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Ed Tech Tools & Tips 4 : MediaWorks Featured Project – Glen Hodgkinson

March 28, 2022 by Sandra Matsuba Leave a Comment

by Jeff Verbeem

At ‘That’s so Library!’, we are always on the lookout for compelling examples of the Library’s role in supporting Teaching and Learning at BCIT. A couple weeks ago we caught up with Glen Hodgkinson (aka Mr. H) at the Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond to hear about his 3D printing project. It is a fine example of how technology can enrich the student learning experience and overcome instructional challenges.

Glen teaches a course in aircraft systems, and for him, a recent change in curriculum meant that his incoming students would have less experience and knowledge than was previously the case. Setting these students loose on the delicate, hard-to-access air conditioning systems in the hangar seemed suboptimal. How could students demonstrate their learning in an authentic way? Let’s hear more about the instructional context:

Having initially considered on-screen simulation approach, Glen turned to 3D printing, thinking it would create an authentic experience with the equipment for students. Unfortunately, the design-sharing platform Thingiverse did not have the needed specialized components, so it was up to him to do the designs himself.  For that he turned to FreeCAD, a free downloadable program. Let’s hear Glen talk about his skill development:

Once satisfied with his design in FreeCAD, Glen had to convert his designs into a readable format called an STL file in order to set up the job for the printer. There were lessons learned here too.

The whole process involved some trial and error, but in the end, Glen has created a number of components that he hopes to reproduce for his course. The final products are very impressive. Let’s see how he went from creating relatively simple parts to more complex ones.

As we write this post, the project is still in process, but it is obvious that Glen put in a lot of hard work to move it forward.  He also points out that the library’s role did not stop at making the 3D printer available at ATC.

This is one example of innovative instruction that is happening across BCIT. Has it inspired you to take on your own 3D printing project? Be sure to talk to Amy, Scott or Rafey at MediaWorks to get you started. You can also check out some of the resources the Library has on LinkedIn Learning and O’Reilly Online Learning, to learn more about 3D printing and the part it can play in your learning and teaching.

Filed Under: 3D printing, ATC, Ed Tech Tools & Tips, MediaWorks, Technology

Today’s Special …

March 25, 2022 by Sandra Matsuba Leave a Comment

by Glenice Lilje

MMWIG Awareness and Residential School Survivors

Did you know that Indigenous women and girls are five time more likely to experience violence than any other population in Canada? Or that they make up 11% of all missing cases and 16% of all female homicides even though Indigenous people make up 4.3% of the Canadian population (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2021)? Or that over 150, 000 Indigenous children were taken away from their families only to be left with an estimate of 80,000 survivors (Reconciliation Canada, 2021)?

For decades, Indigenous women and girls have been forgotten or seen as lesser than due to the public’s perception of them as shaped by colonial stereotypes.  The rates of violence, exploitation, mistreatment, and crimes committed against them have become an urgent issue in Canada. Yet after many tragic losses, It is only as recent as 2016 the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was launched as a federal government initiative as their response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #41. This would include the investigation into missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls and residential schools.

There is much to be done to right the many years of wrongdoing.  We can hope to focus on the prevention of future tragedies, improve awareness and continue to lift up Indigenous voices.  Below are some reads with Indigenous voices that can be found at BCIT Library.

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story  by David A. Richardson , 2015.

Helen Betty Osborne, Betty to her friends and family, dreamed of becoming a teacher. In 1971, Betty left home to attend residential school and high school in The Pas, Manitoba. Later that year, Betty was abducted, sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by four drunken frat boy types. She was only 19. It took over 15 years for anyone to be convicted for their part in her murder. Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that hopes to raise awareness to the injustice and the disparities experienced by the Cree and Indigenous communities.

 

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good, 2020.

Michelle Good’s award-winning Five Little Indians is the story of Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie and Maisie as they are taken from their families and sent to a small, remote, church-run residential school.  Barely out of childhood, they are released after years of being detained, without any skills or familial support and into the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. We follow these five survivors over time, as they struggle to overcome their own individual traumas from the suffering they endured during their years at the Mission.

Stolen Life:  The Journey of a Cree Woman  by Rudy Wiebe, 1998.

Warning: this autobiography is not for the weak-hearted.  This is a story about terrible injustices, murder and a courtroom drama and the true life events of Yvonne Johnson, a Native woman who has decided to speak out.  We start with Yvonne’s early life growing up in Butte, Montana.  We later learn of the story of her brother’s murder while in police custody, the sexual abuse she endured from multiple family members, and then her escape to Canada.  Stolen Life: The Journey of a Cree Woman grants the reader access to Yvonne’s turbulent childhood and the spiritual guidance she receives as she heals from her traumas.

 

For more reading visit:

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls | Official Website

Native Women’s Association of Canada: Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls Fact Sheet

Gov’t of Canada | National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Reconciliation Canada | Official Website

Filed Under: Books, Today's Special

Today’s Special …

March 18, 2022 by Sandra Matsuba Leave a Comment

by Glenice Lilje

Advertising, Marketing, and PR

Advertising is a powerful tool.  It can create awareness, share information, and even more importantly, influence and persuade us in ways we don’t even notice.  There are commercials that aired during my childhood that I can still recite to this day (Dial 588-2300….EMPIRE!!) Despite never having to use their carpet cleaning services, it was the first phone number I had memorized and can easily spout it if anyone should ask.

Marketing is another skill that requires strategic planning.  It encompasses all of the processes required to boost public awareness of products, services and even people.  The marketing department or large organizations have been compared to the centre of a wagon wheel with each spoke connecting to other departments, both in- and out-side the company, working in harmony.

Public Relations is managing (not manipulating!) the public’s perceptions.  Not only is it a way to build brand recognition, but trust as well. One of the critical things to understand about PR is that it is earned media: as in it is something that other people say about your product. An organization only has so much control of how they are perceived by the public, so building positive PR at an ongoing basis will likely lead to success and a positive reputation in the industry.

Below are feature films available through our library’s eResources that give a glimpse into the competitive world of marketing industry.  Enjoy more films compliments of BCIT Library at: Academic Video Online, Criterion on Demand, and Kanopy.

For off-campus access, please visit: Online Databases, Articles & eBooks – Off-Campus Access.

 Miss Representation [The Representation Project], 2015.

Miss Representation takes us behind the curtain and exposes how mainstream media reinforces and contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.  Women and girls are often portrayed either as the weaker sex or crazy and not much in-between, making it difficult to achieve leadership positions and having a sense of empowerment.  Women are usually described with terms pertaining to their appearance and not in their capacity as a leader.  Although there are more women in power than ever, they count for 3% of clout positions in mainstream media.

 Killing Us Softly 4 – Advertising’s Image of Women [Media Education Foundation], 2016.

In this film, we take a fresh look at how advertising uses distorted and destructive standards of femininity.  From print and television advertisements, various images are often used to reinforce unrealistic, and unhealthy perceptions of beauty and sexuality.  Killing Us Softly 4 challenges a new generation of students to take a critical look into popular culture and how it affects sexism, eating disorders and gender violence.

DVD also available at BCIT Main Campus Library Stacks.

 Art & Copy [Seventh Art Releasing], 2015.

Art & Copy introduces the creative thinkers behind the original advertising during the industry’s golden age by creating catchy slogans we can still remember to this day.  Although we have never heard of them, they have changed the way we eat, work and shop without us even noticing it. Explore the most successful and influential advertising campaigns of the 20th century and the creative geniuses behind them.

No Logo- Brands Globalization Resistance [Media Education Foundation], 2014.

Based on the best-selling book by Canadian journalist and activist Naomi Klein.  This film analyzes how big brands such as Nike, The Gap and Tommy Hilfiger became globally recognized symbols whose corporations make their profits not from making the products, but in creating branded identities.  No Logo shows how globalization has led to the commercial takeover of public spaces, the destruction of consumer choice and replaced real jobs with temporary work.

Filed Under: online resources, streaming video, Today's Special

Today’s Special …

March 11, 2022 by Sandra Matsuba Leave a Comment

by Glenice Lilje

Leadership

 Leadership (/ ˈli dərˌʃɪp / )  the ability to lead; the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group. The ability to prepare and inspire others to achieve a common goal.

The foundation for efficient and effective leadership is based on ideas and experience.  Good leaders can communicate in a way that engages others to act as the leader wants them act.  They inspire change and must be personable for others to follow their orders.  Critical thinking skills are a must as leaders need to know the best way to utilize resources. So how does leadership differ from management?

Previously, the terms leadership and management were used interchangeably.  However, they are not the same. Leadership requires skill and traits that extend beyond management duties. Managers seek to inspire their team to meet goals while preserving existing organizational structures. They plan, monitor, coordinate, solve problems, and more. Leaders tend to operate more independently, giving them more room to be innovative, motivate people and visualize for the future.

How does one become a better leader?  So far, there doesn’t seem to be a straight path to get there. We can always look to those who inspire us and try to follow in their footsteps.  They can be a leader of a large organization, or someone who has shifted cultural norms. They can even be your favourite elementary school teacher.

Here are a few resources from our library for those looking to acquire new insights or looking to polish up their existing skills.

The Everyday Leader: How to Motivate, Empower and Influence Those Around You By John Cross, 2019.

Each and every one of us has the power to inspire change.  It can be done through a person’s behavior or attitude. Individuals coming together can shift the culture, goals, vision or strategy of their communities and/or organizations.  The Everyday Leader can help bring out the inner leader in you to bring motivation and empowerment in both your professional and social circles.  Readers are guided through the main challengers leaders face and are provided with skill building recommendations to become more empathetic, influential, and more efficient at making decisions.

Leading with Emotional Courage: How to Have Hard Conversations, Create Accountability and Inspire Action on Your Most Important Work by Peter Bregman, 2018.

Great leadership is said to align teams, inspire action and achieve results.  Sounds easy, right? There are a great, many barriers one faces to accomplish these outcomes. Some people may be uncomfortable with the risks that come with their position, or can’t find a way to communicate efficiently. Leading with Emotional Courage… provides the reader with practical, real-world guidance to help build up one’s emotional “muscle” and learn to handle difficult situations while maintaining a calm, stable demeanor, and how to respond productively.

Available in both print and eBook formats.

 
The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance by Steven G. Rogelberg, 2019.

How many of us have thought, “That meeting could have been an email”?   At one point or another, we may have been guilty of tuning out of meetings or even failing to participate. Steven G. Rogelberg hopes to restructure meetings and turn them into time investments. Drawing from extensive research, analytics, data mining and survey interviews across various industries, The Surprise Science of Meetings provides the reader with practices and techniques to help enhance the quality of meetings.

 

Filed Under: Books, Today's Special

Today’s Special …

March 4, 2022 by Sandra Matsuba Leave a Comment

by Glenice Lilje

Cryptocurrency

As a child of the 1980’s, I have lived and witnessed a pre-internet world. Withdrawing money from a bank meant visiting during regular business hours, lining up, filling out a form using a pen that was attached to a desk by a chain, before presenting the form to a bank teller.   Today, you can transfer money or pay a bill using an app on your mobile device at any time of day from the comfort of your own couch.  Ever since e-transfers and contactless payments became a thing, it is hard for me to believe that money even exists anymore!

Enter cryptocurrency.  Unlike paper money, cryptocurrency does not exist in physical form or issued by a central authority. With this form of digital currency, we can cut out the middlemen like banks and brokers who take a cut with each financial transaction. This technology also gives people full control of their personal funds and increases accessibility to those who have little to no access to payment systems such as banks.  Did you know more people have access to mobile phone than to banks?

When Bitcoin first emerged in 2009, many were skeptical and thought it was just a flash in a pan.  Today, Statista** estimates that there are over 4,000 types of cryptocurrency.  I guess it is safe to say that cryptocurrency is going to be here for a while and may be worth checking out if you haven’t done so already.

For more information and other videos like the ones below, visit Academic Video Online or (AVON) and/or Kanopy .  As well as other databases in our library’s eResource collection.

Crypto:  Will the Bitcoin Dream Succeed? The Economist,2021

“Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies set out to upend the financial order and replace conventional money. Bitcoin has certainly disrupted the global financial system, but can it ever live up to the hype?” (AVON)

 

 

Banks: Do We Need Them?, The Economist, 2021.

“Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have been billed as a major disruptor to finance. But digital currencies issued by governments might be even more radical—they may even threaten the future of traditional banking.” (AVON)

 

 

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet, Kinonation, 2020.

“5 years after his first documentary on the topic, award-winning filmmaker Torsten Hoffmann revisits the big brains and big egos behind Bitcoin, Blockchains and Web3 in this thought-provoking and entertaining crash course about the controversial technology.” (Kanopy)

 

 

The How and Why of Buying Bitcoin, Newshour Productions, 2018.

“The basic idea of bitcoin is simple: Instead of a financial institution holding a bank ledger, a chain of computers linked through the internet are all using the same software to record and verify every transaction. But how can a cryptocurrency be worth anything in the first place? Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.” (AVON)

Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain, Wall Street Journal, 2018.

“A dangerous fad or key building block for a decentralized world?” (AVON) The Wall Street Journal presents an introduction to cryptocurrencies and blockchain and what it means for banking in the future.” (AVON)

 

 

** Statista is a leading provider of market and consumer data. Find statistics, consumer survey results and industry studies from over 18,000 sources on over 60,000 topics.

Filed Under: online resources, streaming video, Today's Special

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