Dgabino's POT Blog

This week’s topic was a bit complicated for me. I always had trouble understanding all the laws and responsibilities that follow the copyright laws. It can be very complex when it comes to ownership, many material changes ownership several times and trying to figure who does it belongs can  be complicated. I really founded helpful while reading chapter 8 the use of copyright web services to answers these types of questions. copyright clearance center. 

For my education purposes my only concern will be the use of motion media. I do not have to deal with plagiarism because my students do not write any essays, projects etc. Foreign language it is a bit different in that regards. However, I use many videos from youtube, images from google and my own photographs as multimedia purposes. It is scary to think that I might of broken some laws by adding visual as a purposes for understanding a second language. I think the most important thing to do is to get educated and have knowledge of how to use technology in our classroom without braking any laws.

Here is my mindmapp using lucidchart.

I think online activities are crucial to an online environment.We want those students who are new to the environment transition to an online course without feeling overwhelmed and confuse. I think that the first we need to do is create as chapter 7 described icebreaking activities to start team-building. I am not sure if I will make my students upload pictures of themselves (privacy issues) but I will definitely advice them to create an avatar that best describes them.

In my experience, and many of my colleagues have mentioned, when I have created group projects, there is always one that does not work out. I have tried what its mentioned in our books, group roles, size, duration, supervision etc. There is always that student that cannot work with others. Yet, I try to make sure this does not let me stop from other to have the opportunity to collaborate with classmates.

The most interesting topic that I want to explore is online debate. I think that for a Spanish class will be somewhat interested. I will probably only do it with an advance class not a beginner class.

After reading chapter six and the various links this weeks, I have a better understanding of what building a classroom should look like. I like what Lisa said on seven things I’d want to know as a new online teacher. I think one of the most if not the most important thing to do is to study the online teaching disciplines. That is various tools out there, yet we have to make sure that they are only used as a tool and not replace our teaching. I really liked Pilar’s idea of creating study groups based on availability. It will give the students collaboration practice.

Because of the material that I have to cover it will be best for me to divide and organize the material into units for the students to feel free to work according to time. I also feel that is best that the discussion for the week matches the unit we are studying, it will give the student extra practice to show me that they are comprehending the lesson well.

Lastly I been navigating and exploring sound cloud, and it looks like something I can really use on my Spanish class, so I hope I am able to create something for my students when I start developing an online course. I will also really will like to focus on uploading videos and audios for my students to practice the language. I think that seen themselves and listening to their progress will be a great motivator.

Chapter five describes de effective way of creating an online syllabus and the importance on adding first day speeches to help the student not feel disoriented. I like the idea of Pilar to add an introduction to the course via audio, it gives the student an idea of what is expected and if they are making the transition to an online course they will not feel lost. I also have to say what thing I found interesting was the color organization when organizing the front page, making red color for due dates etc. It will give the student easy access to where they need to be and do.

The book states that instead of organizing by weeks it should be by units. However, when teaching an 8-week course I will find it easier for students to find due dates and activities weekly. Here is my video. I do not have videos of my own but found this one online on the importance of syllabus.

I have not taught a class online but reading chapter three gave me a view of what an online course should look like. More than just copying syllabus as our book states it’s modifying our material to shape our online course. I teach a foreign language so it’s important that I provide my students with tools of speech, voice and body language. Mary Jane Clerkin mentions the use of tools such as Wimba Voice boards to allow the student to practice speech, which is very important in a foreign language class. I will however, will like to develop a video response discussion board.

While talking to a colleague, he gave me an idea to use schoology as a tool for discussion boards and class blog. I was able to view his class and I have to say it is very similar to blackboard, but I will have to search and navigate the site more before making any decisions.

Looking at the class tours I was able to get an idea on how online classes should look like. I can say all had something I really liked. Looking at Pilar’s class tour I really liked how she organized links on tours to help the student get their computer set up and the media that they will be using. I think that we forget that many students are taking an online course for the first time or need that extra help on the technology factor. I also like how Lisa had her class organized by weeks; it makes it easier for the student to navigate through the site.

My score on the beginner’s questionnaire was a ten, which means that I believe in a more student, centered method of teaching. I teach what Ko and Rossen call a blended course (hybrid) and have no problem with trying to create a more interactive environment from home. However, I find that a few of my students have a bit of difficulty with virtual classrooms. They are use to the traditional setting and expect more of a lecturer.

When it comes to assignments I believe that small groups (no more than 3 or 4) work better than large groups. I feel that small groups give each student an opportunity to become active participants.

One of the challenges that I find in my hybrid class is the amount of collaborative activities that should be implemented and are not. Because we do meet once a week I can only assigned a certain number of activities. I find that most of the activities are to complete certain assignments on the website of the book assigned by the department. I would like to use more sites where I can add audio and have audio base discussions. I have used voice thread, which I love but there’s only a limited used for a free subscription. If anyone else knows of a great website for audio discussion let me know please.

Hello all,

My name is Diajaira Agpalza. I am a Spanish instructor at MiraCosta and Palomar College in the area of Oceanside and San Marcos California. I received my BA and MA from San Diego State University and was lucky to teach right after graduation. I love Spanish for many reasons but mostly because it allows students to travelled and learn about different cultures.

I am excited about this course and I am looking forward learning more ways to use technology as a tool in our classroom. I do not  have work much with WordPress but founded fairly easy to navigate and manage the settings. I am excited to learn how to add images, videos, media etc. and use it as a tool for teaching.  Lets have fun!

Welcome to my new blog. Hoping to learn and find new methods to online teaching.