Tedtalks but Derek plays!

Since starting the PCET course I've found out so many new things and I have to say that learning about Tedtalks is one of my favourites! I have found myself searching and listening to people share and talk about their lives and ideas.

 

I had been searching Tedtalks for talks around The Autism Spectrum Disorder. I work with adults with learning disabilities and most of the residents are on the spectrum and I find the condition very fascinating. Each person is affected to various degrees. The other reason is that my family have recently found out that my nephew is on the spectrum although he still has a way to go to finding out the extend of his condition. We are all glad that he is able to start his discovery and we as a family can help and support him better.

 

I found and listened to many people talk about ASD but listening to those who are on the spectrum is far more interesting and inspiring to me.  I found a talk called 'Derek Paravicini and Adam Ockelford: in the key of genius'. Derek is an inspirational person. He is a musical savant, a piano player, is blind and has severe Autism. He has overcome so many barriers in his life and I have nothing but respect for him and for all he has accomplished.

I even had a go at learning the piano when I was younger and I think its safe to say I was not any good! Please watch this video, enjoy and be inspired!



Wordle, Wordling and Wordles

 

 I created my first 'Wordle' image today and I think it is amazing. The image above is taken from my technology blog and the one below from an assignment I did for my assessors award. I thought I would do this second one to show how useful it would be in a teaching setting. It would be really great to use to summarize a certain unit or level or even just a lesson so the students could get a feel of what you are going to teach.





The website is pretty easy to use and well worth a look!

Microsoft and Me!

The two main Microsoft programs that I am familiar with are Word and Excel. I use Word most days to type up various Word documents. The other that I have experience in is Excel. I did a unit on Excel with my VCE although I must admit that I don't remember all of it. I then used Excel in a previous job creating data sheets. I don't use Excel that often anymore but it is useful to create forms of some sort such as keeping track of personal or a business' incomings and outgoings. I do not have experience with any other Microsoft programs which may show that I am not very educated with Microsoft or that there are other more convenient devices that I use rather than having to switch my laptop on and sit and wait for everything to load. Either way having some knowledge of Microsoft is very useful.

Bubbl.us

This is my 'Reflective Learning' mind map made through using the Bubbl.us website (not to be confused with the Bubble.us website!). Again this is another great teaching tool which I think could be used in a lesson.

 

Technology and Me

I have a VCE in ICT but that does not mean that I am capable of working/programming/coding computers or can even use most technology devices today with ease. I can use the programs that I need such as Word and Excel, I can access my emails and the Apps in my phone - mainly shopping apps and social network sites! Oh and of course everyone's best friend Google.

 

In our house we do have a few up to date devices and I would say that they do serve a purpose in our everyday lives and business. The variety and vast amount of technology devices that are being realised and further developed is far too much for me to keep up with, probably too much for many people to keep up with. Don't get me wrong technology is amazing and I definitely couldn't live without it but the speed of development is very scary.

Over the last 15 years, well what I can remember of it, technology has changed so much more than I would ever have imagined. The first mobile phone I had was double the size and probably triple the weight of my current phone.  I saw this little cartoon and thought it was hilarious and demonstrates how technology has changed and will continue to change in the future.

This is me

So here we go my first ever blog!

Lets start with everything about me.

My name is Clare Jackson, I am 28 years old and I live in Llandybie. I have been happily married for 4 years and together we have 2 beautiful children, Bella who is 3 years old and Noah who is 7 months old.

I am currently working with adults with learning disabilities as a Support Worker at a private care home. I've worked here for 6 years and have loved every minute. It definitely wasn't my plan to go into care or support working but it was the best thing that I did. Its helped me grow as a person and helped me to achieve goals that I didn't know I had. I studied for my NVQ 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care and then went on to do the assessors award.

I have just started a PCE course in PCET to enable me to go on to teach Health and Social Care or something there abouts :)