Finally, a reason to celebrate. It's been a long time since I've been wanting to have my own blog. Actually, I opened an account two weeks ago for personal purposes and I still have no entries. I don't know why, I keep saying that's because I don't have the pictures I wanted to upload with the article but deep down I know that's not a strong reason. Usually, I truly hate being told to do any type of homework, I guess it takes me back to the time when my mom kept telling me to do stuff and I didn't want to do anything, but this time around, I quite liked the assignment.
Blogging for teaching English as a second language seems to be a wonderful starting point for those of us who are getting acquainted with it and need to grab and make use of all the tools that the web2.0 offers. Yesterday in our online class I mentioned that I was mainly scared of participating in these kinds of supporting networks just because I'm afraid I won't get the help I need or I won't find a community where I can fit in, not only because of my size, but for the proper ways to act and access these ESL teachers who are more experienced than me. Now, I have just seen it, my peers in class can help me out and I can help them back (if I'm capable of), so there's nothing to be afraid of.
I must admit that I love reading blogs, ever since I read Anna Frank's Diaries for the first time, I fell in love with getting to know people by their written lives and these pieces of writing have more meaning to me than litterature sometimes for they are real and have somehow a beating heart and real movement. Blogging could be as entertaining with many more advantages. Posting on daily basis or with regularity any kind of information provides a new way of keeping students up-to-date with the contents and recieve comments at any time. I could post a little article or reflection of my class and then have my students comment on it and have the much needed feedback that I want. Shy students can participate more and this could give me the advantage not only to know what level they have attained in grammar but knowing as well how well they organize their ideas.
I've been asked to express my opinions on the bad side of blogging and sincerely, I can't see any. Unless my students' comments state that I smell or that they hate me as a teacher which could really bring me mood down, but it wouldn't be the end of the world for maybe those are truthful statements. Let's think of the brighter future in ESL enlightened and lit by computer screens.
Hi Medussa,
ResponderEliminarIt is so cool to see your blog up and running! Congratulations on doing it. I read your entry and understand what you said. Blogging can be as fun as you want it to be, and the reason(s) you have to do it can range from something very personal to professional reasons. And indeed, we sometimes feel lost or alone when trying new stuff, online or otherwise; rest assure, there is always a way out and most of the times our willingness and determination to do things will suffice us.
I am happy for your first post, and I truly look forward to many more. If you keep using it, you will find out whether it suits your needs. Remember that there are many useful tools out there, but it does not mean we need to know how to use them all. What is important is to find a set of tools with which you feel comfortable and develop your PLN.
Keep it up!
Hello Rafaela or shall I call you Medussa,
ResponderEliminarI like your blog, is that picture from Izamal City? It looks familiar to me. Any way, congratulations for your blog.
Daniel
Hey Daniel,
ResponderEliminarThank you so much for the compliment on my blog. Call me as you want to, Rafa, Rafaela or Medussa. I took that picture at Hunucmá, the day they bring the virgin from Tétiz, showered her in flowers and walk her through the whole town. See you tomorrow @ the online class.
Rafaela:
ResponderEliminarI like all your blog background, it makes me feel "welcome". The picture is beautiful! Congratulations!!!
Reading your post was very interesting! I think your comments reflect that you are enjoying this project...
I had never thought about the disadvantage you considered, hope it never happen to any of us, but if it does :(, we still can use this student's comments to change what is needed :)
See you tomorrow!