The google earth proved to be too much for me.
I decided to edit a video, which I will be posting soon-probably tomorrow-on my site.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Victory!!!
It seems like I was finally able to make my poll work!
It would have like it be different, but if it works, it works.
It would have like it be different, but if it works, it works.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Multimedia project
I am still trying to clean up my website. For now though, I want to focus on my multimedia project.
A couple of years ago, for a pedagogy class I ineterviewed several people from different Spanish-speaking countries. The interviews were on cultural aspects of those countries, and peculiarities of each of each country. The videos have not really worked, mostly because of the poor quality of the camera I recorded them in. I would have liked to record them again, since I would give them much use. However, since the assignment is on using technology that I have not used yet, I am planning to use google earth and show my students a project they could do for the class. The project will consist of a 3 minutes video showing and describing a place in a Spanish-speaking country, and talk about the kind of activities people can do in that place.
I will post the script later on.
Here is are the first two images that I want to show (hopefully I will figure out pretty soon how to do it!)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Busy with my site
My site is keeping me busy. It has been a bit harder than expected to be able to edit what came with google and what I want to appear in my site.
I have not been able to figure out how to take posts for announcements or homework. The links "edit post" are still showing. My calendar is not for a full month, but I think I got the idea on how to make one and update it. My poll....my poll, I tried, but it is clearly not very good. I will keep working on it tomorrow, so that it actually looks and acts like a poll. Any suggestions on how to make a poll?
Well, something that I have learned is that even though Google provides much material to create a website, it still takes a lot of time to create one, at least until you get use to do it. Also, in the future, I would take more time to invest on this assignment.
At least I can say that due to this class and its requirements, I am learning about technology and how it can be used for pedagogical purposes. In addition, I am loosing my fear towards technology and feel more confident in exploring how to do gadgets and change settings for both blogs and websites! :)
I have not been able to figure out how to take posts for announcements or homework. The links "edit post" are still showing. My calendar is not for a full month, but I think I got the idea on how to make one and update it. My poll....my poll, I tried, but it is clearly not very good. I will keep working on it tomorrow, so that it actually looks and acts like a poll. Any suggestions on how to make a poll?
Well, something that I have learned is that even though Google provides much material to create a website, it still takes a lot of time to create one, at least until you get use to do it. Also, in the future, I would take more time to invest on this assignment.
At least I can say that due to this class and its requirements, I am learning about technology and how it can be used for pedagogical purposes. In addition, I am loosing my fear towards technology and feel more confident in exploring how to do gadgets and change settings for both blogs and websites! :)
Working on my site
It looks like I am able to do more today than before on my site.
I have been able to change a few things, particularly delete things that I did not want on my site and add information to it.
I am working on truly personalizing this website, accommodating it to what could be useful for a Spanish class.
I have been able to change a few things, particularly delete things that I did not want on my site and add information to it.
I am working on truly personalizing this website, accommodating it to what could be useful for a Spanish class.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Creating a site
Here I am again, experimenting with the internet. This time is to create a site. I looked at the tutorial on the class website and found it helpful. But I still find the task confusing. Hopefully though, it will be like the task of creating a blog...meaning that I hope it gets easier.
It is taking a while to do this assignment, more than I thought it would, but I am hopeful that I will be able to learn. You can see it by clicking in here.
It is taking a while to do this assignment, more than I thought it would, but I am hopeful that I will be able to learn. You can see it by clicking in here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sharing information over the internet
I shared the information on how to be safe on the internet with someone dear to me. She mostly knew all that I shared. She was not surprised, but she emphasized the importance of being careful with the information one posts on the internet.
It is tricky, and hard not to get scared when talking about it, and decide to avoid all of it. However, I think technology can be used for good things, but we still need to be careful with the information we give, the things we search for, the things we watch, the things we do. Like everything we need to be prudent, moderated and wise. As king Benjamin exhorted his people: "And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not awatch yourselves, and your bthoughts, and your cwords, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and dcontinue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not" (The Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:29-30).
It is tricky, and hard not to get scared when talking about it, and decide to avoid all of it. However, I think technology can be used for good things, but we still need to be careful with the information we give, the things we search for, the things we watch, the things we do. Like everything we need to be prudent, moderated and wise. As king Benjamin exhorted his people: "And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not awatch yourselves, and your bthoughts, and your cwords, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and dcontinue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not" (The Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:29-30).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Internet safety continuation
I saw videos on the the ikeepsafe site. It taught me more about the internet (for instace what is web 2.2)than being safe on it.
However, it has some good points. The sentence that stayed with me was "internet is forever". The information put in the internet cannot be completely erased. There is another good point "anonymity is a myth". The point in here is that everything can be tracked and identified by government, marketers and others. The third point is that "internet is not reality". It is important to know and recgonize that the internet has scammers, bullies, innapropriate content, and people who can do identity theft.
It is important to get a reminder of these things in order to be more careful with what we see, write, and do on the internet.
However, it has some good points. The sentence that stayed with me was "internet is forever". The information put in the internet cannot be completely erased. There is another good point "anonymity is a myth". The point in here is that everything can be tracked and identified by government, marketers and others. The third point is that "internet is not reality". It is important to know and recgonize that the internet has scammers, bullies, innapropriate content, and people who can do identity theft.
It is important to get a reminder of these things in order to be more careful with what we see, write, and do on the internet.
Internet Safety assignment
I have watched the PBS documentary on the subject. I think that it is interesting that PBS would do a documentary about this. After all, the internet and electronic communication has grown exponentially.
The documentary addresses concerns about internet safety: concerns that parents have, and things that can go wrong. I have heard of them before, which is partly why I have not used technology that much. The video is short, yet it makes people want to watch the full documentary, and think about internet safety.
The PBS site has also several articles that help parents in regards to their fears of their children using the internet. It educates people on how to be safe on the internet.
I read the article by the FBI agent Peter Brust (it is more like a question and answer recorded session). Even though the FBI has about 200 agents on ciber crimes, I think that more people are needed. But more than that, it is important to talk with family members about being safe on the internet, and to have an open communication with them. This will more likely diminish chances of children or teens being abducted or persuaded to go with a predator.
This page also talks about other concerns with the web (such as cyberbullying), but also provides some hope when stating that most teenagers who are asked for a sexual favor blow off that person and some of them also talks to their parents about it.
Th PBS website growing up online also has pages advising parents on how to deal with their children in this technological world.
The documentary addresses concerns about internet safety: concerns that parents have, and things that can go wrong. I have heard of them before, which is partly why I have not used technology that much. The video is short, yet it makes people want to watch the full documentary, and think about internet safety.
The PBS site has also several articles that help parents in regards to their fears of their children using the internet. It educates people on how to be safe on the internet.
I read the article by the FBI agent Peter Brust (it is more like a question and answer recorded session). Even though the FBI has about 200 agents on ciber crimes, I think that more people are needed. But more than that, it is important to talk with family members about being safe on the internet, and to have an open communication with them. This will more likely diminish chances of children or teens being abducted or persuaded to go with a predator.
This page also talks about other concerns with the web (such as cyberbullying), but also provides some hope when stating that most teenagers who are asked for a sexual favor blow off that person and some of them also talks to their parents about it.
Th PBS website growing up online also has pages advising parents on how to deal with their children in this technological world.
Templos mayas de Guatemala - El descubrimiento del Popul Vuh - Evidencia...
Continuing with the copyright assignment, I have found this video. I think it is fairly easy to find videos that violate copyright purposes, so I wanted to find another video that does not violate copyrights. I think that this video does not violate copyright use. It is a clip of news (already available to general public). The original source shows at all times, and it is listed as an educational source (if that helps or not, it is listed under the education category). Perhaps just to improve and make sure that there is no violation of copyright law, there should be a disclaimer and an indication on how to use the video. I have seen other videos with a disclaimer stating that the person who uploaded the video does not own it and does not intent to harm its author.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Leerestademoda.com - BOOK - Versión completa
I was browsing to find more blogs that deal with the use of technology to improve students' learning, and found this video. It is in Spanish, and it's really funny.
Book video
Sunday, May 9, 2010
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
I just wanted to congratulate women on this very special day, particularly those who have influenced the most in my life, my Mom, my grandmothers, friends, aunts and sisters-in-law.
CONGRATULATIONS ON MOTHER's DAY!
CONGRATULATIONS ON MOTHER's DAY!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Another learning site
Since I am picky about lesson plans, but always looking for options, I have added another site to my blog list.
Here is its screen shot,
and you can go to the site by going to my blog list, or clicking here.
Screenshot
I have subscribed to a teaching blog.
This is a screenshot of it.
I subscribed to this blog because it seems to be active and because it related to language teaching and language acquisition, which is something I am very interested about.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
2nd Semester of Spanish, Spanish Love Song
It looks like I was successful in uploading the video. Like I said, it is a fun video to show to students and there are a few things to work on, for instance, commands, or vocabulary.
Enjoy!
Also, I do not think this video violates copyright laws, since it was posted by the creator. Also from what I understand, when I show the video in class, I am not violating copyright laws, since it is used as an educational tool (even though it is a fun educational tool) to go over commands, a few vocabulary words, and talk about cultural aspects of the Hispanic culture.
Posting a video
I just wanted to try to post a video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dyVKPrDL1M
I have used this video in class to go over some vocabulary, conjugation and culture. More than that, it is funny and gives a boost to the class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dyVKPrDL1M
I have used this video in class to go over some vocabulary, conjugation and culture. More than that, it is funny and gives a boost to the class.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Playing around
So I have started to play with the blog settings, and I am actually getting excited about this. I have been able to put a picture on the blog, edit my previous post, and even create links on my posts! This is fabulous! I hope that I am doing what I need to for my assignments.There is only one thing that I can't seem to figure out, it is about the RSS or how to subscribe to someone else's blog, and do the screenshots.
As far as for describing my gadgets goes, I put the picture of Nice because it is from France and I really like it. I also wanted to put gadgets other than the fish one, which seems to be popular for the class, but I wanted to try something different, and something that is related to my area of studies. I also changed my theme because I needed to explore it for the assignment, but also because I did not like the theme I first picked. I liked this one much better, and know that in the future if I change my mind, there are other themes to look at, and more importantly, I know how to make the change.
As far as for describing my gadgets goes, I put the picture of Nice because it is from France and I really like it. I also wanted to put gadgets other than the fish one, which seems to be popular for the class, but I wanted to try something different, and something that is related to my area of studies. I also changed my theme because I needed to explore it for the assignment, but also because I did not like the theme I first picked. I liked this one much better, and know that in the future if I change my mind, there are other themes to look at, and more importantly, I know how to make the change.
Interesting sites
I have found a few interesting websites in regards to Spanish teaching.
These sites have, for the most part, exercises that help the students practice grammatical concepts. I like to give them to the students as a homework, so that they can come better prepare to class, and that they can reaffirm the concepts saw in class.
The first one is a site created by Barbara Kuczun Nelson. It has different exercises for basic to intermediate Spanish learners. It does have though important basic grammar structures, most of which are hard to learn and acquire, particularly to native English speaker. You can find the site by clicking here.
This site does not have much movement, but the exercises it already provides are of very good quality, and like I said, of important concepts. These concepts include "por o para", "ser y estar", conjugate verbs like "gustar", and when to use "el pretérito perfecto simple" and "el pretérito imperfecto".
Another site that I like a lot and often refer my students to is this one. It has very short videos of different Spanish native speakers performing a variety of tasks, which tasks are classified according to level of difficulty. I have found this site to be good for listening comprehension, as well as to give input to my students and help them with pronunciation. Students also learn about culture.
Last, but not least, I have also used this site; it is a great site from the University of Iowa. The site explains and gives examples on how to do pronunciation in Spanish. There are sounds that are particularly hard for me to explain how to do them in Spanish, and this website, along with a few slides that I have created, are useful to help students improve their Spanish pronunciation.
These sites have, for the most part, exercises that help the students practice grammatical concepts. I like to give them to the students as a homework, so that they can come better prepare to class, and that they can reaffirm the concepts saw in class.
The first one is a site created by Barbara Kuczun Nelson. It has different exercises for basic to intermediate Spanish learners. It does have though important basic grammar structures, most of which are hard to learn and acquire, particularly to native English speaker. You can find the site by clicking here.
This site does not have much movement, but the exercises it already provides are of very good quality, and like I said, of important concepts. These concepts include "por o para", "ser y estar", conjugate verbs like "gustar", and when to use "el pretérito perfecto simple" and "el pretérito imperfecto".
Another site that I like a lot and often refer my students to is this one. It has very short videos of different Spanish native speakers performing a variety of tasks, which tasks are classified according to level of difficulty. I have found this site to be good for listening comprehension, as well as to give input to my students and help them with pronunciation. Students also learn about culture.
Last, but not least, I have also used this site; it is a great site from the University of Iowa. The site explains and gives examples on how to do pronunciation in Spanish. There are sounds that are particularly hard for me to explain how to do them in Spanish, and this website, along with a few slides that I have created, are useful to help students improve their Spanish pronunciation.
Struggling to lose fear
Since I have never had a blog before, I have to say, that I am pretty scared of it. I think I have been postponing this assignment because of it. Well, the good news is that doing the assignment will help me overcome that.
In regards to my background with technology, I can't say that I have a lot. I know the basic things, for instance, I have written papers for school and know how to surf on the internet. I have also used PPT a lot in order to create visual aids for my students. I have also used songs, and videos (mostly from Youtube) to help students learn concepts in a different language and culture. Since, I have never used a blog before, or done much with technology, aside from what I just described above, you could understand why I feel very out of my comfort zone. But, again, hopefully knowledge and practice will help overcoming my fear of technology that I have not used before. After all, I am here to learn.
In regards to my background with technology, I can't say that I have a lot. I know the basic things, for instance, I have written papers for school and know how to surf on the internet. I have also used PPT a lot in order to create visual aids for my students. I have also used songs, and videos (mostly from Youtube) to help students learn concepts in a different language and culture. Since, I have never used a blog before, or done much with technology, aside from what I just described above, you could understand why I feel very out of my comfort zone. But, again, hopefully knowledge and practice will help overcoming my fear of technology that I have not used before. After all, I am here to learn.
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