Unit 2 Prompt

The article of “I’ll see you on Facebook” was interesting, although that particular social networking applies to college students only. I have learned from school administrations that teachers of (k-12) are not allowed to have any of their students or their parents on their Facebook unless if they have them before he/she was hired in the district. Moreover, it is recommended if the teacher (k-12) does not have a public Facebook. I agreed with this empirical studies, although it was very limited on one gender and young age of instructor. Further research is needed. The outcome of this that social networking is highly important between the Instructor and his/her students and between the students amongst themselves. Facebook is believed to be one of the Web 2.0 tools because of the interactions between users.

I have taught Arabic grade level (k-12), ESL (k-5^th) and designed an Arabic Curriculum for grades (6^th-8^th). I substitute right now until the end of this academic year (hopefully).

I always wanted to create units and lessons that melded 21^st century goals to produce Technology Pedagogical Content knowledge (TPACK). The more I learn about technology the more I redefine my teaching and designing methodologies.

I have used many of the Web 2.0 tools, but after class IT6140 I learned that the same web tool can be used as a modification or a substitution, therefore it is important to make sure that you are using the Web 2.0 tool into its potential to transform the students’ level to help them make a difference.

Example of each (S, A, M, and R) from my current or future work situation:

Substitution    : like using the overhead or the smart board to read a lesson. I have recorded my lessons on screencasts to help enhance the comprehension, reading and listening skills.  The traditional way is to read off a book.

Augmentation: like using quizlet to answer questions; the good thing about it that it gives an immediate feedback, but the traditional way will be using paper and pen which takes a longer time to get the feedback.

Modification   : I have used the flipped classroom methodology to summarize a unit review (students are the centric of learning). The classroom time was for evaluation and feedback. The traditional way is to lecture the students (teacher is the centric of the learning process).   

Redefinition    :  I have used skype in my classroom to communicate with a native speakers of the target language. The students have interacted with the native speaker guest through exchanging information. This link is an example in the classroom when I was a student teacher.

  http://education.kera.org/north-texas-students-learn-arabic-in-morocco-virtually/

I am looking forward to trying (drop.io). It provides you with a full features drop box for storing your digital media,  and you can also upload your voice mail to the cell phone, record it, drop it the box and share it with your students, you can even share what the students recorded in the drop cast which will turn it into iTupe and they they can listen to it when ever they want and you may share it with parents as well .
I think this is just so great idea to Foreign language teachers. (phone.io) is the sister of (drop.io) except it focuses on the phone features.