alain-de-botton-temple-atheism

An argument with two sides. But surely the building would be the most 'destructive' of all arguments?

I'd imagine it would make a massive statement to people in the UK and elsewhere: this is now a primarily atheist/agnostic country, and we're celebrating that and making it official in the way we've always done with other beliefs, ie through the construction of a large building.

While America continues to build its super-churches, and other countries giant mosques and temples, the UK's current construction to belief will be all about atheism. That's genius, I think. A real statement!

Wow, Apple; just wow!

Reinventing the textbook, and, it seems, virtual learning environments and online courses, too.

http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/1201oihbafvpihboijhpihbasdouhbasv/event...

It all looks fabulous, and very exciting. If I had the energy I'd start creating an interactive textbook right now.

As for using this technology in my teaching: well, I just need classes where every student has an iPad. And non-damaged neck muscles! ;-)

This could actually be the future. I only hope they have a way to separate professional, peer-reviewed books and courses from crap made by Tom, Dick and Harry.

iPad neck

Today I've finally realised that I have 'iPad neck': a severe pain in the back of the neck from hunching over your iPad at every possible opportunity.

Now that I'm aware of it I'll be able to do something about it, eg sit lower down and stand it up sideways more. And remember to take breaks and to literally sit up straight more often, tilting my head upwards and turning it from side to side.

I've read online that some people suggest having a break from your iPad for a week. Ha, fat chance! It's my main computer, especially as I don't have the Internet at home and I rely on 3G. Oh, and people say it shouldn't be used as your main computer. Oh dear.

Let's see if I can sort it out by being careful.

Sent, erm, from my iPad.

Collaboration

I've just read this great monograph about collaboration in schools, especially among teachers and between teachers and management.

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/educatrs/leadrshp/le0pet.htm

Although it focuses on urban schools in America, it is just as relevant for groups of people teaching English at a German institute of higher education, say.

I recognise some of my own flaws, yes, but this text also helps me to understand the specific institutional culture I've met in my current workplace.

In the future I hope to encourage greater collaboration - as outlined in this text - when working with a team.

Yet more subtitled Danish TV in the UK - excellent!

This is promising. (Annoying typo in the link; I wonder if they'll leave it there now.)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/jan/06/the-killing-sanish-drama-b...

Danish TV's been making some great, atmospheric dramas for a long time. I've been wishing that Britain had more subtitled TV for many, many years. Finally it appears to be starting to happen, although it's relegated to BBC 4 rather than being mainstream.

BBC 2 and Channel 4 used to show seasons of subtitled films, especially in the Eighties, but they seemed to get replaced by the likes of Big Brother and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

I wonder if this will result in more sixth formers wanting to study Danish at university. They'll be stuck now with a choice of only UCL or Edinburgh. And possibly also Hull? Silly UEA for killing off its Scandinavian department.