How I could use it?!

Episode 3: Organizing an Argument 2

In this third episode, Nick and Dave continue their discussion of the basic structure of an argument. They discuss how to distinguish between reasons (premises) and conclusions. They talk about premise indicators (like “because”) and conclusion indicators (like “so,” “therefore,” and “thus”). They also talk about conclusion-first and conclusion-last arguments. Click here to listen.

This podcast helps students to find reasons and main points. By doing this practice, first, students will be able to recognize support and concusion through looking at several words like because, so, therefore, and so on. Second, studetns will be able to use the words in reading and writing. Finally, students will be able to use the words in structures and have discussion or debate.

I would let studetns to listen to the Episode, then would give students sentence practice as Nick and David give. After the practice, I would give students articles or texts then give provide them assignment to find premises and conclusion. Then, students will practice conclusion-first arguments and conclusion-last arguments with writing their own sentences. Finally, I would give them a topic to have debate which they could have outcome for the practice. I would adjust levels of exercise or practice depend on students' proficiency and give the enough practice before the final stage of the practice.

The Safe Social Learning Network - ePaLs

The ePaLs is the world's safe and largest K12 social learning network. It is a learner centered activity; it is very corroborative by having learning partners from all over the world. It has rich curriculum which learners can stretch their innate talent. With ePaLs, learners can be self-directed and self-paced so that it is totally supportive not only for learners but also for teachers in actual classroom.

Since ePaLs has abundant sources and curriculums, it can be very useful for both teachers and students. I would create a contest using ePaLs like getting into a contest with having diverse group members and complete the tasks for students’ dynamic interactive learning. Also, I would take an advantage sharing curriculums with other teachers by using teachers’ website.

Description of Digital Storytelling

Photo by Savagecorp- Korean Traditional Food

Digital storytelling is a short video-narrative to tell stories using voice, clips, music, video, images, and so on. According to the 7things You  Should Know About, "Among the initiative’s stated goals are, for faculty, to facilitate various learning styles and connect to students’ interest
in technology, and, for students, to develop their ability to appropriately evaluate and use online content and electronic tools as a means of personal expression."  Teachers could gain various methods in teaching and at the same time, teachers can stimulate students' interest in technology. In addition, Center for Digital Storytelling says that "At the core of our work is a commitment to narrative, an enduring respect for the power of individual voices and a deep set of values and principles that recognize how sharing and bearing witness to stories can lead to learning, action, and positive change. Students could experience how great their opinion can b and self-learned by listening to their voice through this computer-based tool while doing storytelling. On the top of that, The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling described that digital stories can vary in length, but most of the stories used in education typically last between two and ten minutes. The topics that are used in Digital Storytelling range from personal tales to the recounting of historical events, from exploring life in one's own community to the search for life in other corners of the universe, and literally, everything in between. Storytelling can expose students to a variety of topics with different aspects so that it raises students' creativity through various of contents.  

Power of Microblogs

How Twitter in the Classroom is Boosting Student Engagement

1.  Enabling discussion outside of class: University of Texas emerging media professor David Parry also talked Twitter with Mashable, lauding the ubiquitous microblog as an excellent way for his students to continue class discussions after they’ve already ended. And they frequently do!



As the article says, microblogs like twitter can help students' participation in or out of the classroom. First, in a big classroom with 100or 150 students, there will be a limited chance to speak up while class is running; however, through these microblogs, students might feel free to give their opinions which gives benefits to both the teacher and students. Next, students may not have enough opportunities having discussions in class; students can use microblogs as a discussion board. On the top of that,  microblogs will be a helpful tool them to connect knowledge between in and out of the classroom. This also can double their acquisition in learning.

2.  Taking notes: Similar to the example about facilitating extracurricular discussion, Twitter also provides a quick way for students and teachers alike to take notes. Keeping everyone organized in a list makes it easier than ever to supplement (not replace) reviews for tests, quizzes and assignments.

For my teaching, I would use twitter as a guide not only enabling discussion outside of classroom but also boosting students' spontaneous study. They will need to make a community to share information like note-taking, mid or final exam tips, reveiw and preveiw, pop-quiz, asking and answering questions and so on. With easy instant chatting, students will feel free to share their needs.

To view the article, please click the red title.

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.