I am discovering that You tube is full of, not only lots of time wasting entertaining videos, but also videos that will be very useful for me as a Spanish teacher. The video that I have posted here, for example shows a free resource that I can suggest to students for further practice listening to and identifying vocabulary. (in this case vocabulary about vegetables.) I particularly like the style of this video because it gives a visual image of the word and object described and also gives the correct pronunciation. It also provides students with a practice at the end where the picture is presented and they are to identify the word in Spanish. This is just an example of the simple, yet useful videos that can be found on sites like YouTube.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
2 New Technologies
One objective that I have always considered important in a Spanish language class is the ability to practice the language with other people, particularly native Spanish speakers. While it is important that students understand and have a basic grasp of things such as vocabulary and grammar, the real purpose of learning a language is to speak it. This fact seems obvious, but too often opportunities to communicate with others are severely lacking in the language classroom. This has motivated me to explore a social networking called LiveMocha. This site is unique because it was specifically designed for language learners. LiveMocha offers various languages from English to Korean. Members on the sight can learn from free tutorials that are offered on the site that are designed for the beginning and intermediate language learner. The really great thing about this site is the interaction you can have with native speakers of the target language. Through the site you can chat, both using text and speaking out loud using the microphone. You can also submit completed exercises to be reviewed by native speakers of the language you are learning. In a recent Technology Review exercise (produced by MIT) the creator and chief executive of LiveMocha, Shirish Nadkarni, explained that he created this site because he knew from personal experience the benefits of knowing a foreign language, which in his case was English. He was also motivated after seeing the lack of real practice his kids were getting in their Spanish class, a concern I mentioned earlier. In a review found in the New York Times, live mocha is described as a "community of like-minded learners who can leverage their native language proficiency to help one another."
This site would be a great way for the students in my class to be able to communicate with native Spanish speakers, specifically in a place where the language is the central focus. (as opposed to another Spanish chat room or interest site.) Students could have the assignment of letting a Native speaker review a written assignment, or they could practice introductions in a web-chat.
One negative aspect that I could see to using this in the classroom is the possibility of coming across objectionable language or even pictures (although the pictures on this site are limited to profile pics.) This is always a danger when dealing with real people. As with any social networking site there is the potential risk of contact with those who may present offensive comments or pose other dangers. This could be prevented by setting up clear guidelines that point out that students are not to reveal personal information. I might also screen the people that students have contact with based on those I have found to be reputable in the past.
Based on the experience that I have had with this site I do feel it is a great way to have contact and communicate with native speakers, when live interaction is not possible or practical. Not only this but it has the potential to get students more excited about language learning, and more motivated to continue practicing the language each day.
articles
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/business/17novel.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=livemocha&st=cse
http://www.technologyreview.com/biztech/19484/
Due to favorable conditions (i.e. being married to a teacher) I had the opportunity to work with a Smart Board for a little while. I had heard a lot about these interactive whiteboards and even seen them in the education building and in my wife's classroom, but until this week I had never used one. I was skeptical about them before and did not really see how they could be much better than a projector, or a whiteboard, but after using one I am beginning to see how it could be useful particularly in a Spanish class. The ability to "write" over virtually any program would make grammar practices and lessons more interesting and interactive for the students. Not to mention there are specific programs that allow you to create review activities, games, note taking, and subject matter exploration. For example in an article put out by scholastic a geography teacher describes being able to use interactive maps and things like Google Earth to help the students learn.
Another appeal to the Smart Board is that it excites students. I saw this first hand in my wives classroom as two girls came in and immediately started playing with the Smart board while they waited for their mother. The appeal of technology motivates students to participate in activities much more than if that same exercise was simply done on the board. I would use this appeal to have students demonstrate fill in the blank vocabulary or verb conjugation exercises.
Some downsides to the Smart board that I saw is set up time. It took about ten minutes to get the computer, projector and Smart board set up and in sync, time that could be used doing something more productive. Supposedly this is not an issue on the new 600i system but I wasn't able to find out exactly why that is. Another con (particularly for someone who is left-handed like me is that it is hard to see the board as you are writing on it. (your shadow covers the projection) I also believe some improvements could be made that could cut cost and create less parts that could be lost (such as the electronic pens and eraser)
Another benefit pointed out in a technology blog is that the Smart board allows teachers to save notes and presentations where on a regular board those would have to be erased before the next class. This would be useful in picking up where you left off in the previous class period. These are just a few of the benefits and uses of the Smart Board that I have come across ed, but I imagine that there is much more that can be done with them so long as they are available through school funding, grants etc.
Articles
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749226
http://edublogs.org/tags/?t=review
This site would be a great way for the students in my class to be able to communicate with native Spanish speakers, specifically in a place where the language is the central focus. (as opposed to another Spanish chat room or interest site.) Students could have the assignment of letting a Native speaker review a written assignment, or they could practice introductions in a web-chat.
One negative aspect that I could see to using this in the classroom is the possibility of coming across objectionable language or even pictures (although the pictures on this site are limited to profile pics.) This is always a danger when dealing with real people. As with any social networking site there is the potential risk of contact with those who may present offensive comments or pose other dangers. This could be prevented by setting up clear guidelines that point out that students are not to reveal personal information. I might also screen the people that students have contact with based on those I have found to be reputable in the past.
Based on the experience that I have had with this site I do feel it is a great way to have contact and communicate with native speakers, when live interaction is not possible or practical. Not only this but it has the potential to get students more excited about language learning, and more motivated to continue practicing the language each day.
articles
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/business/17novel.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=livemocha&st=cse
http://www.technologyreview.com/biztech/19484/
Due to favorable conditions (i.e. being married to a teacher) I had the opportunity to work with a Smart Board for a little while. I had heard a lot about these interactive whiteboards and even seen them in the education building and in my wife's classroom, but until this week I had never used one. I was skeptical about them before and did not really see how they could be much better than a projector, or a whiteboard, but after using one I am beginning to see how it could be useful particularly in a Spanish class. The ability to "write" over virtually any program would make grammar practices and lessons more interesting and interactive for the students. Not to mention there are specific programs that allow you to create review activities, games, note taking, and subject matter exploration. For example in an article put out by scholastic a geography teacher describes being able to use interactive maps and things like Google Earth to help the students learn.
Another appeal to the Smart Board is that it excites students. I saw this first hand in my wives classroom as two girls came in and immediately started playing with the Smart board while they waited for their mother. The appeal of technology motivates students to participate in activities much more than if that same exercise was simply done on the board. I would use this appeal to have students demonstrate fill in the blank vocabulary or verb conjugation exercises.
Some downsides to the Smart board that I saw is set up time. It took about ten minutes to get the computer, projector and Smart board set up and in sync, time that could be used doing something more productive. Supposedly this is not an issue on the new 600i system but I wasn't able to find out exactly why that is. Another con (particularly for someone who is left-handed like me is that it is hard to see the board as you are writing on it. (your shadow covers the projection) I also believe some improvements could be made that could cut cost and create less parts that could be lost (such as the electronic pens and eraser)
Another benefit pointed out in a technology blog is that the Smart board allows teachers to save notes and presentations where on a regular board those would have to be erased before the next class. This would be useful in picking up where you left off in the previous class period. These are just a few of the benefits and uses of the Smart Board that I have come across ed, but I imagine that there is much more that can be done with them so long as they are available through school funding, grants etc.
Articles
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749226
http://edublogs.org/tags/?t=review
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Video Reflection: Top Ten List
I'm not completely sure, but I don't think that was an actual David Letterman top ten list. (I could be wrong though.) This video was fun and for the most part, funny (I thought the top 3 were a little lame.) I think it is true that there are certain things that you just don't, and can't learn about teaching in college. As I am still in college I don't yet know what all those things are, but having been married to a teacher for two years, having both parents as teachers and four siblings who teach I am not completely unfamiliar with the things I have waiting for me. Looking at this video from a technology perspective, I can see the fun you can have using videos like this.
Digital Camera Reflection
What?
This week we spent time taking pictures and manipulating those pictures on Picasa, a program by Google. The picture taking was nothing to me, I don't consider myself to be a professional photographer by any means but I do know the basic operations of a camera. Picasa on the other hand was new to me. I had often seen this program but never really bothered to use it. After using it and doing some basic photo operations I can see that it is a valuable tool for something that is free. (I do still prefer Photoshop.)
So What?
This assignment has been one of the more fun assignments for me (don't get me wrong, that UEN one was pretty thrilling too!) What I have really learned or at least re-learned is that when preparing material for class why not have fun using tools such as these. Chances are if you are having fun making them, the students might have a little more fun than they would if you were doing something you both hate to do. I think I could easily put a digital camera to use for presentations, vocabulary assignments and digital comic books.
Now What?
Now I plan to spend a little more time playing around with Picasa as there are still some things that confuse me on that program. I am also considering investing in a better camera, that would be useful not just in the classroom, but in the other hobbies I have as well. I do plan on using a digital camera in class, and I am even considering assignments that allow students to do so as well.
This week we spent time taking pictures and manipulating those pictures on Picasa, a program by Google. The picture taking was nothing to me, I don't consider myself to be a professional photographer by any means but I do know the basic operations of a camera. Picasa on the other hand was new to me. I had often seen this program but never really bothered to use it. After using it and doing some basic photo operations I can see that it is a valuable tool for something that is free. (I do still prefer Photoshop.)
So What?
This assignment has been one of the more fun assignments for me (don't get me wrong, that UEN one was pretty thrilling too!) What I have really learned or at least re-learned is that when preparing material for class why not have fun using tools such as these. Chances are if you are having fun making them, the students might have a little more fun than they would if you were doing something you both hate to do. I think I could easily put a digital camera to use for presentations, vocabulary assignments and digital comic books.
Now What?
Now I plan to spend a little more time playing around with Picasa as there are still some things that confuse me on that program. I am also considering investing in a better camera, that would be useful not just in the classroom, but in the other hobbies I have as well. I do plan on using a digital camera in class, and I am even considering assignments that allow students to do so as well.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My Beliefs
If you had asked me three months ago what my beliefs were as far as education in the classroom go, I might have told you that I believed they were a necessary evil. I am proud to say my opinion has changed a little over the past few months. After learning all I have about the many technological resources (most of which are free) that are available I wonder now why I did not make more of an effort in the past to familiarize myself with them. Perhaps that is because I have never been taught using these resources (at least not too much) and so I believed that it was not to be done that way. I believe that using technology in lessons, activities and assignments has many benefits and it allows kids to learn in ways that would not be possible without them. I believe as I have stated before that it would be good for teachers to, not only use technology, but to teach kids how to use it as they do research and learn.
While I would now consider myself a proponent of technology in the classroom, I don't believe that it can replace a good teacher (at least I hope not, after all I do hope to make a living teaching.) I also do not believe that technology can supplement poor teaching either (after all bad teaching with a PowerPoint is still bad teaching.) I do believe however that the use of technology can enhance good teaching and provide students with an additional way to learn and understand the material and so much as funding permits, teachers should implement technology as much as they can in the classroom and out.
While I would now consider myself a proponent of technology in the classroom, I don't believe that it can replace a good teacher (at least I hope not, after all I do hope to make a living teaching.) I also do not believe that technology can supplement poor teaching either (after all bad teaching with a PowerPoint is still bad teaching.) I do believe however that the use of technology can enhance good teaching and provide students with an additional way to learn and understand the material and so much as funding permits, teachers should implement technology as much as they can in the classroom and out.
Lessons Learned
After typing this entire post and loosing it due to a bad connection, the post on technology this time around may be a little more negative (don't ask me what happened to the autosave feature) So once again I will try to convey some of the things that I learned from this assignment. One thing that was very interesting to me, that was demonstrated in the video titled "Milenial Generation" is that kids have some very big ideas when it comes to how technology is used. We seem to live in a world where ideas become reality, so I am interested to see what the future will hold. Another thing this video reminded me of is the technological gap that exists between parents and adults. While I feel I am currently on the younger end of that gap, I am aware that I will need to make an effort to remain there. Relating to this topic, One thing I found to be interesting was the concern dealing with the negative effects of the 3 w's. While I always thought that wherever, whatever, whenever was a positive thing, I was shown that it can have detrimental consequences if kids are left with the mentality that they should have things they want right now with little effort on their part. The w's can be kept in check with the 3 r's; real, rich and relevant. Teachers play a big role in assuring that these r's are put into play in the learning process, because ignoring technology is not the answer, but there are ways that educators can assure that it is used correctly.
Another thing that was brought to my attention is the way technology has a way of making things that have been around forever obsalete. An example of this found in the video is the yearbook. Yearbooks are becoming less popular due to things like social networking sites. It makes sense if you think about it. Why would someone want to pay money for some pictures and a few signitures or messages when they could get all this, and much more for free. This Idea makes me wonder what other time tested objects or methods may become obselete in my lifetime. This makes me want to stay on top of the technology wave, especially as a teacher, so I am not left wondering what happened when familiar things are gone.
Another thing that was brought to my attention is the way technology has a way of making things that have been around forever obsalete. An example of this found in the video is the yearbook. Yearbooks are becoming less popular due to things like social networking sites. It makes sense if you think about it. Why would someone want to pay money for some pictures and a few signitures or messages when they could get all this, and much more for free. This Idea makes me wonder what other time tested objects or methods may become obselete in my lifetime. This makes me want to stay on top of the technology wave, especially as a teacher, so I am not left wondering what happened when familiar things are gone.
Strengths and Weaknesses
After evaluating the NET standards and taking the UNI survey I feel as though it would be a lot easier to list my weaknesses than my strengths. According to the UNI survey I am not above a Practitioner in any category, due to my failure to create authentic learning activities dealing with each category. While I do not yet qualify for the practitioner or expert categories there are areas that I feel I excel in along with areas that could use work. The areas I do well in include the use of the world wide web to access information and analyze authority, accuracy etc. In my experience I feel I am fairly good at navigating the web and using the right methods to assure that I am finding valid and useful materials. Another area I have done well in is the use of multi-media software. Thanks to a previous class I took at BYU I have compiled an array of multimedia presentations that include slides, pictures, sound clips and video. I plan to use these as a teacher. There are as I have stated quite a few areas that I could improve in and would like to improve in. These areas include things like troubleshooting, while I am able to fix basic problems I think I could improve in my knowledge of fixing problems that arise in technology. Another area I would like to do better in is my knowledge of equity, ethics and legal issues concerning computer use. I think this is especially important to know what I can and cant use in the classroom and how to give credit when credit is due. Another thing I would like to learn to use better are spreadsheets, as of now I don't even know how to do simple addition using a spreadsheet.
The main goal that I have in dealing with technology in the classroom lies not only in the use of every technological resource available, but in making it a point to show students both how to use technology and how useful it can be in my content area. As a language instructor, I plan to use presentations in my class that include sound clips, videos and images so that the material is presented in as many ways possible. I will also show students how to use the Internet to find reliable information about the Spanish Language and Culture. To do this, I have the personal goal of becoming more Internet savvy, and to help students with troubleshooting when necessary.
Having knowledge of programs like Excel could help me in many areas.
I have found an online tutorial that I plan to use to learn the art of spreadsheet use. This tutorial can be found at www.usd.edu/trio/tut/excel/. From what I've seen so far this tutorial includes everything from simple explanations of columns and rows to how to do more complex equations using Microsoft excel. I have also found a tutorial on creating a database (http://geekgirls.com/menu_databases.htm), something I know very little about. By learning more about what a database is, how it is used, and how to create one, I can come up with another important tool that can be used by my students.
The main goal that I have in dealing with technology in the classroom lies not only in the use of every technological resource available, but in making it a point to show students both how to use technology and how useful it can be in my content area. As a language instructor, I plan to use presentations in my class that include sound clips, videos and images so that the material is presented in as many ways possible. I will also show students how to use the Internet to find reliable information about the Spanish Language and Culture. To do this, I have the personal goal of becoming more Internet savvy, and to help students with troubleshooting when necessary.
Having knowledge of programs like Excel could help me in many areas.
I have found an online tutorial that I plan to use to learn the art of spreadsheet use. This tutorial can be found at www.usd.edu/trio/tut/excel/. From what I've seen so far this tutorial includes everything from simple explanations of columns and rows to how to do more complex equations using Microsoft excel. I have also found a tutorial on creating a database (http://geekgirls.com/menu_databases.htm), something I know very little about. By learning more about what a database is, how it is used, and how to create one, I can come up with another important tool that can be used by my students.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Video Reflection: The Connected Classroom
After watching this video one idea comes to mind: if I haven't caught on by now that using technology in the classroom is important than I haven't been paying attention to these videos at all. This video seemed to carry the same message as the videos "Did You Know" and "Pay Attention." Their message: as teachers we need to do things in a way that is different than has ever been done. This means taking advantage of the ever growing resources that are out there. I completely agree with this idea and I do feel that it is the best way to prepare students for a competitive world marketplace. The only obstacle I can see that would impede this idea is funding. While it is easy to say how useful computers, ipods or even cellphones can be in the classroom, you can't ignore the fact that these things can be expensive. Even if all but one of the kids in the class has their own cellphone you cannot create an assignment that depends on a technology that one kid doesn't have. I believe that this is one of the major obstacles that keeps classrooms looking more like those black and white photos from the video. There are measures that teachers can take such as soliciting grants that would allow them to buy the technologies, and so I suppose that a truly motivated educator will do all they can to assure that their students have the best there is to offer. To be honest I'm not sure where I am going with this idea, I guess the best solution would be to instill this idea in a much greater scope than just educators so that they can get the support they need from administrators, law makers and the community to help make these ideas a reality.
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