When I first heard of blogs I didn't give them much thought. People telling about their day, everyday? If I wanted to know how someone was doing I would rather ask them in person.
However, my perception changed when I went abroad. Miles away, over the Atlantic Ocean in Spain, I spoke a short 15 minutes a week with my parents on my cell phone, spent countless euros on post cards and stamps, and wrote hundreds of quick emails to all my friends who were curious to know how I was doing. I would have saved time spending 30 minutes a week writing about my experiences and posting them in a place where everyone could see. A blog could have been my abroad connection with the home.
In this first week of class my perception of blogs has changed again. I find myself preparing to become a Spanish teacher in the 21st century when tools like blogs could enhance my students' learning. My newest classroom idea is to share a bilingual blog with a classroom of English learners in one of my former schools in Spain. My goal would be to have students not only practice their language skills, but also to share cultural knowledge. My dream would be to take my class to visit the partner school. Getting students abroad is my passion and if the first step is an international blog then bring on the blogging.
11 de agosto de 2010
Technology 101
Welcome back to the beloved computer class of your middle school and high school days. Or not.
I had considered myself to be pretty up to date with the ins and outs of technology. After one day in EDT 520, however, I realize I am just as behind as my future students will be, if not further. Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives and therefore should have a place in the education as well. But first I need to be taught how to use it.
I plan to use technology in my Spanish classroom. I want to video conference with my previous schools in Spain, Villalkor and CEBIP Santiago Apostol. I want my students to have blogs or forums where they can share ideas about current events like the immigration laws in Arizona. The skills they acquire using these tools can only help them once they graduate into the 'real world'.
I am excited to learn what new gadgets are out there for me to learn and I will try to give my computer incompetent mother a break. "Dana, how do you create a new folder on the desktop?"... maybe.
I had considered myself to be pretty up to date with the ins and outs of technology. After one day in EDT 520, however, I realize I am just as behind as my future students will be, if not further. Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives and therefore should have a place in the education as well. But first I need to be taught how to use it.
I plan to use technology in my Spanish classroom. I want to video conference with my previous schools in Spain, Villalkor and CEBIP Santiago Apostol. I want my students to have blogs or forums where they can share ideas about current events like the immigration laws in Arizona. The skills they acquire using these tools can only help them once they graduate into the 'real world'.
I am excited to learn what new gadgets are out there for me to learn and I will try to give my computer incompetent mother a break. "Dana, how do you create a new folder on the desktop?"... maybe.
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)