Working on the LAMS project

I spent most of time translating and learning to use LAMS at MELCOE. It is not an easy task. However, I do feel the joy of learning. I think learning is the happiest thing in my life.

Blue Mountain National Park

Blue Mountain National Park is a World Heritage site. It is not too far from Sydney. This picture is the most famous spot, three sister rocks, in this beautiful park.

Heatwave hits Australia

It has been really really hot since I arrived in Australia. Today's news said that 84 people died because of this devastated bushfire caused by the heatwave. BBC's report is as follow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7877243.stm

Sydney fish market

This weekend, we visited Sydney fish market. I think every tourist who loves sea food must visit this place. People can order any local catched fish, crabs, prawns, oysters, lobster, and abalone(鮑魚), and eat them raw or cooked. Some seafoods are expensive and even hard to eat in Taiwan, but we find them incredible cheap and taste are so good. Sydney has been very hot these couple days, and temperature sometimes reach 40 degree Celcius. On the way return to our apartmrnt, trains were delayed due to the electricity problem caused by the heatwave. It is nice to enjoy summer, but I think it will not be fun if I sweat a lot every day.

澳洲的Macquaire 大學

自從在美國讀書、工作返台後，我就認為美國雖然是世界的強國，但它並不一定是最好的，因此我就把握休假與進修的機會到美國以外的國家去。這次來到澳洲，讓我對澳洲有更深一層的認識，也了解到澳洲學校與研究有很多地方其實比美國還好，在我待的Macquarie大學，在2005年曾被選為世界的百大大學的第67名，台灣政府花了很多錢，但到目前為止沒有一所學校能進入，我想這跟大學的的制度有很大的關係，例如我在的MELCOE是一個獨立的研究中心，裡面聘請了30位左右的員工，這些人都來自不同的國家，有東歐、加拿大、非洲、日本、中國大陸與香港，中心的主管是一位教授，負責管理中心的營運與整合計畫，學校給了他很大的人力資源，也吸引了全世界優秀的人才，而在中心工作的員工每天只需上班七小時，每年還有30天的年假(不包括假日)，他們只要將工作及時完成即可。

Ibis birds (朱鷺)

在雪梨各地都常看到朱鷺(Ibis)，我在Macquarie大學內的同事告訴我，他們就像鴿子與海毆一樣普遍。

Doing LAMS project at MELCOE

LAMS software was developed at MELCOE, Sydney, Australia. In fact, Australia is probably the most advanced country in developing E-learning infrasture. Many software were invented and developed here, such as Moodle and other open source softwares. Since I arrived at Macquarie University, I have finished three modules' translation of the LAMS software. It really suprised me that China has finished most of translation works of LAMS, and they are using it widely in the higher education settings. I really hope I can introduce this excellent tool to Taiwan after I master the use of this software. It will be beneficial to the schools at various stages.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Many Australian animals can be seen at this beautiful zoo located near seashore of North Sydney.

Darling habour

Today is the first weekend of our Australia trip. We went to another landmark of Sydney-Darling Habour. We got on ferry at Circular Quay and got off at the pier neer Darling Habour Aquarium. This place is really a paradise to relax and suitable for family with children. I really like the friendly facilities in Sydney's tourist spots. Tourists will not have trouble to find toilets which is really important for seniors and children. Also, the toilets are really clean. I think most backpack travellers would agree with my opinion. I feel I can really relax at this moment. Sydney is the right destination in January.

Korean restaurant at Eastwood

We decideded to go a little bit further after work this afternoon. One of the colleagues at MELCOE told me that Eastwood has large aisan population and genuine asian foods. We chose a restaurant close to the station. The meals were excellent and really a taste of Korean from my point of view.

MELCOE的LAMS軟體

此次來到澳洲雪梨的Macquarie University的數位學習中心，主要是來學習LAMS電子化課程設計運用，LAMS為一個視覺化介面的課程設計軟體(看起來有點類似Macromedia的Authorware)，它的主要功能是提供教師與學生將課程設計編製成一個模組，而此模組是利用編程(SEQUENCING)的方式設計，並可重複利用與分享給其他的使用者或教師。我跟中心的主任James談過希望將這套系統介紹到台灣去，因為它是開放源碼，所以完全免費。不過目前並沒有繁體中文介面，因此James請我幫忙將它翻譯為中文，因此在中心的第一天，我除了學習基本的操作外，就利用一個小時將其中的一項功能翻譯成繁體中文。

Sydney Opera House雪梨歌劇院

I got off from work around 4:30 pm. We decided to go to visit one of the world's most famous landmarks-Sydney Opera House. It is really a gorgeous and magnificent building. From the Circular Quay, I can see the habour bridge which is another famous spot in Sydney. I really enjoyed to have couple hours off and walk along the pier.

MELCOE-開始在麥格里大學的數位學習中心進行研究

I begin my offical visit at Macquarie University’s E-Learning Centre Of Excellence (MELCOE)today. It is my primary goal to understand how LAMS (learning activity management system) is being used and applied at the education settings. Following is a introduction of MELCOE.
"Macquarie University’s E-Learning Centre Of Excellence (MELCOE) is an international focal point for e-learning infrastructure and standards development. The Centre consolidates Macquarie University’s position at the leading edge of best practice in e-learning. MELCOE is a recognised leader in implementing global standards and specifications for learning technology. Through collaborations with educational organisations, government and commercial partners, MELCOE fosters the adoption of the next generation of distributed e-learning and information systems. MELCOE’s unique approach fosters innovation and creativity in e-learning software development and implementation driven by open standards."

A long flight to the south hemisphere

It took about 14 hours fly from Taipei to Syndeny. We flew to Hong Kong to cath the Qantas airway to Sydeny. It was really a long flight because I coundn't get sleep during the flight. We arrived at Sydney Kingsford Smith airport around 8:40 AM, and the custom inspection took so long because they scan most people's luggages even they have nothing to declare. I think it must be terrible when the Olympic game was held in Sydney in 2000. My host Leanne Cameron asked us to take train to Burwood station. It was not a problem for us to find the station, and we met around 11:00 am outside the station. We then took shower and slept for a while. Around the evening, we had our first offcial dinner in an Italian restaurant at Concord shopping center. We ordered a pizza that is pretty unique. It came with figs (無花果)(see the picture on the left). I am a big fan of Italian foods when I studied in the States. I also had an Italian beer which is similar to Stella, a Belgium beer. It is really nice to enjoy summer in Australia.

Going to Sydney, Australia

I begin my offcial visit to Australia today. I am pretty excited about to visit one of the biggest coutries in the world. This visit will be rewarding and productive.

early bird or early worm?

Oh if you’re a bird, be an early bird and catch the worm for your breakfast plate.If you’re a bird, be an early early bird. But if you’re a worm, sleep late.

Recall life in San Francisco

I visited my alma mater (San Francisco State University) in April last year. It was nice to go back to the place I was familiar with. I spent 3 hours to see all the buildings on campus, and I especially pay attention to the classrooms and computer labs I used to stay and work. San Francisco is really a place inspiring me in many ways. I found my career goal here, and my language skill improved when I studied at San Francisco State University. Also, I got my first “good paid” job in the Bay area too. I had so many good memories in San Francisco. A famous song's name “ I left my heart in San Francisco” (by Tony Bennett) really describes my feelings toward San Francisco.

Happy moment

We celebrated my father's birthday on Sunday. Grandpa (my father) and Grandma(my mother) enjoyed spending time with my little boy and my sister's choppy girl. My son's weight is 6 kgs, and he is more than 2 months old. He really brings joy to my family and, of course, he has received loves and blessings from friends and relatives.

Growing up

My son is growing up fast . A Taiwanese folk song describes that a bay grows up one inch every night. Although it is not true, its metaphor perfectly illustrates the speed of babies' growth. Taking care of a child is not an easy job, and it requires certain amount of energy and patient. Someimes, I really hope my son can grow up quickly when I feel tired of changing diapers.

One month

My son will be a month old this Wednesday. He is growing really fast. His weight is 4.46 Kg now, and that is 1.1 kg higher than his birth weight (3.36kg). Also, he spends more time watching people around him and trying really hard to wave his hands and legs when he is awake. I do feel a little bit sorry about my occasional absent during weekdays because of work. However, I pray for him almost everyday, and I believe he is always blessed from our Mighty Lord.

Office 2007

I think everyone should be ready to update Office software if he/she hasn't done that. I really like the advanced and friendly features of this newer version. I am writing this article from Office 2007, and it can be directly uploaded to my blog. Also, I don't need to worry about misspelling and typo which I used to. Most people who don't want to update would probably argue the incompatibility issues. However, I don't think this reason is good enough to persuade those folks who already used Office 2007. I really encourage people to give it a try. Seeing and doing. You will love and enjoy your decision.

Learning to be a father

I am gradually learning to ba a father. What does a father mean? Most people will agree that fathers should play important role not just in finacially supporting their children but also need to spend valuable time educating and taking care of them physically and mentally. I guess this question is waiting for me to answer, and I need to devote myself to seek best answers for this question.

A child is a gift from God

My son is more than a week old. Past few days, I have spend plenty of time with him. He is really an adorable boy. He doesn't cry for no reason. His eyes are observing people and things around him when he is awake. I think he has occupied my heart for sure. Thanks God for giving us this wondeful gift. I promise to love and cherish him throughout my life.

A new member to my family (歡迎家中的新成員)

I offcially became a father of a baby boy at 3:33 pm on Oct. 5th . My son was born. My wife experienced almost 40 hours' full throes of labor pains, and gave birth to the little baby boy.

I really appreciate two nurses (I don't remember their name) at the delivery room at St. Martin De Porres Hospital in Chia-Yi. They helped my wife and encouraged her to go through the delivery process. Dr. Kuo, my wife's OB&GYN doctor, was patient and presented dedicated attitude and excellent medical skill while my wife was pushing the baby out. It was a very special feeling when I saw my son at first sight. He is a new addition to my family, and he will be a treasure in my life. I was, in fact, very excited about his arrival to the wonderful world. I realize that I will learn a lots through him, and I may change my point of view toward things afterward. God bless my family.

歡迎家中的新成員!特別感謝天主教聖馬爾定醫院產房護士的耐心與鼓勵的協助。

有趣的廣告招牌

一家加拿大自行車店的廣告招牌
仔細閱讀下方的文字後
令人宛然一笑

巴菲特的四個「SELF」

掌握四個「SELF」要徹底了解自己、掌握自己，必須從四個「Self」著手： 一、Self Awareness（自覺） 分析自己。在面對成功與失敗的時候，你會有怎樣的精神狀態？生活會受到怎樣的影響？ 二、Self Control（自制） 調整自己。分析自己之所以會成功或失敗的原因，找出關鍵點，做為下次的決策參考。 三、Self Esteem（自我尊重） 肯定自己。即使是小小的成功，也要懂得給自己一個鼓勵與讚賞，從小小的自信中累積能量，培養成就大事的基礎。 四、Self Image（自我描繪） 找到定位，繪製自己的人生藍圖，想像未來的自己會是怎樣的樣貌，以及希望達成怎樣的成功。

靈氣人生觀

靈氣人生觀 日本 甕井臼男創立

1. 就在今日，我對許多恩賜心懷感謝。
2. 就在今日，我不擔心。
3. 就在今日，我不生氣。
4. 就在今日，我誠實的賺取生活所需。
5. 就在今日，我善待鄰居及每一個生命。

美國母校校友獲美國共和黨提名為副總統候選人

剛出爐的共和黨副總統候選人阿拉斯加州州長Sarah Palin為我畢業母校University of Idao的校友,她將與馬侃角逐2008年美國的正副總統.以下是Univ. of Idaho的新聞稿.

The University of Idaho is proud of its legacy of leaders, which includes Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, named by Sen. John McCain as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. University of Idaho alumni are sizable in number, but remain a close-knit community. A large number of university alumni, such as Sarah, have gone on to distinguish themselves in public service.

Adult Learning Center

溫哥華圖書館有一個教室是針對成人所設的學習中心(Adult Learning center)，館方人員說目前中心開設的課程主要針對新移民的英語課程與求職相關的訓練,而且完全免費。由於想要參與的民眾相當的踴躍, 因此只限定剛登陸的新移民才可參加(國際學生並不符合資格),加拿大圖書館提供功的服務的確對提升民眾的素質與學習風氣有極大的作用，這也值得我門借鏡參考。

圖書館與民眾資訊素養

七月份於溫哥華圖書館短期研究時,發現加拿大的圖書館工作人員都有圖書館的學位，由此圖書館科系畢業的學生都有其專業發展的管道，我認為未來台灣也必須朝此方向前進，讓每一科系畢業的學生都能有明確的就業管道，如此才不會造就很多學生學非所用，或因就業管道不明確而導致學習態度與意願低落。此外，我在進行焦點訪談時，幾位部門的主管都提到每一位圖書館員都必須輪流講授為民眾開課的資訊素養課程，再次可以發現圖書館的館員除了自己的負責工作外，也能藉其他機會親自與民眾接觸，了解他們的需求，並也能讓自己可以有機會不斷的學習以因應知識的變化與專業上更進一步成長。

世界行蹤-我所拜訪過的國家

visited 16 states (7.11%)可以上這個網站去建立自己的世界行蹤地圖
Create your own visited map of The World

Ready to go home

在美國紐約與紐澤西短暫的探親行程很快的結束了,見到了許久未曾見面但曾經很照顧我的親人, 也與他們在一起享受快樂的相聚時光 ,對於他們我一直由衷的感謝, 記得在美國唸書期間,他們的支持還有幫忙,讓我在美國很快的適應與成長. 此張照片是我在明尼蘇達州的明尼阿波利斯-聖保羅機場轉機所拍,這個機場是西北航空的重要據點(Hub).

Stay in New Jersey and New York

I arrived in Newark New Jersey on July 26th. It has been 4 years since I visited last time. When I first came to the States, I stayed at my aunt's home in Summer and Winter holodays. It's really nice to see them again.

A rewarding trip in Canada

在加拿大溫哥華的短期研究到今天告一段落,許久未曾一個人在國外呆上這麼長的時間,在這幾個星期來的所見所聞的確讓我更深一層的認識加拿大,除了秀麗的天然景觀外,加拿大多元化的移民社會以及政府對新移民的照顧措施,都讓我印象深刻,很感謝加拿大駐台北辦公室提供這個機會讓我來溫哥華短期研究,也感謝溫哥華圖書館的Chris, Ann, Kay, Tami, Susan, Julie以及英屬哥倫比亞大學的Dr. Saltman和西蒙菲莎大學的Dr. Cheryl Amudensen的幫忙, With their assistance, I do have a rewarding visit in Canada.

溫哥華圖書館的成人讀書會

我在溫哥華成人圖書館參訪時,看到這個告示板上有發貼參與成人讀書會民眾的心得,基本上圖書館的規劃人員將讀書會的書籍分為小說與非小說部份,小說部份選了非常有名的書籍如[達文西密碼]等,非小說部份有[在天堂上遇見的五個]人等書,甚至有其他語言的書(加拿大是一個移民的國家),我就看見有日文,法文,西班牙文的心得.

史丹利公園(Stanley Park),溫哥華

史丹利公園是溫哥華的著名景點,幾乎所有觀光客都會到此停留,尤其是在圖騰柱前面留影,在史丹利公園也可以很清楚看到整個溫哥華港口以及連結西溫哥華的的綠色獅門大橋(lions gate bridge),溫哥華水族館也在此公園裡,我已經造訪過此處三次了,每次都很享受在此停留感受的優閒與舒適.

Burnaby public library

I visited Brunaby Pulic Library this evening. It is pretty close to the Metrotown shopping mall. It is a mid-size library comparing with Vancouver Public Library. The library also has a lot of Chinese books and other languages. Canada is immigrant country, so visitors can see a lot of ethnic groups in big city like Vancouver and Toronto. It is good experience to see how Canadian libraries make efforts to meet the needs of new immigrants from different countries.

指導教授Melvin Pedras來訪

我在博士班就讀時的指導老師Melvin Pedras知道我在溫哥華短期研究,特地開了四小時半車從西雅圖來溫哥華看我,因他本身是葡萄牙裔,他太太Catherine為義大利裔,因此他們對外國學生總是特別的關照,唸書期間每年的聖誕節與感恩節都會邀請我們到他家去享用晚餐,Catherine的拿手義大利千層麵更是讓我難忘,我帶他在溫哥華的Chinatown吃了港式飲茶以及到一些景點逛逛,真的很幸運能碰到這麼好的指導老師與建立長久的友誼.

Sequim Lavender Festival

I was in the State of Washington this Saturday. My lanlord(a couple) invited me to go to Sequim to visit the Lavender Festival. Vancouver is pretty close to the US-Canada border, so a lot of people, epecially BC and Washington residents, spend weekend on another country. In addition, because Canadian dollar is so strong now (1 cdn:1 usd compare to 1cdn: 068 usd 5 years ago), so many Canadian go down to the States shopping. Follwing is a brief introduction of the annual Lavender festival in Sequim. "Sequim is located on Washington State 's Olympic Peninsula cradled in the "Rain Shadow" of the Olympic Mountains and the world-famous Olympic National Park. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley has an ideal microclimate for growing lavender. With less than 20 inches of rain per year, the area is similar to the Provence region of France where this amazing herb is native. Because of the unique conditions and dedicated farmers, Sequim lavender has received national recognition for its superior quality. Our farmers have over 200 years of combined experience cultivating lavender, determining ideal varieties, developing the best planting and growing practices, and creating lavender products. Visit eight beautiful Farms on Tour in the stunning Sequim-Dungeness Valley. Growers share their techniques for cultivating, drying and using lavender, and visitors experience the perfume and beauty of this captivating herb. See dozens of varieties with colors and scents from sweet whites to crisp purples, while enjoying the sunshine, mountain views, scented breezes and open spaces of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley."

Official visit to SFU

I offcially visited Simon Fraser University Burrnaby campus today. Dr. Chery Amundesen talked to me about an hour. She is a very very nice person. I got chance to know about the Educational Technology program at SFU and in Canada. I strongly agree some of her viewpoints about the use of Technology in learning. "Every technology can be effective, it just depends on how you use it." Thus, we cannot only pursue fast and fancy technolgy. The most important thing is to focus the nature of learning and teaching.

Circque Du Soleil-Corteo

I finally saw the Cirque Du Soleil (太陽馬戲團) show. Its venue is located at Concord Pacific place which is about 10 mins from the place I saty in Vancouver. The show, Corteo, is super good. No wonder people keep saying that "everyone should see the Cirque Du Soleil show in lifetime." This amazing circus is going to Taiwan to perform next year. I am sure it will attract a lot people to wintness the gorgeous circus in human history. The following is a piece of information from the Cirque du Soleil website.
"Corteo, which means "cortege" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality."

Chinese characters on the famous Stationery store

I saw this store sign in Richmond. People can see Chinese characters everywhere in this city. The cencus shoews that 6 out 10 people are Chinese reside here.

Granville Island

I went to south part of the city-Granville Island. I walked on the Granville street, and I decided to walk over the bridge to enjoy few hours view at waterfront park. Actuaaly, I don't really enjoy this place. The reason is probably I have been similar place that had better view that this waterfront pier.

Uuniversity of British Columbia(UBC)

UBC is one of the Group of Thirteen(G-13) in Canada. According to Wikipedia (2008), the G13 (or G-13), is a group of leading research-intensive universities in Canada. Formed over 10 years ago as an informal biannual meeting of university executive heads, the grouping is similar to the Australian Group of Eight. The G13's primary activity is in joint research programmes. The chairmanship of the G13 rotates among the executive heads of the thirteen universities. There are currently 428,000 students enrolled in the 13 universities. In terms of endowment wealth, UBC ranks 2nd place in the 13 schools. I saw this bell in fornt of UBC's Asia study center which is donated by Mr. Choi Cheung Kok, an oversea Chinese business man.