Blogging my own reflection

"Blogging is a hyped up discussion board with a few more steps".

At least that is what it seemed to me when I was first introduced to this idea. How could I use this as a teaching tool and would it be counter productive to use a platform that would take up time in class to just get students set up? Even as graduate students in an English speaking class, I noticed it was a challenge to initially get everyone on board with access to this platform.

Why I met this tech tool with such resistance as opposed to other tools like Voicethread or Flipgrid that has a potentially challenging on boarding process for students escaped me. However, after taking a few days to reflect on the experiences and potential creative uses of blogging I am starting to understand why it would be a beneficial tool to use.

It is actually kind of interesting. As I am writing this blog, I don't feel the monotonous emotions of writing a discussion board post. I am thinking much more reflectively, as this is my space to creatively and freely express what is running through my mind. I like the idea of creating a blog page for my students.

One thing that came to mind throughout the class was using this space as a place to practice advocating for oneself and ones own ideas. One aspect of language learning that really impacted me when I was living in Chile was when I felt that I could not speak up for myself. I was not confident enough in my own speaking/writing to truly express my thoughts or opinions. So I stayed silent...

One of my Chilean roommates who was very kind and compassionate
towards me... especially when I was struggling just to communicate.

I knew that I was not stupid. I mean I am studying at a u]University and I know that I can hold intellectual conversations in English... However, I was fully aware of my own language deficit in Spanish. Not being able to hold a simple conversation about supermarkets unfortunately only amplified the painful doubt in my own intelligence. I can see how using blogs to promote a more authentic space to speak about one's own experiences can benefit our students in the long run. I also love that it is easy to customize the blogs with images, videos, and links to other websites/articles in order to help tell your story even better.

I am still weary of using blogs in my own teaching. However, the sign up issues and potential technical conflicts can possibly be mediated with descriptive step by step in class instructions (or instructional videos in asynchronous classes). I am looking forward to practicing using this tool for future classroom activities :)

Comments

EdTech Tool Presentation

Each presentation was amazing. I learned many new features from my team. I might use some of them in my future classes. I like learning something new from others because each of us has a different expectations and world view. I believe the reading platform can be helpful for students who wants to read more and for students who do not like to read. Also, it will help teacher to get themselves ready for the discussion in the class, especially it can be useful for teachers at the beginning of their career. Pear Desk is interesting and help to set up a visual learning and build a community, and it might be right decision to pay for a good platform. However, it is a plenty of technology to use that is free of charge. I think anyone can find their preferable technology to use in the classroom environment. The Lyricstraining is cool. Everyone loves listening the music, and so many people start to learn English, including myself, to understand the meaning of their favorite s...

Aha! Moments in EdTech Tools Presentation-Meilin

Hi guys! Thank you for sharing these fantastic EdTech tools, which allowed me to experience the infinite possibilities that technology brings to the classroom again . By incorporating tech tools like AI, for instance, teachers can develop more creative and innovative lesson plans to hold students' attention. Technology can enhance individual learning, removing traditional educational boundaries that teachers may face, especially in the current trend of "online education" and "distance learning," appropriate tech tools can improve students' learning quality. " Pear Deck " that makes slides more interactive. Students can draw, write and respond to questions created by teachers on slides. It is undoubtedly an excellent way to keep the classroom active and fresh. Pear Deck can provide teachers with activities throughout the entire lesson: at the beginning of the lesson (check prior knowledge, ask students what they are curious about);...

Happy Friday!

Reflections on Week 5 As always I'd like to try out some of the functions of the tech tool we're using, so I'm starting with a picture of my backyard. I may have mentioned before that I've gotten in the habit of sitting on the patio and studying or drinking my coffee most mornings. Though lately there've been a lot of mosquitoes so it's been harder. I can't believe it's week 5 already, I don't think that truly hit me until I started writing this blog post. Of course, I saw it this week when accessing Blackboard for homework, but I guess I wasn't really paying attention. I also just submitted my petition for graduation in the Spring so that was also crazy. It really brought it home to me that we just have 1 semester to go. We can do this! The past few weeks have been really busy and I'm guessing the next few weeks will too because my sister's wedding is next Sunday! I am so happy that this week we'll be focusing on the CATESOL conf...

EDUC 548, Fall 2020 Blog

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