CMC in the classroom

I think computer mediated communication can be an excellent tool in a foreign language classroom, sometimes. I think that both asynchronous and sychronous communication can be valuable, but it all depends on how the activites are set up and the way the technology is managed.

I think that setting up an intercultural chat is a great way to get students using language for a reason. In these situations I think that the focus should be on the cultural aspect of the communication rather than form. If a chat is taking place between NNS then maybe form could become more important. Mostly, I like the idea of using jigsaw activities or information gaps to get students communicating for a purpose. These kinds of activities are fun and educational.

I think when using asynchronous types of CMC it is easier to place an emphasis on form. In the case of email or blogging, students have more time to think about what they want to say and therefore, to think about how they are using the langauge.

Overall, I think we have been introduced to lots of great forms of CMC this semester. However, I am having a hard time making connections between what we discuss and do in class and how it could be implemented in an elementary classroom. So far, video/audio CMC is the only type I can think of with practical uses for young learners. But, with these I am having trouble justifying how they are any different than just face-to-face communication. Maybe I am just scared of the classroom management issues that teaching technology to kindergarteners would create.

Bingo

My document

Final project

For my final project in this class I would like to research some of the effects of live chatting on students' learning. I think that many teahcers are integrating chats into their classes as a way to get students using language for a meaningful, communicative purpose and to increase their participation. Most foreign language teachers seem to believe that chats can make students more comfortable using the TL by removing the face-to-face factor.

However, I know from experience that the stress of forced communication can really raise a student's affective filter and make communication even more difficult. I am interested to what degree this may or may not be true for other language learners that may prefer face-to-face communication as I do. So, my tentative research questions are:

1. What effect does chatting have on learners' affective filters. What are the specific causes for the comfort/discomfort students feel.
2. What does chatting provide for learner's that face-to-face communication does not. What does chatting provide for learner's that asynchronous communication does not?

Technology Reflections

I have learned several things about technology so far this semester. I have really enjoyed learning how to make a blog and how easy it is. I always assumed it was really complicated to have a fancy blog using all kinds of elements, but the things I have put on here were all pretty simple. I especially like the widgets! Being able to see how many people have visited my blog (8 so far!) is really interesting. I also like to see the results of my quiz (100% of participants want a vacation day after Easter!).

As far as using blogs in a classroom, I dont know how likely that will be in my future. I want to teach elementary aged students who might not be ready for blogging. I have been trying to think of an idea for my CMC miniproject that could work for this age group, but I am having a hard time. I might need to pretend like I am working with middle or highschool students. If anyone has any ideas for elementary CMC I would love to hear them!

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http://www.slideshare.net/secret/NCKrM3iFCJhlVG
http://www.slideshare.net/watkinmk/american-culture/

Powerpoint in the classroom

I think powerpoint can be a very useful classroom tool. It can be an excellent visual aid to support class lectures or discussions. As a student who has a hard time listening to long lectures, powerpoint presentations provide an excellent point of focus for me. The visual dynamic is really helpful in maintaining my attention. Also, I think powerpoint presentations are great ways to study what has been taught. I always appreciate it when a teacher makes copies of a powerpoint presentation available to the class. This way I can easily review the main points from each lesson.

I think powerpoint can also be used as a hands-on tool in class. Having students create their own powerpoint presentations is an excellent way to make them responsible for their own learning. I have also enjoyed using powerpoint for games like jeopardy in the classroom.

However, it is imortant to remember that too much of anything can become monotonous. Powerpoint should be used as a support tool, not as an entire teaching method. For instance, when using powerpoint with a classroom lecture, a teacher should not read straight from the slides. Instead, a teacher should use the powerpoint as a structural guideline or as a springboard for discussion.

In conclusion, I think powerpoint is a wonderful classroom tool when used in moderation.

Internet use analysis

I consider myself to be a frequent internet user. Looking at my weekly use, there was only one day in which I did not use the internet, Thursday. Every other day I usually went online once in the morning and once at night. During these times I follow a pretty regular pattern: Check both email accounts, check facebook, check bank account, and then do any extra browsing or word processing I need to do.

I found that I used both of my email accounts for professional reasons. I do very little personal emailing. I use facebook regularly as a means for personal communications. I read the New York Times on my email too.

Also, I use google as my search engine. This week I spent a lot of time on Craigs list looking for furntiure (unsuccessfully). I also used mes-english.com to prepare for a kindergarten lesson I taught. They have the best flashcards!

This week I was also very proud to use my blackboard listserve to communiate with my Span 110 students.

OK, thats my user profile I guess. I wonder how people lived before the internet?