Wow this on-line class went fast! The picture I have posted was taken in 2001. Isn't it sad to see six students huddled around a computer? They were watching "Digital Curriculum" which is now "United Streaming". The video that was streaming was about ecology. It was used to build background knowledge about their science lesson. I will continue to integrate technology into my classroom and try to get a LCD projector! I want to incorporate blogs into my lesson plans for the 2007-2008 school year. Time is what every educator needs and I will just have to make time for implementing more technology into my ESL classroom. I feel fortunate to have Rosetta Stone, English in a Flash, StickyBear, and links to countless resourceful websites for my students. In addition to these technology pieces, I now have Trackstar, Hot Potatoes, and Puzzlemaker and I will be equipped for the school year. I will have envious co-workers- ha! Next week, I start traveling for the summer. First, I will be going to San Francisco with three of my girl friends. It was my turn to plan the annual trip and San Francisco is one of my favorite cities and it's a first for the other gals. Last year one of the other gals planned our trip to the Big Apple. When you live with a house full of men it's fun to get away with women and talk! A week later, I will be motorcycling with my husband from Yellowstone back to Minnesota. In August, we are taking our three youngest sons to the Grand Canyon. I hope to blog all the trips. I have gained a wealth of information from all of you in these short six weeks- thank you!
This was one of my Kindergarten students last March, 2007. I try to get my students into the computer lab twice a week. There are many websites that I like for my students. Starfall is one of my favorite sites. The Starfall learn-to-read website is free to the public and is geared toward primary age students. www.starfall.com
The dog can't eat the homework! I think not having to make hard-copies of assignments is one of the best reasons for on-line exercises. With on-line exercises homework is posted and there shouldn't be an excuse of -I lost my paper. Most students enjoy computer class. They love to "USE" technology, therefore they are very engaged in using technology to learn. You can have frequent quizzes and hopefully they won't complain. The otherwise quiet student may open up more on-line. Having e-portfolios would be the ultimate way to watch your students' growth. I agree with McNulty, the greatest potential for an on-line classroom and exercises is in its ability to help teachers create student-centered classrooms. If we as ESL teachers or educators- in general -can instill a love for learning and a curiosity to be critical thinkers by using on-line classrooms and exercises, then the integration of technology has made a positive effect on teaching. The downfalls would be no Internet service when you have the computer lab scheduled, the tech support person isn't in your building or antiquated computers have hindered the exercises on-line.
