Songs for Spring (and Sweden)

Maybe Spring is a little slow in coming because we haven't been singing enough. Or maybe it's because the UCC Library didn't have enough Swedish music in the collection.



Just in time, we've added three new CDs by Swedish folk-rock bands to the collection, Hoven Droven, Ranarim, and Hedningarna. Looks like Hoven Droven will be playing in Sweden later this week, but most of us will have to make do with their live CD. And according to their web site, Ranarim will be playing in Ulvon. So they'll be partying in Sweden, also.

Did you know that we're coming up on Walpurgis Eve and May Day (April 30/May 1), one of Sweden's biggest holidays?

According to the Visit Sweden website:

If you want to find an evening when song is to be heard in every village, town or city, then be sure to be in Sweden on the 30th April. On that date, known as Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve); in a tribute to an ancient German saint, St. Walburga, huge bonfires are lit at dusk.

Happy May Day!

Instructional Tech. Survey at Harvard- what are the "best" online class tools?

Harvard University's Department of Romance Languages and Literatures has just released an Instructional Technology Survey (pdf) on the use and perceived usefulness of digital instructional technologies in classroom support that reaches some interesting conclusions about the educational expectations of the latest wave of students, what Harvard is calling its "Digital Learners."

Across all concentrations and student levels, the posting of course materials online and interactive syllabi are rated as the most useful instructional technology tools. In their written responses, students expressed appreciation for technologies that make their access to course materials more convenient and the exploration of additional concepts easier. Many view the posting of materials online as an expectation for a course, rather than a bonus.

(from the executive summary, emphasis mine)

Between December 2007 and January 2008, 463 individuals- undergraduates and graduate students- were surveyed on their use, and prior experience with, online technologies ranging from digital syllabi to RSS feeds of supplemental class reading.

More from the executive summary:

Students reported a number of benefits of using technology in education. They cited the convenience of having material in one place, the ability to review lectures, to engage in discussions with forums, to use blogs to connect material with current events and to view foreign video clips on sites like YouTube.
...
We believe that instructional technology, when implemented properly and thoughtfully, provides enormous opportunities for active and engaging learning.

Read comments on the survey's process and results at Harvard's Digital Natives blog, or go directly to the full survey (pdf), with corresponding charts and graphs for the information straight from the undergraduate's mouth.

Earth Day/Energy Fair -- Read a Book!

Earth Day is April 22 and it's a good time to think about energy use. Why not use some of your energy to read about the present and future of energy? All of these books are in the UCC library; the titles below are linked to the library catalog for your browsing pleasure.


Fueling Our Future : an Introduction to Sustainable Energy by Robert Evans.







Gaiam Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook: Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living by John Schaeffer.






The Renewable Energy Handbook : a Guide to Rural Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living by William H. Kemp





Saving Energy, Growing Jobs : How Environmental Protection Promotes Economic Growth, Profitability, Innovation, and Competition by David B. Goldstein






Lives Per Gallon : The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction by Terry Tamminen



Locally, we have the EARTH DAY AND ENERGY FAIR — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, April 19th, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Crafts, wildlife, storytelling, a used-clothing fashion show, a student poetry contest, prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, activities, entertainment, hands-on exhibits and food are all part of the annual Douglas County Earth Day and Energy Fair. Prizes for anyone who comes on foot or bicycle. Free admission. 440-4350.