July 3rd

We started the class analyzing the reading “The Use of Technology in English Language Teaching and Learning.” The most important aspect about this reading is that it recognizes that using technology might be a great tool to improve students learning process and performance, but it also states that technology has to be used wisely. In other words, if not used properly, technology does not work for educational purposes. This preset was the basis to carry out the rest of the class. Since the objective of the lesson was to work with Internet, we were constantly motivated to think in the veracity of the information we use from the web.  Sometimes professionals use technology just to catch students’ attention and they forget to teach. The use of technology must be justify and help students to reach high order skills very necessary to subsist in real life.

Then, we chose a target content to work with. Stephany, Odette and I chose to plan an activity for 11 graders: types of food and table manners. We searched on the web for activities to put into practice the 4 English skills. It was not that easy. Nonetheless, we could find some nice activities to reinforce listening and speaking skills among students. Then, each group presented its activities. The purpose of this activity was to apply technology in the right way, always keeping in mind that there are both advantages and disadvantages related to it.  Our classmates gave us feedback in order to improve and start working on our third project presentation which will based on website’s resources.
We understood that when working with Internet it is mandatory to verify the website’s security, veracity, and also to check whether the info has been updated or not. In this way, teachers can feel confident and transmit knowledge of quality. At the end of the class, we realized that almost each topic can be worked on using technology; everything depends on the professor’s ability to apply tech in the right way.