spellout

My space

2006-03-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

My digital space

While studying tonight, I got thirsty and decided to pour a glass of water. Unfortunately the top of the water pitcher fell offand I spilled water all over my laptop.

After a few heated minutes with the blow dryer and a poorly timed (6:04) call to PC Medic, I turned the computer back on to discover it was “unable to read memory.”

Think three term papers due next week and then put yourself in my (wet) shoes.

I tried again. And then again. Windows XP has never looked so inviting. Somehow I still have my data (and my sanity).

My workspace

I like to call my desk “multilayered.” It is about as wide as three beer cases. On my right hand side sits my fridge, which adds the second layer, and on my left hand side sits my bookshelf, made of three stacked milk crates.

My bookshelf is full of school books so I also use the floor to store a few things. Tonight when the water spilled, it not only soaked my computer, but also a few books and papers that were on the floor.

My other space

There is about three and a half feet of space in-between my bed and my desk and about two feet in-between the foot of my bed and the door.

My head space

My ground level window looks out into the back of our garbage dumpster.

The walls are so thin that I can hear my housemates fart and my neighbours sing.

I almost forgot, my ceiling light burned out tonight. I replaced the bulb and went back to my studying. Five minutes later the glass fixture crashed to the floor.

So, how can I organize my room to study better? I am giving up. I’m going to the library to study tomorrow.

Racism in our own ranks

2006-03-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am shocked, angry, and dismayed.

A fellow classmate commented on her blog that Torontonians are “loud, overbearing, rude, etc.” She says, “It isn’t that the rest of Canada hates Toronto the place, it hates Torontonians.”

Wow!

That is not the forward thinking that I expect from a young, middle to upper class, educated Canadian. That sounds like open racism and prejudice.

I am surprised to see those thoughts written down and posted on the internet by a fellow classmate. They seem like angry thoughts that might get shouted during an argument, not well thought out comments posted for the world to see.

I have to invite readers to visit Kristin’s blog and to read her comments.

Don’t put words in my mouth!

It is narrow-minded to think, say, and write, that Canada hates Torontonians.

I am Canadian (not a Torontonian) and I do not hate Torontonians. Sure, everyone can have their own prejudice and bias, but do not put those words in my mouth.

Please see this Globe and Mail special to read about another Canadian who has confronted his Toronto hating bias.

It does happen…everywhere (I think)

I am dismayed to say the least. This opens my eyes to the reality of racism; it happens. It happens in the worst of slums, the best of schools, and the brightest of minds.

I’m not sure how to change racism and prejudice, but I think the first step is to become aware. Awareness of your own biases and culture and awareness of the biases of others may go a long way in understanding racism.

Regardless of where the bias comes from and how terrible treatment may have been towards others, it is wrong to label a whole group or a whole culture.

Don’t throw out the whole bag just because of a few bad apples.

Fire re-hire! Fire re-hire!

2006-03-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

French officials are preparing for the worst as activists get ready for a nationwide strike next week. A new law, which eases restrictions on hiring and firing young workers, has set off protests across the country. The new law is meant to combat France’s youth unemployment rate which soars at "23% nationwide and 50% among impoverished young people". (Globeandmail.com)

Discouraged Employers

Restrictive labour laws discourage job creation within small businesses, a prime hiring ground for many young workers. Employers are hesitant to hire new employees because restrictive policies have made it hard to fire employees when market conditions change. Today’s fast moving economy can surprise even the most forward looking business owners who must then make immediate changes to maintain competitiveness. Job holders encourage this type of restrictive policy because it provides stable, long-term jobs.

Eased Restrictions

Restrictive policies were lifted for the smallest business owners in France last year, an action which created 330,000 new jobs. Matthieu, a new salesman at a small web design firm in Paris says “If the new [law] had not existed, I would not have got a job here. It has helped me a lot, and if I sell well I have nothing to fear.” The law encourages employers to try out new employees and keep the ones who perform well.

Angry Employees

Many students and young workers see another side of the story. Firing employees in their first two years of employment is easier under the new law. Employers could abuse the law by hiring, and then firing before the two year term has passed. It could be a constant source of cheap labour for employers but a constant source of worry for young employees.

The Debate

A student myself, I can see implications the new law could have upon job stability for young workers. Although, as a business student, I can also see the policy will create jobs and may create a more efficient market.

I contribute to global warming: but I try not to

2006-03-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

I am not going to use this space to cite astounding facts about rising water levels, vicious storms, or nasty sunburns. You can probably see for yourself some of the effects of global warming; I don’t need to point them out.

I’m also not here to get you to join a fight against global warming. A big fight sounds like it would take up a lot of energy (no pun intended).

I just want to show you some of the small things I am doing to reduce global warming. My efforts don’t cost me a lot of money and don’t take up a lot of time but do make my green heart feel a bit better.

All the small things

Here are some cheap and easy ways I help to reduce global warming.
- I use my city’s recycling program
- I use a compost bin for food and yard waste
- I use a fan instead of an air conditioner
- I walk or bike to school
- I turn off the drying cycle on my dishwasher and let dishes air-dry
- I use cold water to wash my clothes
- I try turn off lights in the house when they are not in use
- I use energy efficient light bulbs (in some lights)
- I turn off the tap when shaving and brushing

I do

I would not, and could not say that I am not a polluter and don’t contribute to global warming. That would be unrealistic.

What I can say though, is that I make an effort to reduce global warming and I feel good about it.

For information about other easy ways to control global warming, please visit the Government of Canada and commit to your own One-Tonne challenge.

Spring study BREAK!

2006-03-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

Spring study break is for breaking, not studying. It is a time to relax and forget about school for almost a week.

Sun

For some students (me), study break means beaches, bars, and burns. I spent my study break in Florida, one of the most popular spring break destinations this year. My trip included a day in Orlando at Disney World and a few nights in Key West at Mallory Square.

I can assure you, I didn’t worry about school (or much of anything) while I was in Florida.

Snow

Sun filled destinations share in their popularity with snow filled ski resorts as spring break locations. Several friends of mine spent their study break enjoying fresh snow and cold beer at Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Their stories about the week didn’t include any schoolwork.

Sleep

Study break doesn’t mean travel for everyone. Some students choose to relax by staying close to home. An week of full-time work can provide a little relaxation for a student’s bank account. Staying close to home can also be an opportunity to get some extra sleep and explore a city that has more to offer than the school campus, the grocery store, and the downtown bars. Friends of mine that stayed home also talked very little about studying over the break.

Stress (free)

Regardless of how students spend their break, I think the best part is the lack of classes, readings, assignments, and due-dates. These deadlines are a constant weight upon students’ shoulders. Study break provides a little relief from the constant demands of student life.

The break from school lasts only until about Saturday before school re-starts. As study break nears its end, cramming starts all over again. Although refreshed, some students may wish more time had been spent studying than breaking.

Superiority in the eyes of the beholder (me)

2006-03-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

My last post includes several points about the superiority of business degrees but I have to agree with a fellow classmate Allison, there is a place in this world for everyone, regardless of their education. One degree is not undeniably superior to other degrees.

My discussion of business degrees did not go far enough to say that other degrees are superior in their own right. That being said, several of my classmates have also made assertions that require explanation.

Superior Science

Katie urged that “A science degree is superior in all aspects of everything.” This unequivocal assertion of superiority astounds me.

I fail to understand how a science degree is superior over every other degree in preparing an individual to sell insurance, bake cakes, create commercials, or even train puppies. Although a science degree may be superior in some instances, it is almost impossible that a science degree is superior in all aspects of everything.

Intensive English

Sarah comments that an English major “is more intensive than any other major or advanced majors program.” She leaves no room for argument.

Her statement does not allow the reader to make his/her own decision and does not provide evidence to support the claim. Although an English degree may be intensive, it is almost impossible that an English degree is more intensive than all other degrees in all aspects of university education.

Terrible Truth

Education is superior. Education is contextual.

One degree is not superior in all situations and thankfully one person is not superior in all situations. I am happy to have scientists do science, engineers do engineering, and businessmen (women) do business.

The superiority of education is only evident when we all work together.

Business programs award 294,000 degrees in one year!

2006-02-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

Business degrees are the most popular major for college students in the United States. “Of the 1,349,000 bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2002-03, the largest numbers of degrees were conferred in the fields of business (294,000), social sciences (143,000), and education (106,000).”

What makes a business* degree superior? Why do students choose a business degree more often than any other degree?

Value Proposition

A basic premise of business is to organize resources to satisfy the unfilled needs of others. This principle drives business graduates to make people happy by meeting or exceeding their product and service expectations.

Business students learn how to structure organizations to most efficiently meet the needs of its stakeholders. This skill set is valuable to organizations throughout the world regardless of their purpose. A commerce degree is superior in its flexibility over other degrees because of its universal demand in organizations as varied as governments, schools, or charities.

As a business student, I am honoured to say that I am learning how to make people happy.

Job opportunities

On CNN’s list of most offered jobs in 2005, five of top 10 the most offered jobs require skills taught in business programs.

Simply, a business degree is the superior choice for job seekers.

Upward Mobility

Undergraduate business degrees are characterized by superior upward mobility. The responsibility level of other undergraduate degree holders in the workforce can be limited by graduate program requirements. Canadian engineering undergraduates must practice for 2 to 4 years before they are given full responsibility for projects.

It is not uncommon for a business graduate to hold the top position in a small family owned firm or a large multinational corporation.

Students choose business degrees more often than other degrees because of an honourable value proposition, a hot job market, and superior upward mobility.

* “Business degree” is used generically to include Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration and other related undergraduate level degrees

Plagiarism exposes a problem: universities struggle in new learning environment

2006-02-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Universities are supposed to be a hub of higher thinking.

Statistics about higher thinking

“Over 70% of students admit to some form of cheating” at nearly 60 US college campuses involved in a recent study.

NBC used the same study to report that 37% of students “have used the Internet to plagiarize.”

Dalhousie University boasts a 212.5% increase in plagiarism infractions between 1999 and 2003.

What are students learning?

As a student, I am disgusted that university level assignments include recycled problems from years past (not up-to-date questions). Many exams are based on multiple-choice questions (not critical thinking applications). Research papers focus on analysis and summary of the problem (not reaching or implementing solutions).

This does not reflect a place of higher thinking.

Plagiarism exposes the problem

Plagiarism is a bi-product of changing technology and learning patterns. Students use the internet to their advantage, replacing hours of searching for relevant resources.

Resources that used to be limited to university libraries are now available online for the general public. Universities, and governments which control their funding, need to understand this change. Internet research is a norm that universities have not yet fully accepted.

Over 2,000 academic institutions, including Dalhousie University, use www.turnitin.com to solve their plagiarism woes. Turnitin.com examines digital copies of student work against archived internet pages and previously submitted papers and journals. Any paper which contains more than eight words in a row from a paper in Turnitin.com’s database is identified for review as potential plagiarism. (please see article for info)

Universities' solutions to the plagiarism problem force changes upon student practices. The education system needs to accept the new learning environment and reward positive change.

Teaching style, assignment format, and mark allocations need to encourage critical thinking. Education systems should reward thought, not research and regurgitation.

When will universities bring higher thinking back to students?

Fine dont vote

2006-02-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

Voter turnout in Canada in the 2004 federal elections hit 60.9 per cent, it lowest level since figures were recorded by Elections Canada in 1867. According to CTV, Australia has enjoyed “higher than 90 per cent voter turnout” since 1924. Elections Canada has never recorded voter turnout higher than 80%.

Fines, similar to parking tickets, are used in Australia to discourage non-voters. Opponents of mandatory voting could argue that it costs taxpayers' money to enforce payment of these fines.

A mandatory voting policy in Canada will:

Reduce wasted resources spent encouraging voter turnout

Demonstrate a commitment to democracy

Efficient use of Resources

Time and money spent encouraging people to vote can instead be spent on democratic issues and election policy debates. Party leaders will be able to focus on public policy and election platforms rather than spend time encouraging citizens to get to the polling stations.

Fines for non-voters could be enforced in similar fashion to parking tickets. Non-voter fines are small fines that are designed to encourage compliance rather than punish disobedience. Absorbing fines for non-voters who default on their payments is a small price to pay for legitimate democracy.

Commitment to Democracy

Mandatory voting demonstrates commitment to ensuring democracy in Canada. It creates respect for every citizen and every vote, not just those who voluntarily voted on past Election Days. Democratic policies will become will be a legitimate representation of the choice of all Canadians. Government will be more accountable to more citizens; they will be forced to create better policy.

More than 30 countries worldwide have adopted mandatory voting practices. CTV reports that Australia, Belgium, and Greece enjoy voter turnout of 90, 92, and 80 per cent voter turnout. Canada should adopt mandatory voting legislation to ensure a focused, representative democratic government.

Be Succinct

2006-01-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

Be Succinct! (Summary of a Web Writing Guide)

Web writing is different from regular printed material. Below is a summary of Jakob Neilsen’s suggestions about writing on the web.

Guidelines:

Be succinct: web writing should be 50% shorter than hardcopy material

Write for scannability: small blocks of text are easy to read

Use links: split large blocks of information into several pages

Be Concise

On screen reading is 25% slower than on paper reading and research indicates that people feel unpleasant when reading screen text. Write 50% less text on screen than you would for a printed article. Short articles will also minimize scrolling.

Scannability

Computer users may not read every word that is on the screen. Users tend to read key points, sentences, and paragraphs which are important to their interests while skipping over less important parts.

Write for scannability using these tips:

Use headings, subheadings, and sub-sub-headings when appropriate

Use meaningful headings to guide users to the right place

Highlighting and emphasis can be used to grab user’s attention

Links

Depth of information is a great function of web articles but the information should be split up into multiple pages. Put information that is of interest to all readers on your first page while using links to direct users to specialized information.

Keep the audience in mind. Multiple pages may make printing more difficult. Instead, use headings and links within pages to direct users to certain points of interest. Each section should focus on a certain subject.

Each page should start with a summary so users don’t have to read the whole page to gather the important information. This is known as the “inverse pyramid” principle.