More orientation stuff

Well I believe I left off with Wednesday so let's move into Thursday.

We slept in and then in the early afternoon we saw the King Tut exhibit which was really cool.  It is incredible to think of all these objects being as old as they are, especially considering how well preserved everything is.

That night it then was time for "A Little Night Music" starring Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch.  It was amazing!  The entire cast was simply amazing and I've now seen probably my favorite broadway actress live! 

After the show we stood outside the stage door and watched the cast walk out.  I didn't get really close enough to see her that well or to get an autograph or anything but that didn't matter so much to me.  I really just wanted to see her lol.  Oh, so anyway, this picture is her lol.

This is my friend Kathryn (we met in Spain and she coincidentally is at her 2nd year at Columbia lol)  She was helping with Columbia's orientation but she came by to visit while she was on her break :)














So Friday I moved in and there was a little meet and greet which was nice.  I met a lot of cool people (most of whom I don't remember their names, but I'm working on it).  Then today (Saturday) I spent the day running around on tours for orientation (like where all the grocery stores are and a walking tour of campus), tonight is a tour of all the "TC Hangouts" whatever that means lol.  So in between those tours I've been hanging out with the Iodices, family friends who came up from PA to visit (and my mother of course).  Tomorrow (sun) morning we're all going to brunch with my cousins before my mom leaves for the airport!

Lots to do, lots to say, lots of pictures!

Side note before you read this:  I saw on the preview how funky the spacing is so sorry about that, I'm still learning how to use the layout for the blog)

So let's back up a few days and start with Monday:

The flight was pretty good besides being delayed for 2 hours and then because we were so late when we got to JFK they parked us out in the boonies and we had to take a bus shuttle to the actual terminal.  That would be have been fine if the bus had had any air on it.  But oh well, life's an adventure right?  Once we got to the hotel my mom and I found a little sports bar by the name of Blondies to have dinner and the food was actually pretty good. 

Tuesday:

We started Tuesday morning by going over to the bookstore so I could buy a few of my textbooks.  The three I ended up buying were "The Game Design Reader, A Rules of Play Anthology", "What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy", and "Learning ActionScript 3.0"  There was one book they were out of and the rest of my classes either don't have books or the professors never turned in their order.  We'll see what happens on the first day of class!



After the bookstore we met up with my cousin Gabby who my mom and I haven't seen in probably 7 years or so.  We had a lot of fun chatting and catching up with her.

After a short rest, we met up again with Gabby and also her daughter Anya for the show "Promises, Promises" starring Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenowith.  This show was INCREDIBLE.  I loved every single moment of it!  I honestly have no idea how it could have been so snubbed by the Tony awards because it was hilarious, touching at times, and the singing and dancing was phenomenal.  I'm still reeling from the fact I saw these two performers live and in such a great show.  Also, who knew Sean Hayes could sing so well???

This is my cousin Anya.  She's 8, almost 9 and seriously the last time I saw her she was a baby so she's changed just a little bit! haha.  Here she's posing with a stuffed monkey my mom and I got her from the TC bookstore.














I don't seem to have a picture of Gabby, but here is me with Anya and my mother before we saw the show.

After the show we stopped off for a snack at this 50's themed diner called the Stardust Diner.  The fun thing about it was all of the waiters and waitresses are wannabe broadway stars so during your meal they sing showtunes!  I think they have to audition to get a job at this place.  Our waitress told us next week she has an audition for Wicked and apparently several of the servers have toured in national tours and been in the chorus on broadway or off broadway.  They actually all had very good voices.



Finally, we come to today, Wednesday:

Today was not as exciting as yesterday, but this morning my cousin drove us out to Jersey City to the giant Target where I could buy some of the essentials that were too big or too bulky to pack for the airplane (we may have left with a cartful of stuff)  But, now I pretty much have everything I need which is good.  That took up most of the morning but afterwards.....

We had lunch at this great Hungarian Restaurant.  It was awesome and the food was great!

It was also a bakery....
mmmmmmmmm.......

This was my lunch: Wienerschnitzel (that may be spelled wrong) and it was very very delicious.

Dessert was a slice of Dobos Tort.  For those who are unaware, it is one of my favorite Hungarian pastries and is basically kind of a chocolate layer cake with a hard caramel cookie on the top.









So lunch was delicious and now my mom and I are just resting.  I'm going to start working on getting my stuff packed up to head over to my apt on Friday.  Tomorrow morning will bring more adventures plus another show!

And for your amusement, while we were in the car Anya and I had fun with the photo effects on my phone, so here is one of the outcomes of said experiments.

I'm leeeeeaving on a jet plane....

Well, my plane leaves in about 12 hours and I'm almost completely ready to go!  My dad will take my mom and I to the airport so we get to leave the house at 3am to make our 6am flight.  I am super excited to head off and get my adventure started!

4 suitcases (to be fair one does have my mothers clothes in it)
1 giant backpack
1 carry on with my laptop

And somehow my mother and I are going to maneuver all of this through the airport and into a cab to the hotel and then back into a cab and over to my apartment.  It'll certainly be an adventure!

Orientation

One of the coolest things I think about starting at TC is that they have planned a huge amount of stuff to do during orientation and as they call it "the new student experience". Here is the list of the different activities I can take part of (and I hope to partake in most if not all of them!)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
	9:30AM	RESIDENCE HALLS MOVE-IN Whittier Hall (1230 Amsterdam Avenue) move-in schedule: 9:30AM - 11:00AM Last Name A-G 11:00AM - 12:30PM Last Name H-M 12:30PM - 2:00PM Last Name N-S 2:00PM - 3:30PM Last Name T-Z Bancroft (509 W. 121st Street), Grant and Sarasota Halls (514 & 512 W. 122nd Street) move-in schedule: 9:30AM - 11:00AM Last Name A-I 11:00AM - 12:30PM Last Name J-R 12:30PM - 2:00PM Last Name S-Z
Attend Yes No	4:00PM	SHOPPING TRIP TO TARGET Meet in the lobby of Whittier Hall (1230 Amsterdam Avenue) Join us on an excursion to the local Target and pick up those last minute essentials! Don’t forget to bring money for transportation expenses (Roundtrip by train is $4.50). Co-sponsored by the Offices of Residential Services and Student Activities and Programs.
	7:30PM	WHITTIER BUILDING ORIENTATION Milbank Chapel, 125 Zankel Join your new neighbors and the Community Development team from the Office of Residential Services for an inside look at your new home! All new residents are strongly encouraged to attend this event.
	7:30PM	BANCROFT, GRANT AND SARASOTA BUILDING ORIENTATION 179 GDH Join your new neighbors and the Community Development team from the Office of Residential Services for an inside look at your new home! All new residents are strongly encouraged to attend this event.
	8:45PM	WHITTIER/NEW RESIDENCE HALL WELCOME EVENT Everett Lounge, Zankel Let the Community Development team from the Office of Residential Services welcome you to Teachers College in style! Join us for an evening of socializing, food, drinks and fun!
	8:45PM	BANCROFT, GRANT AND SARASOTA WELCOME EVENT 179 GDH Let the Community Development team from the Office of Residential Services welcome you to Teachers College in style! Join us for an evening of socializing, food, drinks and fun! Partners, family members and children are welcome!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
Attend Yes No	11:00AM	ROAD TO EATIN’ TOUR Meet in Lobby of Whittier Travel with us down the Road to Eatin’ as we explore local supermarkets. Some of our stops will include The Met, C-Town, Citarella and Fairway. Co-sponsored by the Offices of Residential Services and Student Activities and Programs.
Attend Yes No	2:00PM	FAMILY WALKING TOUR Meet in Lobby of Bancroft Gain valuable information about local resources and services available for you and your family. Co-sponsored by the Offices of Residential Services and Student Activities and Programs.
Attend Yes No	4:00PM	NAVIGATING TEACHERS COLLEGE AND COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY Meet in the lobby of Whittier Gain valuable information about our campus, including Columbia’s main library, Butler Hall, other academic resources. Co-sponsored by the Office of Residential Services and Student Activities & Programs.
Attend Yes No	9:00PM	WALKING TOUR OF NEIGHBORHOOD HANG-OUTS Meet in the lobby of Whittier Join current TC students for a neighborhood tour of some of the favorite hangouts. Co-sponsored by the Offices of Residential Services and Student Activities and Programs.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
Attend Yes No	7:00PM	COFFEE & DESSERT Meet in the lobby of Whittier Enjoy coffee and dessert at some unique places that NYC has to offer. Don’t forget to bring money and your appetite. (Roundtrip by train is $4.50). Co-sponsored by the Offices of Residential Services and Student Activities and Programs.
MONDAY, AUGUST 30 OR TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 Students must attend one session.
Attend Yes No	1:00PM Monday, August 30	CHECK-IN FOR NSE ORIENTATION First floor of Horace Mann Pick up your orientation materials WELCOME Cowin Center, Horace Mann Dr. Susan Fuhrman, President Dr. Thomas James, Provost Mr. Michael Swart, Student Senate President EXPECTATIONS OF ACADEMIC COMMUNITY Cowin Center, Horace Mann
Attend Yes No	8:00AM Tuesday, August 31	CHECK-IN FOR NSE ORIENTATION First floor of Horace Mann Pick up your orientation materials WELCOME Cowin Center, Horace Mann Dr. Susan Fuhrman, President Dr. Thomas James, Provost Mr. Michael Swart, Student Senate President EXPECTATIONS OF ACADEMIC COMMUNITY Cowin Center, Horace Mann
MONDAY, AUGUST 30
Attend Yes No	4:00PM	GRADUATE WRITING CENTER WORKSHOP Cowin Center, Horace Mann Participate in a collaborative workshop sponsored by The Graduate Writing Center of the Office of Student Activities and Programs. Workshop provides an overview of APA referencing and formatting, strategies for overcoming writer's block, and other general writing tips.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 Students must attend these sessions.
Attend Yes No	11:00AM	LUNCH @ 6TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY 120th Street between Broadway and AmsterdamFeatures a variety of vendors, food and music. Use your lunch tickets located in your NSE orientation bag. Please note tickets are only valid until 3:00PM.
Attend Yes No	12:30PM	ACADEMIC ORIENTATION Meet faculty and staff members within your department and program areas.
Attend Yes No	2:30PM	CONCURRENT SESSIONS Engage in conversations about the student experience and College resources. Topics will include Teacher Education and Support Programs, transfer credit policies, graduate life at TC, diversity and juggling multiple priorities. Career Services and the Office of Student Activities & Programs will also provide an overview of their programs and events.
Attend Yes No	3:30PM	CONCURRENT SESSIONS Engage in conversations about the student experience and College resources. Topics will include Teacher Education and Support Programs, transfer credit policies, graduate life at TC, diversity and juggling multiple priorities. Career Services and the Office of Student Activities & Programs will also provide an overview of their programs and events.
Attend Yes No	5:00PM	TC HAPPY HOUR The Village Pourhouse, 108th Street and Amsterdam Avenue Meet in Zankel Lobby at 4:45PM Meet other TC students for some relaxed, unstructured fun.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 First Day Of Classes
	9:30AM & 4:30PM	BROADWAY AND SPORT TICKETS ON SALE Office of Student Activities & Programs, 160 Thorndike One ticket per student ID, student must be present with own ID and cash only. For more information about shows, please go to www.tc.edu/studentactivities. Tickets will be on sale for: • Mets v. Braves • STOMP! • Wicked
	9:30AM & 4:30PM	WOODBURY COMMONS BUS TICKETS ON SALE Office of Student Activities & Programs, 160 Thorndike Purchase your ticket to reserve a seat for the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet trip on Sunday, September 5th. Tickets are $10. One ticket per student ID, student must be present with own ID and cash only.
Attend Yes No	4:00PM	WINE & CHEESE RECEPTION FEATURING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND THE STUDENT SENATE TC Cafeteria, Ground Floor of GDH Make the most out of your graduate student experience. Meet members of current student organizations and the Student Senate. Student Organizations sponsor academic conferences, produce journal publications and provide networking opportunities with faculty, administration and students. Learn how to get involved on campus and make the most of your graduate experience.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Attend Yes No	5:00PM	BOAT BASIN CAFÉ Groups leave from Whittier Lobby beginning at 5:00PM Dine at one of the NYC's most scenic restaurants, The Boat Basin along the Hudson River. Sponsored by the Office of Residential Services.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Attend Yes No	12:00PM	BIG RED BUS TOUR Meet on 120th Street outside of Zankel Learn the particulars of the local area with other new students on this fun and informative guided bus tour.
Attend Yes No	2:00PM	BIG RED BUS TOUR Meet on 120th Street outside of Zankel Learn the particulars of the local area with other new students on this fun and informative guided bus tour.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Attend Yes No	10:00AM	ACADEMIC WRITING WORKSHOP Cowin Center, Horace Mann Participate in a collaborative workshop sponsored by The Graduate Writing Center of the Office of Student Activities and Programs. Workshop provides an overview of APA referencing and formatting, strategies for overcoming writer’s block, and other general writing tips.
Attend Yes No	1:00PM	METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART TRIP Meet in the lobby of Whittier, 1230 Amsterdam Experience art and architecture at the Met! Free admission with your TC student ID, but don’t forget to get your validation sticker. Validation stickers are available from the Office of Card Services and Student Activities & Programs.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Attend Yes No	9:00AM	WOODBURY COMMON PREMIUM OUTLETS SHOPPING TRIP Meet in front of Zankel at 8:30AM Join us for a shopping excursion to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Center! You will ride on a WiFi-capable bus and tickets are $10. Tickets go on sale, Wednesday, September 1. For a full list of stores, visit www.premiumoutlets.com/woodburycommon. Co-sponsored by the Office of Residential Services and Student Activities & Programs.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Attend Yes No	10:00AM	SHOPPING TRIP TO BED, BATH AND BEYOND Meet in the lobby of Whittier, 1230 Amsterdam at 9:00AM Your last chance to join us on an excursion to the local Bed, Bath and Beyond to pick up those last minute essentials! Don’t forget to bring money for transportation expenses (Roundtrip by train is $4.50). Co-sponsored by the Office of Residential Services and Student Activities & Programs.
Attend Yes No	10:00AM	SHOPPING TRIP TO IKEA Meet in the lobby of New Residence, 517 W. 121st at 9:00AM Join us on an excursion to the IKEA store in Brooklyn! Don’t forget to bring money for transportation expenses (Roundtrip by train is $4.50). Co-sponsored by the Office of Residential Services and Student Activities & Programs.

Fall Semester Classes

I thought people might be interested in what classes I'll be taking. It might also give you a better idea what "Instructional Technology and Media" means. This fall I will be taking 5 classes. The Seminar course only meets a half dozen times throughout the semester. Everything else meets once a week for 1 hour 40 min except programming which meets twice a week for longer. It is definitely different than Willamette but I'm excited to see how it works.

Anyway, on to the courses!

MSTU 4000 Core seminar in communication, computing and technology
Required for incoming students. Meets with MSTU 6600. Discussion of critical issues, reading of key works, development of project in Communication, Computing, and Technology in Education, presentation of work in progress, conversations with leaders in the field.

MSTU 4020 Social and Communicative Aspects of the Internet
Examines: (1) social communicative practices as synergistic, (2) how space, time and social networks evolve and interact and what this implies for the design and use of technology.

MSTU 4039 Video games in education
Provides students with tools they will need to understand, analyze and build games. Focus is on gaining an understanding of rules, interactivity, play, social interaction, and all other factors that go into making an innovative and fun game. Primary focus is on the basic language of games: game play and game design. Course also addresses games from an educational perspective.

MSTU 4083 Instructional design of educational technology
The nature of instructional technology, systems approaches to planning, managing, and evaluating instructional processes and materials. Emphasis is on instructional design.

I can't find the description for the last class, but it is Object Oriented Theory and Programming. So basically flash programming.

There you have it, what I will be doing this semester :)

In the Beginning...

Hello and welcome to Allison's Adventures in the Big Apple Blog.

I am hoping to be able to keep up with this blog and therefore be able to let people know how I'm doing in the great city that is NYC.

No promises how often I'll update but I'll try my best :) I do give you fair warning though. I've always been rubbish with keeping up with these kinds of things. Luckily, I think most of my posts will end up consisting of "well folks I did some more studying today". haha. Oh well. We'll see what happens!

Please feel free to leave comments as I'm sure I'll love to hear from all of you :)

So! Let's start with some dates that will create the start of things.

Monday, August 23rd - Mom & I fly out to NYC
Friday, August 27th - I move into my dorm. A suite room in Whittier hall sharing a bathroom and kitchen with 4 other unknown as yet women.
Wednesday, September 1st - The first day of classes!