A few questions have come in about the training that I have been doing and I wanted to take a few moments to explain just some of the things that I have learned. It is similar to what happens in any class, there is lots of knowledge to get exposed to, a variety of skills to learn, and they are both needed to do wonderful things.
The first new thing is this webpage. I didn’t design it, but I did need to learn how to get my journals, lessons, photos, and audio stuff up onto the pages you are seeing. What is incredible is that the people of PolarTREC have set this all up and are able to help techno-challenged people like me make it happen and make it look good!!
A tool that I have worked with before, and that I am getting better with is the digital camera. We’ve all taken pictures, yet taking good pictures is a different story. We have been practicing and then working with the photos to get them ready for the Photo Gallery. The cameras we are using a very user friendly as well.
Pentax Camera Optio W30
A new tool which I think will work really well for me and my class is a digital audio player/ recorder. Most of the younger generation would call it an mp3 player. We’ve been taking these recorders all over, recording all sorts of different people, sounds, and even animals!!
mp3 Player - iAUDIO
Of course, we all know that things don’t always work as planned so we have learned about the various systems for staying in touch with the incredible folks at PolarTREC. I didn’t know much about instant messaging and iChat, it makes it easy though to stay in touch and get problems solved.
iChat List
Speaking of staying touch, the satellite phone was really fun to use. It is for more remote locations than Barrow, which is pretty remote but has great computer access.
Satellite Phone Training
So, that’s a lot of the work that I have been doing. Fortunately, there is plenty of interesting stuff to write about, take pictures of, and listen to. The next journal will be about Arctic Science!! As always, ask questions and think hard!!