Aaniin minnewa... When we came home from Mille Lacs last time (our last class) we immediately hooked up the computer and started using the language software Brian gave us. After review I remembered almost all of the word(s)...the Before You Know It Program had (I do not write Ojibwe well, so I got frustrated with the writing modules) but the boys have used it maybe 15-20 times and have almost learned half of the list of 44 words or sayings, I think? The multiple guess was somewhat reaffirming but that diminished as I continued to fail with the writing. It was very effective at helping me remember. I just got frustrated, giga-wiidookoon (I shall help you) when I want to write...I will help you, I don't know how many times I got that one wrong). The Language Now Movies...I think the Transparent Language Movies, I have found to be very interesting to work with. I think that I am spending so much more time on the Hunting video than the Tea video because of the differences in their sizes. This video interaction is getting me into reading, reading the language...I love being able to click on a word and see it's root meaning...how handy to be instantly able to see it in context. Very helpful. UMD Connect...well it is just awsome! The very very best thing I like about it (and this cohort)...is that we are actually able to learn so much more, so much faster than the conventional educations AND reduce the amount of resources we use as a being on this planet. No (very little) car expenses, buying bad-gross food on the go, finding parking. finding a babysitter, time traveling...boy this list could go on for awhile...but what is exciting in particular are the implications of this technology...there is hardly a reason to heat the buildings anymore...those reductions in resource use can have a profound impact on Nimaamaa...this technology supports that...100 students showing up for lecture, every day...think about it for a moment...