As an instructor I find myself going back and forth from Instructivism to Constructivism to Connectivism. I love to teach, just like Jaime Escalante did. Sometimes I feel like a parent trying to show their children the correct way. I often get too passionate and involved. Sooner or later I do need to let go and have them try new things on their own. :'(
In my classes, group work is of upmost importance and we also experiment with new things in class and out. I strongly encourage students to take advantage of what the Hispanic cultures offers us here or close to us. I ask them to make connections: see la bufadora, taste a creamy chirimoyo, touch a bull by it horns :), make chorizo con huevos and smell a fresh cup of Colombian coffee outside of class.
However as we begin to move toward a more connected world, I am beginning to enable my students to connect with it and since we have the ability to do that more and more via Internet, students can benefit instantly. In my field making authentic connections is important. Now with new technology it has become easier to experience authentic moments. For example we can talk to someone in Argentina or Spain via Skype, learn about Rigoberta Menchú or go to Youtube and see how chicharrones are prepared.
