The activities I found the most useful and interesting were treasure hunts and podcasting. They seemed to offer the most opportunities for student participation. I had never used them before in my classes, and they open up doors for learning in new, fun ways, especially outside the classroom. Blogging was simply not very interesting to me because it’s a skill which I had already developed. The video was interesting as well, but I fear it may be too difficult to start using right away, and I may have to explore more possibilities. The least useful/interesting activity for me was the wiki. I looked at several examples of how they are being used, and I simply couldn’t think of a use for a wiki that would not work more efficiently with a blog or with a class webpage. However, I am glad to have learned about them in case a need for one arises in the future. I didn’t really face any difficulties. The directions of the activities were very straightforward. I liked working with other people in the course because I could look at their ideas to help get my own ideas flowing, and I was even able to learn from their errors. At this point I see myself filled with a wealth of useful knowledge about how to put technology to use in learning. However, I have not yet implemented these strategies with my classes because of technological limitations. I will certainly be working more ICT into next year’s curriculum.
Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
I chose this poem because I like that although most of the words are invented, you can still get the gist of an epic battle. Instead of being confined by the meanings of the words, you can imagine the story as you wish.
Jabberwocky
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Christmas Traditions Treasure Hunt
The first (and therefore most popular) definition of "Christmas" in the Urban Dictionary is, "The celebration of the birth of commercialism... Oh yea, and Jesus," but historically (and to most of us today) the holiday has meant much more, sharing both religious and secular origins.
Questions:
1. What are the names and professions of the two New Yorkers largely responsible for the commercialized image of Santa Claus?
2. What are the names the men or Gods who contributed to the modern concept of Santa?
3. Why was December 25 chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ?
4. In which year what Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer written?
5. What is the origin of the Christmas tree?
6. Why is holly used to decorate?
7. What is the origin of hanging mistletoe?
8. Why are Christmas lights important to the season?
9. Why do Americans hang stockings?
10. Why are gifts given during Christmas?
Resources:
http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/videos#history-of-christmas
http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_52.shtml
http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays/christmas.htm
The Big Question:
After answering the above questions, write a paragraph in which you argue for or against the commercial aspect of Christmas. Does commercialism take away from or corrupt the holiday spirit via manipulation, or does it simply capitalize on desires that the public already have? In your written response, defend the use or disuse of at least one holiday tradition, and prepare to discuss your opinions in class.
Evaluation:
You will be evaluated according to your answers to the questions above and according to how well you support your opinion in your paragraph, as well as your use of correct spelling and grammar.
My alter ego
My alter ego is Bilbo Baggins. In preparation for Peter Jackson's release of the movie in December 2012, I am re-reading the book, which I enjoyed as a child. As an adult I continue to appreciate Tolkien's use of archetypes. Somehow in his fantastic world that is so different from ours, his characters manage to mirror the human experience. Bilbo does just that for me. He doesn't want to leave the comfort of Bag End, but with a little nudge from Gandalf, he goes outside of his comfort zone, and in the end he proves himself to be a real hero. Just like in the real world, if you want to have any rewarding experience, you have to be willing to take risks, and you never know what you are capable of until you are tested.
Me as a teacher
Although the metaphor might be a stretch, my teaching philosophy is to get the students so interested in the material that I become barely a part of the exercise. In that way, they stay engaged and are able to use English more freely. Technology has had a small role in my teaching so far. I use the occasional powerpoint and online videos for listening exercises. Aside from those, I'm not sure what's out there, but I'm open to the possibilities of incorporating more technology use into my classes.
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