6/01/2012

dream on


This week has been very busy for all, maybe is one of the most demanding  ones in the course , not to mention all the stress for the drafts, and the related issues, however all is walking as expected. This morning I attend my first webinar ever, I was expecting to see all my partners’ faces, but unfortunately it didn’t happen, but the experience was amazing!  I just can hear Maria, and chat with Georgia; perhaps in the future we can conference with the entire group. Interesting tools I think, sadly they’re not suitable for me, right now my school’s computer lab is not properly equipped to work with this tools, and I am afraid it is not going to be equipped soon, however it is good to know that such tools are available.  And even in the remote case that I could use this platforms my students are not prepared for this, it demands a proper compromise, a certain level of maturity, some basic internet and computer abilities that my students require,  they are indeed digital natives, but also digital homeless. Digital homeless because they have no computers at home and the time in my class is not enough, too much students, too few computers.
I like very much his weeks pages about the exercises and the online aids to do exercises, sometimes in the books there are not enough exercises, and here I found excellent options to help me with this, Hot potatoes my favorite, however I can’t stop thinking on ANVILL,  what a toy!, I mean a tool, but far I see the implementation here in my school , meanwhile all I can do is dream on a better computer lab, and work with the resources I got now. As a friend of mine says: “dreaming on a better future but working hard in the present”

10 comments:

  1. Dear Poncho,

    I loved your term 'digital homeless'. It is the sad reality in many public schools throughout the world. Can you think of options to help your school? In Colombia, the Ministry of Education has a program in which companies donate their used computers that are later sent to different schools to teach children some technology skills. Is there such a program in your country? can you start one? You could also do a fundraiser to collect money to buy at least one or two computers for your class. That would be the greatest gift for your kids.

    I am sure you could come up with more ideas. Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra thanks for your encouraging words and suggestions, we are working on some possible solutions for this problem, by "we" I mean some teachers of my school and a few good friends of mine,however we have some computers but they are not enough, but thanks again for your suggestions, greetings to Colombia! MMM the coffe, is one of my favorites!

      Delete
  2. Hi, Poncho!

    You would very soon miss the stress, I'm pretty sure :).

    Unfortunately, lack of due equipment can hamper progress. I am sorry to hear about the problems you face in your school, and maybe you should consider Sandra's advise. Maybe it can be a way out. You never know...

    To keep up your optimism I would like to end with:

    Hold fast to dreams
    For if dreams die
    Life is a broken-winged bird
    That cannot fly.
    Hold fast to dreams
    For when dreams go
    Life is a barren field
    Frozen with snow.
    Langston Hughes

    Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicks my partner, I am in doubt with you, the poem is simply beautiful, I'll us ethis space to thank you again for the patience you showed checking my draft.

      and I agree, one never knows.... thanks my serious academic friend!

      Delete
  3. Hi Poncho!
    I really liked your "haircut" on the camera! (hehe!). I guess ANVILL got the majority of our votes for the "most favourite tool". I've created an account and I will try to create a course. I hope it is teacher-friendly, although some practice will definitely be needed. I sympathize with you and your "pessimism" in your ability to use these wonderful tools in your class since there is lack of equipment. I have the same feeling... However, as Latins used to say: "Dum spiro, spero"! Don't give up! Try to attend courses and webinars and learn as much as you can. Knowledge has never hurt anyone, ignorance has (this is mine-hehe!!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geogia, I'm sorry i am always looking the fun side of the things, I think it is easier to deal with the daily issues of life! thanks for your words.
      whenever you may come to Mexico you're welcome.
      "Mi casa es tu casa"
      poncho

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello, fellow countryman and city dweller!
    Thank you for commenting on my blog. We may soon have the opportunity to meet eachother at the next MEXTESOL Academic Saturday that will take place at my university on June 16. See you there!

    Your post makes me reflect on the hard fact that Mexico is a country of contrasts, especially in Education. Your professional activity is in the Public school education system and at the secondary level. You have to face the challenges of the large classroom environment, the lack of technological resources and technological skills for both students and, perhaps, teachers alike. I, on the other hand, work in a private university. We are very lucky to have a computer center and six computer classrooms. Our language classes have no more than 18 students and all of our classrooms are equipped with multimedia. We both, however, have at least one great thing in common and it is that we are bothing working very hard towards educating younger generations for a greater Mexico in all aspects of life.

    Your friend,
    Maria Luisa

    ReplyDelete
  6. Life can sometimes be unfair. Here we have teachers working at schools with enough equipment, but not willing to use the computers neither to develop their web skills. And then we have you and your students eager to use technology for improving language skills, but you can't do much when lacking the equipment. I wish you and your students better technological resources.

    Marija

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maria.
      life is a.. beach. but we have to face it as it comes, my grandpa used to tell me somthing like this:
      "If from the heaven falls lemons, then learn to do lemonade"
      or others that for keep the forms, I CAN'T post here.
      thanks for your wishes.
      Maria Mexico is beautiful, you're more than welcome to visit us, "Mi casa es tu casa"

      Delete