Critical Thinking & CALL

Today I reviewed websites promoting the Critical Thinking skills building programs Rationale and Inspirations. My reaction in one word -- Borrrrring! Both programs have their uses, but I was bored almost to the point of profanity by both of these sites. The Rationale video is a huge snooze fest. And the thought of using either of these programs with students dulls my dreary brain. I much prefer to teach critical thinking skills with hands-on, interactive, face-to-face activities that challenge students to think creatively. I can imagine using sites like these if there is absolutely no other alternative or for limited use as tools in an otherwise dynamic classroom. I could imagine using these programs to help more advanced students construct complex arguments, etc. Both programs could be useful for teaching students how to organize their thoughts for writing essays, arguments and other scholarly papers. If they were used as part of a group project learning experience, they would be more interactive. However, kinesthetic learners of all ages will be crying on the inside. I was especially sad to see that the Inspirations program teaches math skills with computerized versions of manipulatives. Boo hoo. I do not think these products are necessary in the average classroom. I don't think the potential for improved learning is very high. Powerpoint has most of the same capabilities. I am definitely not sold.

Wiki Mania

I tried to create Wikis using Google Sites and Wikispaces. Both sites gave me problems for different reasons. It was easy to create a basic Wiki with a link to my blog on Google Sites with the instructions we were provided. It was also easy to create a basic Wiki on Wikispaces by following their instructions. I had problems with the themes in Google. I ended up with a mixture of two themes and can't figure out how to correct it to one theme. So what I have is an ugly amalgam. Wikispaces walked me through up to a point. But I don't like the looks of the page I created, and the options are very limited. Wikispaces gives me a better idea about how to use a Wiki for educational purposes, and I really like the dashboard. Google had more options for themes, but, as I said, they don't always work well. I tried to use History to revert to my first theme, but it didn't work. Overall, I think Wikispaces would work best because it has more help features than does Google Sites, and seems to be geared toward educational use. I don't feel confident in my ability to create a working wiki for educational purposes yet. I need to explore further, click through some of the sites Wikispaces recommends and try to understand how the links work, and how to layer a wiki so that it works logically and for a single purpose. Right now, I have a very basic understanding of how to create a wiki with links to outside web pages. But I don't know how to link to documents or files. However, it seems fairly easy to do these things on Wikispaces. I would probably stick with one of their basic themes. I might try using Google Sites for a private Wiki. Although I'm not sure how useful it would be for personal use. I want to create a blog to track my efforts to publish my poetry. I don't yet understand how why a Wiki would help with that. If I had been in class last Tuesday, I'm sure I would be less confused! I don't think it would take much time to create a functional educational Wiki in Wikispaces or to help students create their own Wikis on either site. Creating a functional and meaningful site would, however, require some real work!

Needs Analysis (This is not about my need for analysis - this time)

The assignment seems clearly laid out, so no questions are popping up at the moment. I plan to re-visit the ELS classroom I observed for 110P in September - Mr. Oleg Petrik's class at Mira Loma High School. Mr. Petrik was just getting settled into a routine with his students, and he was having to do a lot of classroom management. I look forward to observing the same teacher and classroom again so that I can compare notes and see how the class has evolved. Mr. Petrik is a very energetic and caring teacher who has a huge task. His class is mixed with students of varying abilities who speak at least four different languages. Mr. Petrik's management skills are excellent. I could not believe how much he accomplished in such a diverse and rowdy class. I am very interested to see what he is doing now and what his lessons are like now that his class has been together for over one semester. I contacted Mr. Petrik by e-mail today, and he has already agreed to allow me to observe his class in March. I still need to contact the school to arrange a visit to the computer lab. I plan to arrange the dates for both of these visits by the end of next week. I'm excited about this opportunity to observe this class for the second time. Besides, my children all attended Mira Loma, so it is fun for me to visit the campus and see how it has and has not changed over time.

Learning to Learn

I speak English. Period. My daughter-in-law and my granddaughter speak fluent Spanish and English. I would love to learn to speak Spanish too. But I am having a hard time learning a second language. According to my self-evaluation, I am a tough nut to crack because my learning style is: stubborn. I need all kinds of input from all directions. I’m trying, but it is slow going.

The following conditions play a big role in my language learning:
1. The opportunity to interact and negotiate meaning.
2. Interacting in the target language with an authentic audience.
3. Adequate time and feedback.
4. Working in an atmosphere with an ideal stress/anxiety level.

The use of technology could support these conditions in many ways. 1) I could meet with several people online in a video chat room to work on group projects without the hassle of finding an agreeable meeting place. This would also expand the hours available to a group of busy people who live far apart. 2) Since I am shy about trying my new language skills out on an authentic audience in person, having my first talks with someone online would reduce my stress. I wouldn’t have to worry about body language and could concentrate on my spoken language. 3) Using computer programs that I can access outside the classroom helps me review lessons in an interactive environment. I can take quizzes and get instant feedback. All of this increases the amount of time I will spend studying if the programs are rewarding to use.

Technology could have its drawbacks, however. Students like me who are shy to speak may rely too heavily on computer technology and use it as an excuse to avoid face-to-face interaction. Students have to work with people face-to-face to develop adequate language skills. For one thing, body language can be very important to understanding meaning. Technology could also become an instructor’s babysitting device. It would be easy for a busy teacher to rely too much on technology to teach students what would better be learned through personal interaction. Nothing can replace the learning opportunities that come out of the spontaneous situations that arise between people who are learning and working together.

I'm a Newbie

Hi! This is my first blog.