I really enjoyed learning about Trackstar yesterday. I think that it's a good way to unit various ESL resources into one commonly placed lesson plan. I'm about to begin my creation for next weeks assignment and I have been pondering all morning what to include in it. More importantly, I'm considering what content or grammar objectives I will have. I think I am going to have a little bit of fun with this project.
Youssouf's demonstration was simple and to the point. I was reminded that almost any website can be used for specific language purposes, especially websites like about.com that congregate fact-based information about several subjects. I was glad to see Youssouf enthusiastic about technology for a change! I still think that there are pedagogical implications that need to answered when using a site like that, especially for grammar activities. Like I said in class, I believe that most activities should be content-based and overall, communicative. The vast majority of activities online are still in the grammar-translation mode. Although, this is slowly changing for the better, I think.
I'm preparing for my observations, mentally. I will be observing a Spanish class in the GLL. This class meets 4 days a week. I am also observing two other Spanish classes that meet just as frequently. I personally think it's too much to do in a given amount of time. I will be researching for my APP as well as for the CALL class. The only difference between the two objectives is that the class observation is more broad based, meaning that I'll be looking at all aspects of language teaching with technology and not only listening.
I was excited about conducting an interview at the conclusion of the observation. I'm not so eager about the pre-observation. I personally think a questionnaire would work best for this and it would be far more practical on everone's behalf. However, I suppose there are reasons for everything and I plan on doing it nonetheless. October is going to be a month of agony for me with everything with teaching and classes etc....
Breathing deep....
Jesse
Perhaps you could observe one of the APP classes in November?
ReplyDeleteThere's a thought. I'll have to think about that. I like the observations I'm going to be doing, I just don't want to get too over crowded with stuff so that my attnetion is focused else where.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that the ultimate purpose of language teaching is of communication, and that technology should be served as a catalyst of change for the better. What I really like about CALL is because it motivates students to learn English more and produce more texts in English, specifically in the context where English is not used as a means of daily communication.
ReplyDeleteWell, while I agree that technology can be motivating to learn any subject, I would stress that it may not be a 'primary' motivator. When considering the grand scheme of linguistic interests that students have to learn a language(i.e. to study, travel, work, etc.), I don't think that technology is on the list. However, I do think that it is one of the more identifiable 'tools' in SLA that could motivate students to learn while in class. To me, this is completely different.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you are incredibly busy this semester, Jesse. I can see how your classes, observations, and teaching can put you on edge about finishing everything, but you seem very much on task and able to get this accomplished efficiently and effectively. Perhaps it is the best preparation for "the real world" of teaching where you will have to balance multiple preps, committee work, professional development, and other obligations. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura!!!! I like how this may be the 'real world experience' that I need. Although, perhaps I'll learn some stress relieving methods through counseling, hahaha. j/k.
ReplyDeleteI am also excited to play around with trackstar! I am curious how our questions and focus change from our pre- to post-interview. Wow, it looks like you are going to be incredibly busy next month! I agree with Laura, this is definitely going to improve your multitasking! Just think about how much you will accomplish by the end of the semester! It will be a GREAT feeling when you are all done! But until then, one step at a time is how I have to think about it! It will be nice that for this class at least we will help each other every step of the way!
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