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Notre Dame Photoshop

Teddy Bears Go Blogging

I particularly enjoyed the Blogging Teddy Bear piece because it emphasizes the importance and value in learning about other cultures. As a language teacher, I feel like this concept can help students take interest in learning about other cultures because they are able to share their experience with others as well as see the similarities and differences that exist in the differing cultures. It is a great way to actively engage students in their learning and their participation can help them take more away from the experience. I would consider doing a project like this with my students because it not only employs technology but also a content relevant activity to go along with the 5 C's of foreign language standards; communities, connections, cultures, communication and comparisons.

What's Your Style?

I never really ever thought that I had a specific learning style because I tend to change that style depending on what class I am taking and also what I need to prepare for.  But when it comes down to it, the "What's Your Style" quiz hit the nail on the head as to what kind of learner I am in general. I definitely need to have detailed meticulous notes that will come in handy when trying to prepare for exams and papers. I love sitting in the front and seeing what we are learning in class. But I'm also someone who dips into the auditory and kinesthetic standards for learning as well because I find it beneficial to take others input as well as actively learn things as opposed to just sitting and mindlessly taking notes. For certain subjects all 3 styles are necessary and for others only 1 or 2 styles work.

I think in regards to teaching and technology, technology plays a huge role in supporting these varying learning styles. You are able to access numerous resources that can be visual, auditory or kinesthetic. And I believe that students already use these resources because they have become so accessible in their daily lives.

MP3 Homework

It's clear that technology is a crucial part to educating younger generations who have become accustomed to it in their day to day lives. I can personally attest to the fact that my ipod can be a somewhat permanent fixture in my life and know that many other students feel the same way. Although I have not used it for digital books and school purposes, I believe it is a good tool for teachers to use, as seen in this article. It's a very accesible, easy and convenient way for students to learn new languages or read books while mutli-tasking in other activites. I think this shows the ever-changing nature of technology and the response that educators are having to these changes.