World Language Learning in the Age of Technology

Time to Blog

worldoflanguages — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:03:27 +0000

What a gift we were given today in our bloggers group. Free time to write. Rick’s presentations have been great, so much to think about. I just feel like I’ve often short changed myself and the group by not spending enough time on my blog. Maybe when I get my laptop the whole process will seem easier to do (hear that Kevin?)

Saw a timely comic strip in Doonesbury this Sunday. University lecture hall, all students on their laptops, networking, facebooking, emailing, etc. Factual answers to questions from the professor (who was probably standing in front of a chalkboard, chalk in hand) instantly obtained on-line. Reminded me so much of the video we saw last week from teacher.tube. As educators it is time for us to get on board and take into consideration how students are “learning” today. I have been at this so long I often feel like a dinosaur. There is so much out there for the students to access. Education has got to move forward with the times. I wish I were twenty years younger so that I could experience all that is coming in this great field in which we participate.

Meaningful Communication – Blog Class Number Two

worldoflanguages — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:22:55 +0000

Class was great this morning. I had a breakthrough somewhere in the middle of the session. Rick said that blogging was more about conversation than just journaling. I had thought an education blog (web log, right?) was more about reflecting about pedagogy, best practices, etc., than opening up dialogue with other teachers and learners. What a great and potentially limitless opportunity to ”talk” to people about the BIG ideas. Teaching world language has always been about meaningful communication. Memorizing lists of vocabulary or your half of a dialogue is pointless when you actually have the opportunity to talk to someone in the target language. I want to get this technology into my classroom and show my students how small the world is becoming and that while people and cultures differ, we can still share common ground.

Looking forward to hearing from my fellow KMS Bloggers. Let’s get the dialogue going!

Blog Class Number One

worldoflanguages — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:10:58 +0000

The journey has begun. We are the KMS Bloggers. We will meet weekly at 6:30 in the morning! I must really want to learn this, and there is so much to learn. I am excited about beginning to blog. The teacher is awesome. I feel connected to the world!

Guten Morgen

worldoflanguages — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:38:46 +0000

October 10th, 2007 by worldoflanguages

This is my first post and I am excited about getting started. I have taught world language, specifically German, for a long time. I am seeking new ways of teaching and learning that integrate technology. I am joining a group of teachers at my school to learn to blog as a professional educator. I think I’m going to enjoy this ride.