25.4.08
20.4.08
15.4.08
Cocinando con Cristina (technical difficulties)
It is finished! Wow did we have a hard time making this video! I feel relieved that this project is over and I mean that in the best way. What started out as a simple video ending up becoming one of the best learning experiences of my life. All of the filming went smoothly (shout out to Christine!) my good friend who decided to take part in the making of this video.... however when it came to actually uploading, splicing, editing, and posting the video it came along with many bumps on the way. First we did not have the correct cable, then our edited video was not saved on our USB. So we had to start over, at the lab the computer froze and finally we were able to load it and go global! Making this video made me realize that we have all this great technology but in the end it can backfire on you and decide not to work. I officially have no luck with technology I guess we are not meant to be....
On another note, this video is meant to provide culture and grammar for students of a lower level spanish class. Our goal is to show students in a creative way a recipe going over commands and at the same time give them the opportunity to create their own... hopefully they will not have as many technical difficulties as we did.
Hope you enjoy and leave comment por favor! :)
7.4.08
4.4.08
ON SL 2
I have to say that experimenting with SL in last week's class was a total shocker. Initially, I was hesitant to even sign up for it because I did not know what I was getting into. Getting involved in a virtual reality has its limitations and definitely has no place in the classroom. After reading the articles for class last week, I was still not convinced about using SL in the classroom. I found SL to be hard to use, and very complicated. Yes, it is true that students can practice typing in the target language, listen to voice chat, and 'teleport' to different cities, but the truth of the matter is they are experiencing language learning in a virtual world. Language learning should be done in the real world, because in the end we want to communicate with real people. Students should strive to actually visit other countries, taste the food, speak the language. etc. In an age where it is more popular to become someone else, to escape from reality with technology, we as educators will be stooping to the lowest level if we encourage programs like Second Life in the classroom. If you want to do it for fun then so be it. But it has no place in the classroom and I will not try to justify its use. Technology is a good thing but we cannot pretend to implement every new program into education.
31.3.08
Mini project #2
I am posting my mini project #2 directly on here because I forgot how to make a link for it. It is not that long or great (most likely) because my experience as a 'teacher' has been limited and for only 2 semesters. However, I hope that with the experience I gain teaching at UF and later on will help me polish my future teaching philosophy.
Lucia M. Montas
03/31/2008
TIFLE
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
Mark van Doren
This quote best describes what I believe is teaching, which to me is the art of assisting discovery. With teaching, I feel that I am a facilitator of knowledge; my goal is to allow students to discover new ideas, make connections, open themselves to accept and see a new culture, embrace differences and change their world.
Even though I am relatively new to teaching, I have realized my mistakes, what works and doesn’t work, and how to be more confident in my abilities as a teacher. Having the opportunity to teach Spanish at the college level has reaffirmed my decision to become a teacher, and even though I am young, I continue to learn what makes someone a good teacher. I can say with confidence that in this short amount of time, I have been able to assist students in the discovery of the Spanish language and culture.
Since taking AP Spanish literature in high school, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. This was a significant time in my life (living in Nicaragua) and I knew in my experience that Ms. Ruiz inspired me to consider a career in teaching.
When I came to college, I immediately declared a major in Spanish and pursued a degree in education. While taking education classes I decided that I did not want to limit myself to the K-12 level but wanted to become a professor. By becoming a college professor, I feel that I will have the power and the ability to teach what I want to teach (which is literature) and have more flexibility than the typical high school teacher.
I describe myself as a teacher who is fair and at the same time someone who cares about the students and their learning process. I want my students to be able to feel comfortable enough to express and communicate in another language, to be engaged and opened to new culture, to break stereotypes of Hispanic culture within the US etc. I believe that students should be active participants of their own learning and not make the teacher fully responsible in the classroom. Students should be able to show autonomy and the teacher should be able to demonstrate authority and knowledge in the classroom.
During these two semesters of teaching, I have maintained an open and carefree environment with my students, I want them to feel at ease with language, ask each other questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes. My classes are filled with facilitated group work, diverse activities, videos, and culture. I try to make my classes different each day so that the students are encouraged to go beyond what is expected of them. This can easily be passed to the teaching of literature, which is eventually what I would like to teach.
In Liberal Arts, literature is seen as something very unattainable; culturally speaking it is for the elite. As a professor of literature, my goal is to make literature accessible to students, help them make discoveries and break barriers that separate them. Reading literature in another language has become the main focus of language teaching today, because language is not just grammar concepts and rules; words have the power to add meaning and transform people. As the world changes rapidly, and technology becomes the focus of our lives, it is important to remind students of the simpler things in life. Reading is becoming a foreign concept to many students, and books themselves are becoming digital or available online.
Therefore, the use of technology in the classroom will be efficient for teaching literature. Currently in my classroom I use technology to explain grammar concepts, introduce different activities. I show video to introduce culture and dialogue. Technology can be beneficial for the foreign language classroom whether it be a focus on language itself or literature. Currently, I have had the opportunity to develop lesson plans using technology in the literature classroom. It is often difficult to introduce technology but beneficial for the students. One of the topics within technology that interests me is ICC or Intercultural Communication. This concept is important when teaching culture, it incorporates different CMC or computer mediated communication. It can include email, chat, video, and podcasts. In the future, I would like to incorporate this concept into my teaching because it enables students to make connections and improve their writing and oral skills. I can see myself using this in a intermediate level Spanish class and perhaps in a literature class exchange ideas about a certain time period, author, or novel. For example, a video chat can generate discussion of a specific book that is being studied in class. Students can exchange ideas not only with their classmates but with students in another country studying the same thing.
Finally, being a teacher is significant to the passing of information and knowledge. Teachers have the ability of opening people’s minds and helping them create and make new discoveries, and using technology will only help teachers accomplish this task.
28.3.08
Intercultural communication
Hello!
This entry will be a focus on my thoughts about intercultural communication. I have to say that of all the classes I really enjoyed last weeks discussion on intercultural communication. I thought that Dr. Lomicka's project with the honors French class was very interesting and could be adapted and used here at UF. I think it is an excellent idea and would be beneficial to UF students studying spanish. One of the ideas within ICC, Noticing and reflecting were the most beneficial to my understanding.
Noticing and reflecting are important concepts, for students to experience when doing ICC. Not only do students notice another culture, but they are able to reflect and think about their own culture. I think that Culture is very abstract and difficult to teach but that ICC makes it possible. It is also important to note that without the proper technology none of these things will be attainable, but its worth trying to implement some sort of technology in the classroom.
This entry will be a focus on my thoughts about intercultural communication. I have to say that of all the classes I really enjoyed last weeks discussion on intercultural communication. I thought that Dr. Lomicka's project with the honors French class was very interesting and could be adapted and used here at UF. I think it is an excellent idea and would be beneficial to UF students studying spanish. One of the ideas within ICC, Noticing and reflecting were the most beneficial to my understanding.
Noticing and reflecting are important concepts, for students to experience when doing ICC. Not only do students notice another culture, but they are able to reflect and think about their own culture. I think that Culture is very abstract and difficult to teach but that ICC makes it possible. It is also important to note that without the proper technology none of these things will be attainable, but its worth trying to implement some sort of technology in the classroom.
21.3.08
Video camera activity/technology
Hola!
I've been thinking about the video project and I have decided to do a 5 minute cooking show reinforcing the formal commands for a begining spanish level class. The person (a student) in the video will explain a recipe of a Hispanic/Spanish dish (this will be the cultural) aspect. They will also explain the vocabulary of the food. (What foods they will be using and ingredients). It will kind of be a Rachel Ray 30 minute meal but this will be "Cocinando en 5 minutos". This will be a good way of presenting it to future classes.
I found this video as an example and they have both native and non-native speakers of spanish....
its a bad example of what I would like to do.
3.3.08
Cultural chat
This is my mini project # 1 which basically describes the use of chat to promote culture in a begining spanish classroom. Students will be in contact with a spanish classroom in Latin America via epals. I hope you enjoy it!
23.2.08
Catalan PP
Hello again! I found this power point from when I was taking Catalan here at UF, it was the first presentation I ever did and I was very nervous. Making power points to teach is effective but I also think that as a learner of a second language it is crucial to utilize PP for your own learning. I know that when I did this presentation I was more open to speaking in Catalan in class! Adeuuuuuu
22.2.08
Final projecto thoughts....
I haven't really put much thought into what I would like to do for my final project but I have different areas that I would like to discover/research more about. I am interesting in learning more about the use of chat in the classroom, perhaps because it is a frequent form of communication that I use, and in my own language learning with catalan (I find it very useful) to chat in catalan because it forces me to think read/write in the target language. Another topic that interests me is the use of Epals.
I remember using epals when I took this course as an undergrad through the college of eduaction, and I think that it would be an interesting way to compare the use of epals online with the traditional 'intercambio'. These ideas will be useful for language teaching because you can see what type of imput the student is getting and if he/she is improving in the reading/writng/verbal skills. Also it would be a way to analyze the positive/negative effects of personal/virtual interactions. I hope to discover that the face-face interaction is positively enhancing the student's language skills, and that it is better that internet interaction.
On another note, my students in SPN 1130 this semester have a huge exam coming up, and one of the students has created a facebook group for our course. Now this was not my idea, I use Webct in class as a way to communicate with my students and inform them of their progress. However, many of my students do not check it and they prefer facebook. Through this group they have posted several sites, youtube videos, and announcements for homework. It seems like they have created a nice community and are more open to fb than email or webct. I think that my students have more motivation and communication among themselves, they have also become more autonomous in their learning and that makes me feel more confident as a teacher.
Check this out: http://www.epals.com/
Nos vemos eh?
I remember using epals when I took this course as an undergrad through the college of eduaction, and I think that it would be an interesting way to compare the use of epals online with the traditional 'intercambio'. These ideas will be useful for language teaching because you can see what type of imput the student is getting and if he/she is improving in the reading/writng/verbal skills. Also it would be a way to analyze the positive/negative effects of personal/virtual interactions. I hope to discover that the face-face interaction is positively enhancing the student's language skills, and that it is better that internet interaction.
On another note, my students in SPN 1130 this semester have a huge exam coming up, and one of the students has created a facebook group for our course. Now this was not my idea, I use Webct in class as a way to communicate with my students and inform them of their progress. However, many of my students do not check it and they prefer facebook. Through this group they have posted several sites, youtube videos, and announcements for homework. It seems like they have created a nice community and are more open to fb than email or webct. I think that my students have more motivation and communication among themselves, they have also become more autonomous in their learning and that makes me feel more confident as a teacher.
Check this out: http://www.epals.com/
Nos vemos eh?
17.2.08
Technology doesn't always work
So on Friday, I was posting my weekly entry and after a long nice blog I published it when all of a sudden it did not load up and dissapeared! The fustration.... So here I am again trying to post and hopefully this one will be successful.
I have learned alot of things on the way to becoming a tech saavy chick... one being that you can't truly trust technology because when you least expect it, it will turn on you. On another note, playing with power point has allowed me to utilize all of the features and I was able to use my learnings in my creations of power point for my class. This week I did one for culture day on valentine's day and I added animation to the pictures, uploaded hyperlinks, added music it was great! I even warned my students that they better like it because I put so much time and effort into it. They did enjoy it!
As for new discoveries I have found my new passion; little did I realize that becoming disconnected from the virtual world was so liberating! Posting in this blog has really made me question how I use my time and what I do with my life. For one, I have been able to reduce my chatting time and try not to check my email as often, I also disconnect my cell phone and have been trying to just be in the REAL world.
One thing I truly want to get out of this course is how to implement technology in my classroom, (something other than) power point and really use it to the advantage of learning. However, I do realize that implementing technology is very costly and sometimes difficult but I know I will get the skills in this class. So yea, this is all the reflection for now.... later!
I have learned alot of things on the way to becoming a tech saavy chick... one being that you can't truly trust technology because when you least expect it, it will turn on you. On another note, playing with power point has allowed me to utilize all of the features and I was able to use my learnings in my creations of power point for my class. This week I did one for culture day on valentine's day and I added animation to the pictures, uploaded hyperlinks, added music it was great! I even warned my students that they better like it because I put so much time and effort into it. They did enjoy it!
As for new discoveries I have found my new passion; little did I realize that becoming disconnected from the virtual world was so liberating! Posting in this blog has really made me question how I use my time and what I do with my life. For one, I have been able to reduce my chatting time and try not to check my email as often, I also disconnect my cell phone and have been trying to just be in the REAL world.
One thing I truly want to get out of this course is how to implement technology in my classroom, (something other than) power point and really use it to the advantage of learning. However, I do realize that implementing technology is very costly and sometimes difficult but I know I will get the skills in this class. So yea, this is all the reflection for now.... later!
11.2.08
feria del libro
Este es el 'poster' annual de la feria del libro en Cuba. Siempre he visitado las ferias del libro en otros países como República Dominicana y Nicaragua. Me encanta visitar y ver todos los libros nuevos...
10.2.08
PP
Imagine a time when there was a chalkboard and a teacher: no computer, no cool slides, no pictures, just you and the students. Now, we have the use of PP, a microsoft program that enables you to create slides with pictures, information, video, sound etc. According to its definition in wikipedia PP is a form of persuasive technology (which presents a point of view).
Personally, I use PP in the classroom, especially when I am presenting grammar. It has the power to help you organize the information and present it in a clear way to your students. I try not to use PP everyday because I know the students get tierd of staring at a screen. In a way, PP creates a boundary between the teacher and the students, they are paying more attention to the color scheme, the pictures, etc. than your explanation.
I like interacting with my students, getting them out of their comfort zone, out of their seats, moving, talking to one another asking questions etc. Language has to be interactive, and PP prevents that type of interaction.
The PP presented below this entry explains the different stereotypical families, (american/hispanic). I got the idea from the reading activity we did in class in our book Puntos de Partida. I like the new features of the latest PP and I am learning how to use all the other features. All in all I like power point I just dont want to depend on it completely in the classroom.
Personally, I use PP in the classroom, especially when I am presenting grammar. It has the power to help you organize the information and present it in a clear way to your students. I try not to use PP everyday because I know the students get tierd of staring at a screen. In a way, PP creates a boundary between the teacher and the students, they are paying more attention to the color scheme, the pictures, etc. than your explanation.
I like interacting with my students, getting them out of their comfort zone, out of their seats, moving, talking to one another asking questions etc. Language has to be interactive, and PP prevents that type of interaction.
The PP presented below this entry explains the different stereotypical families, (american/hispanic). I got the idea from the reading activity we did in class in our book Puntos de Partida. I like the new features of the latest PP and I am learning how to use all the other features. All in all I like power point I just dont want to depend on it completely in the classroom.
4.2.08
2.2.08
2ND
HELLO again!
This entry is the second installment of the first one. As I mentioned before I have a routine that I embark on a daily basis. It consists of checking email like a madwoman and fb... Yesterday I spent the whole day in the office on the computer for like HOURS. I told myself that I wouldnt check my email this weekend and that I would completely disconnect from the world. But that didnt happen cuz here I am... typing away...
I find myself realizing that I rely on the internet so much. I communicate with people this way and expect them to do the same. I use various chat programs like MSN and AIM. Recently I have preferred using MSN because I have more interesting people on my list and they are connected more often. I also started using Google talk ever since I opened a GMAIL account. I had skype on my computer to make international phone calls but since my labtop is so old it really messed it up.
On an average I would say that daily I am on the internet for 5-6 hours. I think that is too much. At the office I am on the computer planning for my classes while Itunes is blasting the rhythms of alternative, merengue, and salsa. If I dont have some type of music on I would go insane...
For my class, I use power point to plan as well as academic technology to inform my students of their progress which is another way to communicate with them. I also use the internet to post on my other blogs, look up information, send emails etc. All in all, the internet has revolutionized our world but it has also negatively changed the way we communicate. In an era where people actually spoke to each other NOW its much easier to just type what you want to say. I hope to balance the two and still have a good ol'conversation with those that surround me. :)
This entry is the second installment of the first one. As I mentioned before I have a routine that I embark on a daily basis. It consists of checking email like a madwoman and fb... Yesterday I spent the whole day in the office on the computer for like HOURS. I told myself that I wouldnt check my email this weekend and that I would completely disconnect from the world. But that didnt happen cuz here I am... typing away...
I find myself realizing that I rely on the internet so much. I communicate with people this way and expect them to do the same. I use various chat programs like MSN and AIM. Recently I have preferred using MSN because I have more interesting people on my list and they are connected more often. I also started using Google talk ever since I opened a GMAIL account. I had skype on my computer to make international phone calls but since my labtop is so old it really messed it up.
On an average I would say that daily I am on the internet for 5-6 hours. I think that is too much. At the office I am on the computer planning for my classes while Itunes is blasting the rhythms of alternative, merengue, and salsa. If I dont have some type of music on I would go insane...
For my class, I use power point to plan as well as academic technology to inform my students of their progress which is another way to communicate with them. I also use the internet to post on my other blogs, look up information, send emails etc. All in all, the internet has revolutionized our world but it has also negatively changed the way we communicate. In an era where people actually spoke to each other NOW its much easier to just type what you want to say. I hope to balance the two and still have a good ol'conversation with those that surround me. :)
31.1.08
Internet use
Documenting my internet use for a week is going to be a daunting task, it puts into perspective how much time you waste online. For the last two days I have been online for a total of like 12 hours. I almost have a routine I wake up check my ufl.edu email and immediately after I check my other two accounts on hotmail and gmail. I have a slight obsession when it comes to checking my email but I'm lazy when it comes to actually replying. I only reply to those that are absolutely necessary. After all the emails I go off to the lovely website facebook... usually to see if anyone has posted on my wall or noticed any changes in my profile. I know its pathetic but facebook is the new social network of today. People rather use it then actually speak face to face call or email. Some TA's even use it to check out their students and get to know them.
Besides social networking and email I use the internet at work after teaching. I connect to MSN to see if anyone is on that I can chat to... while I plan for my class using power point. Lately I have been using Mozilla because it doesn't freeze up... more later~
Besides social networking and email I use the internet at work after teaching. I connect to MSN to see if anyone is on that I can chat to... while I plan for my class using power point. Lately I have been using Mozilla because it doesn't freeze up... more later~
28.1.08
AYO technology
This is my new blog. It is for my technology class. In here I will be posting about my reactions to the different readings and talking about my LOVe for technology.... the title of this first blog is in reference to the 50 Cent rap song "AYO Technology" featuring yours truly Justin Timberlake.
Aayoo
"I'm tired of using technology, I need you right in front of me..."
Ps: the other lyrics are explicit and will not be posted here.
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