Good work today on your role plays discussing internet addiction with a friend!

Here's a link to the Internet and Tech Addiction Anonymous (ITAA) website. You can read their 12 Steps and Principles for Internet & Technology Addiction Recovery.

"These twelve steps and principles are guidelines for members of Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous to live by. We can recognize and overcome living issues by using the twelve steps and/or principles. If you choose to embrace these steps and principles into your life, it will get better, no matter what you are having a problem with." (from the website)

Note that the first step involves admitting that you have a problem with addiction.



Here's a link to the website describing the work of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There is a good video in the upper right corner about AA called "Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous."



Finally, here's the link to the "wiki how" site on "How To Avoid Internet Addiction." This is what we did today in class as a listening activity.

Hello LINC 7 students! Please read the article and be prepared to discuss this issue in class tomorrow!

Here's a 5 minute video about a cyber addiction "detox" camp (Internet Rescue Camp) in Korea. This video is from the PBS new program Frontline.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/virtual-worlds/internet-addiction/internet-rescue-camp.html?play


Here's a 7 minute video about an internet addiction camp in China. In 2008, China was the first country in the world to declare internet addiction a clinical disorder -- and a significant threat to its teenagers. This is disturbing material, so please don't watch this video if you are easily upset.


Questions to consider:

1. Based on these two videos, how are the two camps different?
2. What specific methods of rehabilitation are used in each camp? Do you think they are effective? Why or why not?
3. Are parents making the right decision by putting their children in these camps? Why or why not?
4. Should we create these kinds of camps in Canada? Why or why not?

Happy Monday!

Today we were talking about the potential problem of family violence (as part of studying family law).

Here's a short video that shows how a counselor might discuss this topic with a woman:

http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/family-law-family-violence/

Notice that one of the questions is: "Has he ever hurt you physically?" The word "ever" in this question opens the discussion up to include the entire history of the woman's relationship with the man.

Family violence tends to start and continue in a repeated pattern. The pattern is a vicious cycle where the woman continually accepts the man's apology for his violent actions -- and so it happens again:

TRIGGER   -->    VIOLENCE   -->    REGRET  & APOLOGY   -->    TRIGGER #2  -->



Tomorrow, I'll give you a reading on internet (or cyber) addiction, which we'll discuss in class on Wednesday.

Here's a preview -- this video tells the story of a young man with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) who became addicted to online gaming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-q3nlJ61Q

Questions to consider:

1. Do you know anyone who has suffered domestic abuse or family violence? What happened? Was the couple able to resolve the problem? How?

2. Do you know anyone who might be suffering from internet addiction? How much time do they spend online? What activities are they doing?

Today, we reviewed the answers to the questions on part 2 of the Family Law handout.

If you missed today's class, here are the questions for Part 3 (pages 10-15):

Questions on Family Law (Part 3, pp. 10-15)

1.             The purpose of _____________________________________ is to help with living expenses after separation.

2.             Spousal support is only paid for two years.      T     F

3.             You must apply for spousal support within two years after your divorce.    T    F

4.             If your spouse owes you spousal support and isn’t paying, you can go for help at the ___________________________________________________________________________________.

5.             The general rule is that all _____________________________________________ and all ____________________________________ are divided equally between the two partners.

6.             Family property includes (give 3 examples): _______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________.

7.             Some things are not included as family property, such as (give 2 examples): __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

8.             A guardian who wants to relocate with a child must give _________________________ notice to any other guardian and to people who have contact with the child.

9.             ___________________________________________________ is a provincial program where the government provides free sessions to help separated parents adjust to change and keep their children out of the middle of _____________________ between adults.

10.         What are three types of violence that occur within families:

__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

11.         If you’re at risk of family violence, you may need to get a _________________________ _______________________ from the court. It will protect you and your children from violence carried out by another family member. It can stop a family member who is violent from (use 2 gerunds) _______________________________________________ and ________________________________________________________________________________.

12.         If there’s a history of family violence, you may be able to get the help of a _____________________________________ lawyer from Legal Services Society.

13.         The video series titled “___________________________________________________________” can help newcomers understand how Canadian law defines family violence.

14.         If your spouse sponsored you to come to Canada and you are now a permanent resident, you can’t stay in Canada after separation.       T      F

15.         If you’re not a permanent resident and you separate, you should contact an immigration lawyer immediately.     T      F

16.         Couples who cannot reach an agreement may have to go to _____________________, but this process should help you avoid a _________________________.

17.         If you require a temporary solution for parenting arrangements, child and spousal support and who lives in the family home, you can apply to the court for an _______________________________________________, which is for a limited time.

18.         If you do go to trial, a ____________________________ decides the issues you can’t agree on. Both parents must abide by (follow) the court order.

19.         If you suspect a case of child abuse, you are required by law to contact the BC Ministry of _________________________________________________________________________. You can call the ____________________________________________________________, which is 310-1234 (no area code needed).

20.         A _____________________________________________ can remove a child from a home if he or she thinks the child is in danger.

21.         The law is to protect _______________________________. First, the judge must decide if the child needs __________________________________ – and then decide on the actions to be taken.

22.         What does “impartial” mean? _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

23.         Who in the legal system is impartial? ______________________________________________

24.         Visit www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca      Under “Your FAQ” (Your Frequently Asked Questions), go to “Abuse and Family Violence”, then go to the question: “How long can I stay in a transition house?”  Read the answer. What is a “transition house”? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In addition, here's a link to a website that summarizes the changes to the Citizenship and Immigration Act.

What do you think of the changes that have come into effect?

Here's an interesting website where you can ask a Canadian lawyer a question!

I'm not sure how good the answers are, but it might be worth trying if you have a question about BC or Canadian law, including questions about Family Law (it's the third tab at the top).

This website appears to be secure and highly rated by the Better Business Bureau.

Greetings LINC 7 students!

Here's an article on Birth Order that I hope you find interesting. It describes the common qualities that are demonstrated by first-born, middle, and last-born children -- as well as only children.

Check the section that applies to you and see how accurate it is for you. Come prepared to discuss the article in class on Wednesday.



On Thursday at 11 am, we'll attend the Election Candidates Meet and Greet session in Room 2662. This is an opportunity to hear from the candidates in the current federal election and learn more about the platforms of their political parties -- the  Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Green parties.

That was an excellent discussion today, class. I hope it was useful for you!

Here's a three minute video from the RCMP (Canada's federal police force) about cyber-bullying. This website also includes the text used in the video (the transcript).

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/video/cyber-video-eng.htm

One of most heart-breaking victims of bullying and cyber-bullying was Canadian Amanda Todd, who committed suicide in 2012. Amanda made a YouTube video of herself -- telling her story by holding up written notes in front of the camera. She does not talk but this is powerful and disturbing account of what bullying can do to a young person's life. Amanda describes "cutting," which involves someone cutting themselves with a knife or razor blade to inflict self-hurt.

Here's part of the Wikipedia page on Amanda Todd:

Amanda Michelle Todd (November 27, 1996 – October 10, 2012) killed herself at the age of 15 at her home in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Prior to her death, Todd had posted a video on YouTube in which she used a series of flash cards to tell her experience of being blackmailed into exposing her breasts via webcam; bullied; and physically assaulted. The video went viral after her death, resulting in international media attention. The video has had more than 17 million views as of April 2014. The RCMP and British Columbia Coroners Service launched investigations into the suicide.

In response to the death, BC Premier Christy Clark made an online statement of condolence and suggested a national discussion on criminalizing cyber-bullying.  


Please don't watch this video if you are easily upset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWTLVz10vFE

Good work today on the parent-teacher interviews!


Please watch this video on P-T interviews as homework for Thursday's class:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ACZ1LGyGvHY

Questions to consider:

1. This video describes how the parent-teacher interview "connects the most important people in your child's life." Do you think the teacher is that important in your child's life? Why or why not?

2. The family in the video read to their son in his first language at home. Is this a good or bad thing? Why do you think so?


Here is a 4 minute video with some excellent tips on parent-teacher conferences (= interviews):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlmvU-YjsaM

Questions to consider:

1. Do you think it would be a good idea to have your child present (with you) at the meeting with his/her teacher? Why or why not?

2. The video suggests assessing the teacher's description of your child and his/her behaviour in the classroom: "Does it sound like your child?" What does this mean? Why is this question important to think about?

Hello LINC 7 students,

I hope you have time to read the article I gave you in class today on attachment. We'll be discussing it in class tomorrow (Tuesday).


You may also want to check out these YouTube videos:

1. In this video Dr. Gabor Mate discuss the problem of attachment of kids with their peers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tdljIW86e8



2. In this video Dr. Gordon Neufeld discusses "good attachment"-- how we naturally attach to our parents in an ideal situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oeqnws-2M0




The grammar homework for Tuesday is Noun Clauses: Exercises 8 & 9.

Doug :)

Great discussion about ideal parents, friends and partners today! Well done!

I want you to start thinking about your composition "My Best Friend"...

Please write this for me on the weekend and hand it in to me on Monday (150-200 words).

Please remember to double space your composition since I want to provide you with lots of written feedback on your writing!


Some questions to consider when you're writing (in addition to those on the handout):

1. Where is your best friend now? Vancouver? Your home country? Somewhere else?

2. How does this affect your relationship? Are you able to talk and discuss life as you did in the past? Does the distance between you make the relationship harder to sustain? Do you use email, texting, Skype, etc. to keep in touch?

3. What are the shared values that help to make you best friends?

Hello again LINC 7 Students!

Today we had our first class, but some of you were absent. :)

I wanted you to post a comment, but I realize now that you have to have a Google account, such as a gmail account, to post comments. If you do, you should be able to post a comment. Don't worry about posting if you can't do it!


Here is the first reading I want you to do.

It's part of our first topic: Family and Relationships.

Immigrant parents should make use of online support groups

By Margaret Jetelina

This link should take you to the Canadian Immigrant (online) magazine article. Here's the URL:

http://canadianimmigrant.ca/family/immigrant-parents-should-make-use-of-online-support-groups


I look forward to discussing this article with you in class.

Here are some questions to consider:

1.  One immigrant says, "A support group can really help to vent, to share concerns, to ask questions and to just learn from what others have done before us." Do you think this is true ? What does "vent" mean?

2. Would you be comfortable joining an on-line support group? Why or why not?

3. What are the advantages of such a group? What are the disadvantages?

4. The article states: “Some parents found it hard to reconcile their cultural ways of parenting with those of Canadians. Often parents wanted their children to fit in, but they did not want them to act in the ‘Canadian’ way,”   What does "reconcile" mean? Have you felt the desire to have your children fit in to Canadian society? What do they mean by "the Canadian way"? What might be wrong with "the Canadian way"?!

Think about your answers and be ready to discuss them in class!! 

Doug

Hello LINC 7 Students!

Welcome to Doug's Blog for our new LINC 7 part time mornings class at Vancouver Community College.

I have started this blog to keep in touch with you through the term.

Welcome!

On this blog, I'll be posting homework and links that you can check out on your home computer or smart phone. I'll try to make everything clear and simple -- and not confuse you!

I look forward to working with you all this term!

Please send me a message. Tell me whether you prefer cats or dogs, and why! Just one or two sentences please!

Thank you!!

Doug