Talk to tackle Language Learning

by Lori Straus.

On Friday, March 20, Bryan Smith from Arizona State University will give a talk on language learner behavior as it is studied in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The public lecture takes place in Modern Languages, room 245, and begins at 4:00 p.m.

Smith's talk is entitled "What Do Language Learners Do, Exactly?"

CALL is a branch of Applied Linguistics that deals with how students learning languages interact with, learn from, or are otherwise affected by using computers for their learning. Smith has been studying language learning for over 20 years. His research focuses on what language learners do in computer-mediated communication.

One of the challenges of studying CALL is sufficiently tracking learner behavior to understand what learners are doing as they learn a new language. Smith will talk about how eye-tracking technology can help overcome this challenge and how it can demonstrate the value of tracking learner feedback.

Back to top

TD Walter Bean talk features alien invaders

The greatest environmental threat of the 21st century may be an alien invasion.

Not aliens of the extraterrestrial variety, but invasive species that range from Asian carp to the Emerald Ash Borer, from Zebra Mussels to Giant Hogweed. That's the subject of this year's TD Walter Bean Lecture in Science that will feature Tom Stohlgren, PhD speaking on "Invasions from Inner Space: Species Invasions and Extinction" tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Humanities Theatre.

Professor Stohlgren is a leading authority in the field of biological invasions. Senior Scientist at Colorado State University and Director of the National Institute of Invasive Species, he holds numerous recognitions including several Partners in Conservation Awards and the Meritorious Service Award. Recently he received the top honour in his field: Resident Distinguished Ecologist.

"Invasions from Inner Space: Species Invasions and Extinctions" will examine creepy stories of biological invasions right in our own backyards.

With his signature presentation style mixing mediums and humour, Professor Stohlgren engages audiences of all ages sharing his globally-recognized expertise in biological invasions. His talk will explore the link between current extinctions and invasion patterns around the globe as a result of population expansion and the loss of biodiversity.

This is an all-ages event and everyone is welcome.

Back to top

Kindness Krew put their backs into it

This is the latest in a series of #UWCommunity stories that feature Waterloo in the community.

On Saturday, February 28th, the Federation of Students’ Random Acts of Kindness Krew helped kick the winter blues by offering their time to shovel driveways in our community for their first ever Shake the Snow event. Polishing up approximately 6 houses with 4 committed volunteers resulted in a successful community-driven adventure for this relatively new campus club.

Pictured above are (left to right) volunteers Michael Divinski, Victoria Harkes, Judy Vo, and Allie Piatkowski.

Inspired by the University of Waterloo’s RAK Day achievements from last fall, club president, Victoria Harkes, felt that such a positive initiative like this could fuel it’s momentum with year-long student and community support.

“I thought it would be a great idea to have a group on campus dedicated to keeping that spirit alive throughout the year,” she explained.

They’ve officially partnered with the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation, providing the group with t-shirts, wristbands, and cards they can hand out to individuals to incentivize them into paying it forward.

“Our focus is on building a bridge between students and their community, but it’s also helping to make our campus itself a nicer, kinder place.”

“I think it’s a big part of RAK Day and the RAK spirit: the whole idea of paying it forward. It’s not just an act of kindness for you. It’s about taking that feeling and doing something nice for somebody else,” Victoria expressed.

They’ve handed out candy, which has sparked some smiles on campus, and last week they crafted a campus-wide letter writing campaign to entice students and staff to send thoughtful handwritten notes to friends and loved ones. With a growing mailing list of close to 100 interested volunteers, this club’s positive vibes are definitely spreading fast.

“It’s such a simple idea: make things kinder.”

Volunteer with the RAK Krew by joining their mailing list (rakkrewuw@gmail.com) or stay up to date with their activities by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

Back to top

Thursday's notes

Today is Waterloo Warriors Football Recruit Day, which will take place at 4:30 p.m. in Fed Hall. In addition, the annual March Break Skills and Drills Camp is back for another year from March 16 to 20 at the CIF.

The annual CanBuild food drive takes place today. More than 200 students will participate in 17 teams across campus to build creative structures using food donations for the The Feds Food Bank and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eight teams will build structures in the Student Life Centre and the remaining nine teams will build in various buildings around campus. A team in the Early Childhood Education will be joined by around 70 toddlers to build a can structure.

The latest entry in the Water Institute Lecture Series will feature Charles Vörösmarty, director of the CUNY Environmental CrossRoads Initiative at the City University of New York, who will deliver a lecture entitled "Water in the 21st Century: Sources of Pessimism, Sources of Optimism." The lecture will take place at 2:30 p.m. today in DC 1302. The lecture will be livestreamed.

Beginning this evening, WCMS sites will be upgraded to version 1.10, which includes new features and functionality, bug fixes, and other updates to the generic theme.

The upgrade will run from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow for pilots, training, and other non-production sites, and from 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 until 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13 for production (live) and feeds sites.

Users should log out of their sites and not work on them during the upgrade window. Anyone with issues or concerns should submit an RT or contact the IST Service Desk, at ext. 84357.

"It's not too late for students to volunteer this Saturday for March Break Open House," writes Andrea Santi of the Visitor's Centre. "It's a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in applying for the part-time Student Ambassador position." The deadline for volunteer applications is today.

Here's the latest Nutrition Month "myth vs. fact" supplied by Health Services Dietician Sandra Ace:

Myth: Snacking leads to weight gain.

Fact: Snacking can cause you to eat more calories than your body needs in a day, especially if you’re having high-calorie snack foods and sweetened beverages. On the other hand, well-timed, healthy snacks can keep you energized, may help to decrease sugar cravings and prevent extreme hunger that can lead to overeating at meals. Think portioned, balanced snacks, not treats, however and save calorie-dense, lower-nutrient goodies for occasional indulgences. Not everyone needs snacks, but if you do, combining foods that contain some protein with carbohydrates is a smart snacking plan. Some ideas: replace a mid-morning donut or muffin with whole grain crackers or crisp-bread and a hard boiled egg, an afternoon bag of chips with an apple spread with nut butter or a handful of unsalted nuts, and your evening bowl of ice cream with a serving of Greek yogurt topped with frozen blueberries.

Back to top