Mili and Snowboarding

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From: scraps74, 2 weeks ago

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1st year with a MacBook and information literacy


SlideShare Link

Research Project Calculator

I did finally use this in my Spanish classes. We looked at the RPC and also at the one the U of MN has out there. Kids liked it but not necessarily for my class. But it started me thinking, 'How could I make it work for me?' We don't do heavy research, at least not until more language is learned. So I used the Step 1, 2, 3 , etc approach and the same titles for the steps but changed what is due each day.

For example:
STEP 1) Understand your assignment-By Friday April 11, 2008 Decide if you will work alone or with a partner.
STEP 2) Select and focus topic-By Monday April 14, 2008 Refine your topic, start picking verbs to use. (p.27) Decide if you will use tú, Ud. or Uds. REMEMBER YOU MUST BE CONSISTENT!
STEP 3) How are you going to present?-By Monday April 14, 2008 Poster, video, food, props, class participation; What will you need? Make a list.

Well you get the idea. My procrastinators said it helped them get started and keep going. They may not have used it all the way through but it did help in the beginning. I am going to try it again with Spanish 1.

The project was to present to the class a demonstration using command forms and involve the class. There were other parameters and obligatory elements.

Entering the 21st century

That's what I feel like since I now have signed on for a DSL hook up at home. I have received free dial up from the U of MN. forever, well at least since 1994 (give or take a year or two-the memory does fade a bit over time). Then in Dec. 2007 the U decided to end dial up service for anyone not living on campus. I was traumatized. I couldn't make the jump to paying for Hi-speed hook up. So $11.00 for dial-up was my baby step. Then to DSL. But what trouble it has been. Not with the MacBook which, of course, comes equipped with a wireless modem; but with my Dell at home. It is too old to be ready for that, only 4 years, so first I bought the 50' cable because my computer is not by the phone jack. I decided, no way did I want that cord laying across the floor. Then it was way too much trouble putting in the wireless software. It didn't work and when I called the manufacturer tech help told me the version I bought was too old and I needed to download a newer version from their website on the web. Crazy I thought, since I wasn't hooked up. So I will move my computer desk closer to the phone jack and buy a DSL cord or drill a hole in the wall. My other choice was to have another phone jack put in by having them staple wires to the siding on the house.
Well I am glad to have the hi-speed at home since I like to look through United Streaming for videos I can use and also for websites that deal with Spanish grammar. So it will be helpful next year especially.

Still searching...

...for my one new thing. I started with Rubistar4Teachers and looked at the site in Spanish. That has some interesting possibilities, but I don't know if that is truly new. Then I checked out QuizStar but it costs $$$. On to TrackStar, which I have used in the past-and it is different today. I didn't like it and moved on. I checked out a side ad for busting belly fat, something I know I could use on occasion, and was linked to an ad about a Diet Generator or Calculator. After a couple of pages I discovered that too cost $$$$$. So I am still searching for my one new thing.

Podcasts, and stuff

Very useful info at the last meeting! I am going to explore podcasts for possible future use. I personally employed the slide show comparing this year to learning how to snowboard. The learning curve was steep but once I acquired a few skills it has leveled out and I don't receive as many painful reminders of my ignorance in the field and fall on my face as often, although on occasion it still happens.

United Streaming

I am endlessly amazed how I can use united streaming to review grammar. Instead of listening to me again the students can be amused by a video clip. For me this is good stuff! Looking back I noticed how much shorter my blogs are becoming. I guess my brain is wearing out and running down as the year goes on. Sorry:)

Too bad!

This initiative will change. It has been good for me to learn about technology and literacy even if I don't use it all right away. I am storing it for future reference. Some of it I am using this year when it makes sense to insert it into a project. Too often literacy seems to take a back seat to technology. I know it has given some of my Spanish projects depth that they didn't have in a different way.