Please read the Tips!

Internet is a useful method of learning language; however, there are some tips to look through before using it. Neglecting the tips can cause serious and unexpected problems; exploring the tips can benefit both you and your computer.

Be your own person. Don't let friends or strangers pressure you to be someone you aren't. And know your limits. You may be Net-savvy, but people and relationships change, and unexpected stuff can happen on the Internet.
Be nice online. Or at least treat people the way you’d want to be treated. People who are nasty and aggressive online are at greater risk of being bullied or harassed themselves. If someone's mean to you, try not to react, definitely don't retaliate, and talk to a trusted adult or a friend who can help. Use privacy tools to block the meanies.
Passwords are private. Don't share your password even with friends. It's hard to imagine, but friendships change and you don't want to be impersonated by anyone. Pick a password you can remember but no one else can guess. One trick: Create a sentence like "I graduated from King School in 05" for the password "IgfKSi05."
Read between the "lines." It may be fun to check out new people for friendship or romance, but be aware that, while some people are nice, others act nice because they're trying to get something. Flattering or supportive messages may be more about manipulation than friendship or romance.


For more tips for you and your computer, go to CONNECTSAFELY.

Blogs with Language Learning

E-learning and smart-learning are the systems of language learning tools that students use nowadays. Using technology helps effective language learning not only practicing grammars by clicking the answers but also by interacting, sharing, socializing among the users  in second language.

Following link is the (NSFLE) NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION.
If you need more information about the standards, please click the link above.


COMMUNICATION
Communicate in Languages Other Than English

• Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions
• Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics
• Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.

One of the main purpose of learning language is interacting with others through communication. Students can practice second language in engaging in real-life interaction using this  blog. Blake also mentions "I affirm the basic approach to SLA that claims a second lanuge is best learned and taught through interaction" (p.3)


CULTURES
Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures

• Standard 2.1: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied
• Standard 2.2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied

By sharing students’ thought, students will be able to build both communication skill and cultural competency. Knowing of other cultures can lead students having intercultural communication competency which is one of the goal of learning language. Blogs can benefit students with various cultural contents in sake of communicating world wide.

COMMUNITIES
Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home & Around the World

• Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting
• Standard 5.2: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.

Pica, Kanagy, and Falodun (1993,11) represent "Language learning is assisted through social interaction of learners and their interlocutors, particularly when they negotiate toward mutual comprehension of each other's message meaning". Also, Reeves and Nass (1996, 5) have convincingly argued the following: People's interactions with computers, television and new media are fundamentally social and natural, just like interaction in real life. In addition, Reeves and Nass's research further reinforces the notion that computers can make a significant contribution to SAL process because the students themselves feel that they are interacting with the computer in a real social manner. Therefore, blog provides students multilingual communities so that students can form their communities through blog in or out of the school practicing their language skills.