Social Networking

I found this Spanish site and I thought it could be very useful for my students as well as myself. The site offers a wide variety of Spanish courses, many references which can help students study the Spanish language, it offers detail explanations and it gives students a chance to reflect on their own learning. I really liked the fact that this site can be helpful to every type of learner, whether you are a beginner or a fluent Spanish speaker. It also offers free Spanish videos, music, lesson plans, creative ideas, and active chat rooms...check it out.

http://my.spanishdict.com/

http://my.spanishdict.com/profile/KarlaDarby

A learner is like.....an USB flash drive!!

In today’s technological world I believe learners are like USB flash drives also known as "memory sticks." I think that now days students have the capacity to capture, restore and retrieve all types of information. If information is clearly organized learners can have the ability to make decisions and form connections which according to Siemens’ article "nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning, and the ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill." I completely agree with Siemens’ statement "How people work and function is altered when new tools are utilized." I believe that learners are like an USB flash drive because there is always room for more information and eventually more room for knowledge to grow and expand. In a way I view their brain like a filing folder, which contains all these "documents" that can consists of ideas, valuable information, personal experiences, questions, etc. I think that students are able to capture information at all times and be able to either learn something new from it or make personal reflections which will help them evaluate it and from there, develop their personal academic/educational growth.

Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Retrieved January 27, 2009

The Changing Nature of Knowledge

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=YMcTHndpzYg&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=0

Retrieved January 27, 2009.

My dogs!!

Three ways I could use blogs in my class!

1. As a teacher I think communication is extremely important that’s why I believe that my students could use blogs to communicate their ideas, their questions or concerts with their peers as well as their teachers. For example I thought that Mrs. Burgos’ video was a great way to introduce herself to all of her students. I believe that it gave us the chance to get to know a little more about her and her expectations. I personally would love to have the opportunity to be able to communicate with my students in a similar way. For example I would love if during the summer I could create a video blog for my students to view and get to know me before classes would actually start. I would also like if they could share their reactions to my video or simply share something about them by creating their own personal video presentations.

2. Now days it is very common for kids all over the world to communicate with their peers using “myspace” or “facebook”, so it’s pretty clear that most kids are interested in today’s technological world. I think teachers could incorporate technology/blogs into their students’ daily school activities. For example as a 6th grade teacher I am aware of several book clubs that are taking place where I work and I think it would be wonderful if students could have the opportunity to communicate their reactions or feelings towards the book that they are reading. Students could share their opinions or talk about interesting facts they read. I actually have a little cousin who started her own blog based on a very well know book called “twilight.” Her blog talks about why she loves the book so much, how she and her friends can relate to the story and the characteres, all her friends share pictures and pretty much discuss their favorite parts of the entire book series.

3. At my school we have a blog called “parent portal” which gives parents the opportunity to check on their children’s school work. Every Friday teachers update their blogs and post new grades or new assignments that parents should be aware of. Teachers not only post their student grades on the parent portal but also attach helpful files/sites that can help parents know how they can assist their kids. In my case I post how I grade my students, my expectation as a Spanish teacher and I also have the Spanish curriculum, which explains each topic, what my students will be learning and when there will be any sort of assessments.