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.
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 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.
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.
Oregon's primary, May 20th, is looking like it may have some actual significance in the upcoming presidential election. Specifically, there is still no single democratic candidate for President. State primaries, including Oregon's, are still sorting out who will be up against the certain-to-be-nominated Republican candidate, John McCain.
Meanwhile, because of the tightly contested Democratic primary race between Clinton and Obama, those of us who pay attention to this sort of thing are hearing a bewildering tale of delegates and superdelegates.
So what do you need to know so far about the upcoming Presidential election?
#1 REGISTER TO VOTE
Voting in Oregon Deadlines: Oregon's primary is May 20. The deadline to register for the primary or register with a party is April 29. Under current state party rules, independent voters who wish to vote in the presidential primary must register with a party. (from OregonLive)
Douglas County Clerk PO Box 10 Roseburg, OR 97470-0004 (541) 440-4252 / TTY 1-800-735-2900
or drop it off at the Douglas County Courthouse at the Clerk's Office.
#2 OK. Now you're registered. And you still want to know what's up with "delegates" and "superdelegates". You could do worse than listen to Josh Marshall of "TalkingPointsMemo.com" explain:
#4 Then, way off in November 2008, we'll vote on the candidates who win their party's nomination. Of course, then we'll all be reminded of the value and the purpose and the controversy surrounding the electoral college--the body that really elects the president. Usually.
#5 Between now and then, you can keep up with some of the Oregon political news by checking in with The Oregonian. And don't forget to register. And vote.
Great news! The UCC Information Technology Dept. has helped the Library set up a proxy server for easy off-campus access to our collection of online subscription resources. Unshackle your research from the neon-pink Library database Username/Password list-- here's how:
Sign on to UCC Life. (Don't have a UCC Life account? If you're a UCC student, contact the Help Desk at: 440-7808)
Go to the Library tab.
Click on the name of the database you want to access.
It's that easy! Even better, LexisNexis Academic, C.Q. Researcher, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Encyclopedia Britannica Online are now available off-campus!
What is a "proxy server"? It is a computer that acts as a go-between each time someone tries to contact certain sites (like our Library databases), so you don't have to login to each site individually. A more detailed definition, from intel.com:
A proxy server is used in larger companies and organizations to improve network operations and security. It can be used to prevent direct communication between two or more networks. The proxy server forwards allowable data requests to remote servers and/or responds to data requests directly from stored remote server data.
I'm on the Library website and I still can't get into the database. Why? You need to login to UCC Life first, and go to the database from the Library tab. On the website, the database cannot tell if you are affiliated with UCC, but once you're signed in to UCC Life, the proxy will handle all authentication and let you "in" to the database automatically.
I click on the database name in UCC Life and wait...and wait. What's wrong? The first time you use the proxy server in a browsing session, there may be a delay while the computers confer with each other. Just be patient; once the proxy finishes its work, every database you sign into after that should load more quickly (as long as you use the same browser window).
Can I use the usernames/passwords on my handout instead of UCC Life? Yes. The usernames/passwords for the databases will still work from the Library website. Please note that LexisNexis, C.Q. Researcher, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Encyclopedia Britannica DO NOT allow password access; to get to these resources off-campus you MUST login through UCC Life.
We know. You just finished all that cramming for finals and the rush of turning those textbooks back into the bookstore hasn't even worn off yet. The last thing you want is more obligations.
But hey, wait a minute! Even if that camping trip to the coast pans out, it's looking pretty wet outside. You might just want to check out a few of the UCC Library's New Books--
Katie's Picks: How to talk about books you haven't read NEW 027 B Bayard, Pierre.
Because we've all had that awkward moment at the table with family where we realize our conversation choices are down to books or politics, and the latter is a really bad idea.
In defense of food : an eater's manifesto NEW 641.3 P Pollan, Michael.
Pollan's simple guide to eating well is just as interesting as the meals described in his earlier title, The Omnivore's Dilemma. One of the modified rules ("Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.") makes me wonder-- Starbucks' coffee drinks: yes or no?!
These are just a few of the great new items at the Library this week, and all books and CDs check out for three weeks, so come grab something to keep the boredom away this Spring Break!
Our "First Student To. . ." Contest has come to an end. 20 students walked away with $25 UCC Bookstore gift certificates over the last week. In case you're wondering about the categories for all of these "First Student Awards", here they are: First student to. . .
use "please" and "thank you" in a transaction. pick up his/her library holds. check out more than five books at once. check out only ONE DVD. ask for help with the library catalog. turn a flash drive in to "lost and found". use a dictionary in the reference section of the library. turn a student ID card into a library card. copy down or comment on the library "quote" behind the desk.
use the color copier. come up to the counter wearing UCC clothing. rent a locker. ask for help with citation formats. look the sleepiest. check out a DVD that starts with the letter "G" ask for an explanation of the contest rules. say "PowerPoint" to one of the staff. sharpen a pencil. check out books from the library display (or look at the display!) ask for wireless printer instructions.
Congratulations to all of the winners. Thanks to those who agreed to have their pictures taken!
And to the rest of you. . .better luck in future contests!
