History and international affairs

I'm a huge believer in the importance of history and current events in education. I spent most of my undergraduate work studying international affairs and hope that my interest in the world will be passed on to the students that I teach. While browsing through my favorite blogs, I came across the Palmer Language Blog. This particular blog is focused on the study of language and how linguistics is applied to education. In the Linguistic Injustice Rant, the blogger discusses the Spanish language and it's role in the United States and world as a whole. I was immediately interested in the blog not only because I happen to agree that Spanish speaking countries often play "second fiddle" to the Middle East and Africa, but also because the relationship between the U.S. and these countries in the Western Hemisphere was formed over 200 years ago. Historically, European countries were told not to meddle in the West, and it seems that the tradition has continued well into the 21st century. The United States seems to have gotten a little sidetracked from their role in Central and South America because of the many other problems they are trying to fix throughout the world.

Monroe Doctrine

Feeling "Braver" about a digital classroom

After reading chapter 1 in Robert Blake's A Brave New Digital Classroom: Technology Focus and Foreign Language Learning, I am beginning to feel more at ease with the increasing amount of technology available for use in the classroom. My fear stems from the idea that perhaps technology will "take over" and the traditional classroom (and I know all traditional methods are not necessarily good ones) will become obsolete. Blake addresses this issue, which I'm sure is shared by many others, when he states that technology can be successful, but it "depends on how it is used in the curriculum," (2). Following the communicative goal of second language acquisition, the teacher remains the facilitator and technology is the response "to what practitioners understand or believe to be true about SLA," (11). In other words, technology use should be driven by second language principles, like negotiation, collaborative learning, and peer interaction. Technology, when used appropriately, should enhance the learning environment, not detract from it. 


Learning a second language is an interactive process, and as Blake says, the Internet it "preferred tool" of communication (5). Teenagers aren't the only ones who rely on technology. As a working adult, I cannot imagine what I would do without email. To think if I had to call everyone I correspond with, instead of just typing out a quick note... In this light, the Internet in a L2 classroom (or anywhere) facilitates peer interactions and collaborative learning. While it certainly should not be the only method of communication in the classroom, the Internet provides the opportunity to really enhance student contact with their target language. 

21st Century Classrooms

It's true that the internet plays a vital role in the lives of the students we teach. Watch Pay Attention or A Vision of K-12 Students Today and the influence of technology becomes even more obvious. Technology provides another means for children to transfer knowledge into something meaningful. It is the 21st Century and our students ARE 21st Century learners. They spend more time gaming, on the computer, watching television, and using Ipods than they do reading. This makes me a little sad, actually. 

The technology is amazing, and not only do students understand it, they are deeply motivated by it. Of course, we need to meet our students where they are. Technology provides teachers with the opportunity to do this anytime, anyplace. But, is there a point when it becomes too much? Is there a point when 21st Century learners no longer need to learn the way we old folks did in the 20th Century? Sure, students can learn about ecosystems around the world by instant messaging or skyping with people from other cities and countries. They can take virtual tours of environments that they may never see. They can watch video of animals in their natural habitat. But the best way to experience their own ecosystem is by exploring their own backyard. Technology can and should be used to enhance learning and experiences, but should not replace interactions with the world around us.

http://www.clutterstop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/kidsandtechnology.jpg

Blogging and the Classroom

Using blogs as part of the classroom curriculum creates a motivating and collaborative tool for learning and mentoring. Blogs can provide students with an extra chance to practice reading and writing, share their thoughts and ideas, and communicate with their classmates. 


Blogs provide an excellent form of communication between teachers, students, and parents. They can be used to keep students and parents informed of what is going on inside the classroom. Teachers can post assignments, reminders, permission slips, and instructional tips for students and parents to read on their own time. Parents can get verification on certain aspects of the classroom environment without having to go in for a conference. 


Blogs are also a great way for students to interact with one another outside of the classroom walls. Teachers can create a "homework help" forum, where students can post questions to problems. Students can become peer mentors by giving advice to those who may need it. Blogs also provide a way for students to reflect on their questions. Inside the classroom, there can be pressure to say the right thing, in the right way, quickly. When students are blogging, they are given the opportunity to sit back and really think about what it is they would like to say. 


Blogs can give students another arena in which to practice their reading and writing skills. A blog is much more informal than most types of classroom writing, so students are provided with the chance to get really creative. Students can use a blog as a book review forum, where they can discuss thoughts and ideas about a story they are reading in class. Or, students can follow their favorite sports team or television show and write their opinion on the most recent game or episode. Students can relate their ideas in a safe, relaxed setting and really write about things that are important to them. 


NYS ESL standards addressed when blogging:

Standard 1: English for information and understanding refers to the competencies and knowledge

of English that students must obtain in order to communicate effectively in social and academic settings.

Standard 2:  English for literary response, enjoyment, and expression requires that students develop the

knowledge and skills in English to read and understand rich literature that ranges from classical to

contemporary, and includes works representing a variety of cultures.

Standard 4:  English for social and classroom interaction outlines strategies, both in and out of school,

that LEP/ELLs must master to communicate effectively in English. 

Internet Safety

It's amazing how much the internet has changed education. What used to take hours to find in a library, we can now find in about 0.09 seconds. While the internet is an outstanding resource, it can also be pretty dangerous. When allowing children and students to use the internet, it important to really communicate with them about how to remain safe. Create a classroom or home environment where children are comfortable. Have children share their favorite sites and discover what they know about being online. Create your own rules and make sure children are aware of what these are. 


Being on the internet is just like being in public, so the same safety rules should apply. For instance: 

• Keep your identity private. NEVER give personal information like your address, phone number, or last name. In short, do not post what you would not want to share with everyone you know. 
• Only open emails from people you know. 
• Keep online meetings online. It is not a good idea to meet up with anyone you met online first. 
• Respect the rights of others online. If you feel like someone is not being respectful to you, save the  information and report it to a trusted adult. 
• If you ever feel uncomfortable about something that happens online, talk to someone.

For more information and resources, check out netsmartz.org.