Yodio - OTEN Conference 2010

The OTEN conference had its highs and lows. Some things felt repetitive but I did learn a few very useful tools that teachers can use to make the class more engaging for the students.

• Key-note speaker (Tim Lauer): 
• Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Educational Technology in your Classroomand the Real World
• Workshop #1 (Jerry Johnson):
• Visual Learning win Concept Maps
• Workshop #2 (Anita Z. Boudreau):
• Customizing Personal Learning Environments for Non-Formal Learning, Professional Development, & Educational Practice

Blogging and Teaching

This is my first experience with blogging and I have to say; "I'm enjoying it." And I can't help but think of different ways to incorporate it once I'm teaching.

1. It can be a way for me to communicate their assignments. Sometimes students don't get all the details of an assignment when it's announced. Or they have questions about it later at home.

2. Parents can be involved. Parents can read about what's happening in the classroom.

3. Freedom of expression. Students can think about their answers before posting it, allowing them to totally express themselves in a safe way. They can make sure that what they're writing is what they want to convey.

There are, most likely, many other ways that I can use this technology. And as I keep digging more into it and into teaching I'll learn them.

K

What I'm all about!

Beaches, traveling, culture, languages, people and food is what my life is all about. I was born and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. A culture full of great music, dancing and food. A culture full of hugs and kisses. In Puerto Rico Spanish is the main language and English is taught K-12 but a big part of the population doesn't apply it to their lives. In my case my parents made learning English a big deal even before I went to Kindergarten and I'm very grateful because I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for them.  

I studied Modern Language in the university of Puerto Rico and my goal was to become a translator and travel the world. I didn't become a translator but I am glad to say that I got to travel. My second year of college I took part of Semester at Sea through the University of Pittsburgh. It was four months of sailing and studying. We went to eight countries and learned all about their cultures. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world. It gave me a broader view of the world and in a way it molded me into the "adult" that I am today.

I was going to become a translator but after working on a project I realized that it wasn't for me. I loved the flexibility of the job but not the loneliness. I've always been an extrovert. I love interacting with people. So I tried a part-time job with a private language institute and discovered a hidden talent: the successful transfer of knowledge. The best part of it is that I loved it! So here I am finally pursuing what I've wanted for the past couple of years.

I want to become a Spanish High School or Middle School teacher. I want to inspire and encourage students to be themselves and achieve what they want in life.

So here I go. Wish me luck!

K