Sorry I'm getting a little late to this party, and I missed the synchronous session, but here's my answer all the same!

Question: What’s your experience of using an online reference tool?

Answer:

I suppose it depends on what qualifies as an online reference tool! I've been a long time user of online dictionaries, most specifically Webster's, though more and more I like the flexibility and robust set of results that dictionary.com provides.

In terms of reference tools for teacher development, I think The Sounds of American English by produced by the University of Iowa is a phenomenal resource. (Don't let the name put you off--have a look!)

In terms of recently introduced reference tools, I must say Lextutor looks quite attractive. So much so that I've already mentioned it to several Korean friends who are learning English at the moment. I only wish such a resource existed for other languages!

Devil's Dictionary

My job has two definitions, and here they are. All the same, I don't think it will be too difficult for you all to guess! ;)

a) a person who specializes in convincing people they know more (and more about) languages than they actually do

b) someone silly enough to study things like 'deep structure,' semiotics or lemma

Work & Hobbies

Work

As I've mentioned before, I'm an ICT co-ordinator with the British Council here in Seoul. That's part of the reason I'm taking this course--to consolidate and expand my existing ICT knowledge. I've been in this position for a few months now and while the workload is heavy, the opportunities to do something unique activities are quite enjoyable. Here's my friend (and line manager!) promoting a vocabulary learning app, BC Words, at the KOTESOL conference a few weeks ago.

Hobbies

I know I've mentioned food and beer several times already, so I'll give those interests a rest. One thing I know I haven't mentioned is rock climbing, which I'm getting back into after a 8 year hiatus. It's been rough going the first few bouldering sessions I've had, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. But I most admit, the 10kg I've gained since my university days isn't helping matters much!!

Here's a recent video:

La Familia de Aichele

All told, there are four people in my family. Mom, Dad, my older brother Jeff, and yours truly. Here's a little bit about each of them:

Dad

This is my father. As I mentioned in the last post, he's a farmer. Although he's spent most of his life in our small town, deep down his a traveler and a very curious person. He watches the History and Discovery channels continuously when he's not working much in the winter. When he came to visit me in Korea a few years ago he fit right in with the swing of things, even though he'd never been outside the US before.

He's where I get my passion for travel, definitely.

Mom

This is my mom. She's worked with my father on our farm for most of her life, in addition to

raising my brother and I, obviously. From her I get my socialization skills--she can talk to anyone--as well as, I think, my curiosity for language learning.

Brother

This is my older brother Jeff, and I, in Thailand after an off-road motorcycle trip we took. He currently works at a chemical munitions disposal plant (!!), but he's transitioning to work more with my parents on the farm. He's married and got two sons; some of you may remember the picture of Cooper, which I posted earlier.

On Jon and Other Matters

Info on me that you may not already know, in 200 words or less:

• I was raised in a small town in the middle of nowhere, USA

• My parents are farmers

• I studied German Language & Literature in university (aber Ich hab' fast alles vergessen!)

• I came to Korea after graduating because the Japanese continually refer to Korea as the land of 'beef and garlic' (my interest was piqued!)

• I'm a big foodie, with a weakness for beef

• I'm also a huge beer snob

And that's a wrap, I think!