James Caldwell
Online Portfolio

My Interests

Click on an image to read about some of my life-long interests. Be sure to check out my scuba, music and travel photos on the gallery pages!

The Ocean
Growing up in New Zealand has meant that I was always living close to the ocean, as a result many of my sporting hobbies involve the deep blue. I am a keen surfer and diver. I have pursued these sports in many places around New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. In 1999, I learnt how to dive and gained my PADI Open Water Dive Certificate. I also enjoy free diving and spear fishing.

In 2008, I extended my scuba diving qualifications by gaining a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. In 2009, I gained my PADI Rescue Diver Certificate. In 2011, I will work towards becoming a PADI Dive Master and Instructor.

Art & Music
Art for me is a great way to relax and express a creative talent that was encouraged from a young age by my father. From pottery to painting art gives me a positive sense of achievement. It is a great pleasure to see that look of achievement in the faces of students as they complete a piece of art that they have worked persistently on.

For the last ten years I have been playing the guitar. Though I have never had formal lessons, I find the guitar is a form of relaxation and entertainment for me…and others! I have written a couple of songs for children, but mostly enjoy just sitting back and strumming away.

Travel
I have travelled to countries such as Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, China, Australia, and Fiji, as well as exploring my home country of New Zealand. Each of these trips has given me the opportunity to experience new places, cultures and people. On these trips I enjoy getting off the beaten tourist track and experiencing local culture, cuisine, and art. Some of the places I would love to visit over the next couple of years are South America, Europe and Africa.

Quick Links

My Educational Sites
TESOL Moodle

TESOL Blog
(Semester 1)

My Essays Improving Teachers ICT Uptake

Accessible Web Text for ESL Learners

New Perspectives on Literacy

Photo Gallery Teaching Gallery

Interests Gallery