Culture, Culture Everywhere!

Module III Essential Question: Is there an "Alaskan" culture? How could it be described? There definitely is an Alaskan culture. I would not have understood this if I had never lived here.I am just beginning to understand parts of the culture in the area in and around Fairbanks. I have learned about the culture around Fairbanks from touring the Museum of Alaska at the University of Fairbanks and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center. Meeting Athabascan Natives has also been a way to learn about a part of Alaskan culture. I would describe the "Alaskan" culture as that of the northern people who are survivors holding true to their traditions and culture. The people here are hardy due to the weather conditions. Their priorities are more focused on survival. It is refreshing that a fur coat is not something to be ashamed of but something that is valued as a tool to keep one warm in the frigid temperatures. After reviewing the information in this module and reading James Michener's, Alaska, it is evident that Alaska natives have been exploited by other cultures over and over again. They now stand up for what is theirs with a strong voice through the Alaska Federation of Natives. Examine: What is your concept of culture? My concept of culture is how one grows up. Culture is your environment from family,traditions,geographical location, ancestory, political views, to values and beliefs. Culture is all encompassing. It is very easy to judge a group of people by looking from the outside. As addressed in this module, it is important to delve deep into a group's culture before making judgements of any kind. I am learning to respect the "Alaskan" culture with every new adventure that comes my way. Evaluate: Once again, this module is taking me to a deeper level of understanding the Alaska Native culture. The one common theme I noticed between all the Native tribes is sharing what they have with their group. This is so uncommon in my independent western culture. I do not completely understand this part of the Alaska Native culture.

Awareness through Adventure

Module II Essential Questions: How does knowledge of natural systems relate to the roles of educators? The roles of educators are to facilitate learning and build life long learners in their students. Knowledge is power. When students become aware of their surroundings and the world they live in and that they are an active part of it, they become more responsible and make educated decisions concerning their carbon foot print. Educators have the best opportunity to make lasting impressions on the students they teach and mentor. An Elementary teacher could engage students in a recycling project. Many Elementary students in Fairbanks have the opportunity to participate in a gardening program at their schools.,http://www.calypsofarm.org/default.html. High School and College educators have many opportunities to bring awareness of natural systems to their captivated audience of young minds. We all contribute to the wellness or the destruction of our world we live in. Our Earth is fragile and it is only a matter of time until the damage that is being done becomes irreversible. Examine: How does permafrost changes affect topography? One of the first things that people told me after moving to Fairbanks was: "Don't buy a house that is built on permafrost." They pointed out a few homes and what the results are over many years of the thawing and freezing permafrost does to a home. I have heard stories of homes literally falling apart due to the constant shifting of the ground. Chena Hot Springs Road that goes to Chena Hot Springs is uneven with many heaves due to permafrost. Fairbanks has many bike trails in the area. The bike trails are also uneven in many areas which is due the terrain and some permafrost activity. Black spruce trees grow on areas of permafrost. They are stunted and sparse. Another place where permafrost is evident in the Fairbanks area is at Creamer's Field. A walking trail is built through the Boreal Forrest. The link provided explains the changes that occur in topography due to permafrost. http://alaska.fws.gov/fire/role/unit1/background.cfm. Hope you enjoyed the mini tour guide of Fairbanks. Evaluation: I enjoyed this Module. The diverse ways of content delivery kept me engaged. I especially enjoyed the Teacher's Domain video clips. What a useful teaching tool. I should have taken this class early when I first come up to help me understand where is the world is Alaska. We are all connected and all of our actions affect everyone on the planet. Perhaps through this class, we can all become more responsible in our efforts to decrease our carbon foot print. It may seem overwhelming when we talk about climate change and how huge it is, but if we each do our part, that is powerful and huge as well.

Module I

Wow! I am going to learn a lot as I become more technologically literate. Well, here goes.
Essential Question: Why is an awareness of Place important?
When I moved to Alaska on July 18, 2010, I had no inkling of Place. I was displaced. I understood my Place when I accidentally come upon the pipeline. At least then I knew north and south. My understanding of Place has increased the longer I have lived here and have been able to get a sense for the community, cultures, and the state of Alaska.

Awareness of Place is vital in our understanding of who we are and where we are in comparison to others in the world. Awareness of Place helps us understand different cultures and value them instead of fear them. All people need to feel valued in our world. Awareness of Place comes from strong roots and knowledge of one's culture, history, ancestors, and stories handed down from one generation to another.

I am finding it confusing in understand Place on the World Wide Web. It is so massive. The manipulating and accessing the opportunities that lie at my fingertips is quite overwhelming. I am looking forward to learning about this Place through this course.

Question: How are newcomers or outsiders regarded in your community?
I can speak to this question first-handed. When people asked me what brought me to Alaska, I tell them I came here for the adventure. I have never been laughed at when I say that, but have had positive responses. I have found that I fit in with many like minded adventurous souls in Alaska. Of course, I have been called a Cheechako. I also got a strange look from folks when they found out I had not been through a winter yet when I first moved to Alaska in July of 2010.

The people of the community have offered valuable, life saving advice like packing winter gear in your vehicle in the winter, buying the right cord to plug the vehicle in, and making sure to stay busy through the winter. My personal experience has been nothing but positive in being welcomed with open arms. I have been invited to do things with people in the community.

Due to the diversity of people who come to Fairbanks, AK, this makes people open to newcomers. Most everybody here has been a newcomer at one time or another and they remember that experience. Also, people of a community or more open to newcomers when they don't have family closeby. People make family from friends.

Lastly, being welcomed and responding to that welcome is a two-sided street. In order to be welcome, it is important to engage in the culture and become involved in the community.

One Paragraph evaluation:
I am impressed with the quality of the content of this class. The resources that are available are impressive. The biggest challenge I have with this internet class is accessing and being able to manipulate the website. Thank you Clay for your patience with me on this learning curve. The essential questions in this module are thought provoking.