Don't use tech because it is there!

The name of the post on which I commented is Better 'the Five Ws' than 'Because it's there' in the blog named Blog-efl. I am interested in it because it raises a very important issue of using technology in one's classroom. I think it is good for us learners to think about questions like when do we need to use technology in teaching, why do we need to use it, will it be beneficial for us to use it. That's what the author talks about. There are people who use tech in their class only because it is there. Instead, the author argued that teachers need to make it clear when they present ideas for using technology rather than falling into the trap of 'because it is there'.

Also the author provides two ways to help teachers make it clear why they need technology. One is Sue's check-list and the other is five Ws.  

Sue's list. 

Teachers can also justify their using of technology by asking questions including: "1. Why use the technology? 2. Who is the technology best for? 3. What is the technology best used for? 4. Where should it be used? 5. When should the technology be used? 6. How should the technology be used?" (blog-efl)

I think these questions are helpful for teachers to examine their motivation to use technology in their teaching. Using these questions can ensure that teachers won't use technology for technology's sake and make the teaching more beneficial for students. 

Internet Safety

Though it would be wonderful that educators can apply internet in their teaching, there still exits a big problem in this new way-- safety. The vast sources of internet exists some harmful information for kids. In addition, it is easy for students especially kids and teenagers to abuse the convenience of internet to communicate with the unknown outside world. So safety should be a big concern for educators. It is important for us to discuss how to keep our students safe while they are studying through web. Here are some tips for students to keep safe on web.

1. NEVER give our your personal informations like address, phone number. Keep your identity private online.
2. NEVER answer the email from strangers and DO NOT meet people you met from web in person.
3. Don't use your full name on line.
4. Always let your parents know what you are doing on web.
5. Find a safe online password and don't give it to anyone else.
6. Don't type your password in computer you don't control.
7. DO remember log off, like emails, blogs, facebook, etc.
8. Mind your own manners online. Please always be respectful.
9. If something uncomfortable or bad happen online, please make sure to talk with some adults like your parents, your teachers, etc.

For more information please consult
1. http://www.diigo.com/bookmark/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.commonsensemedia.org%2Finternet-safety?tab=people&uname=anciana
2. http://www.diigo.com/bookmark/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.commonsensemedia.org%2Finternet-safety?tab=people&uname=anciana

Three ways to use blog in ESL classroom

Technology is changing people's way of life and education is not an exception. The younger generation is under a different experience of receiving information from their teachers, which makes this time a big challenging for educators. In order to narrow the big gap with students, teachers need to consider using technologies in their teaching so as to make the education adaptable and beneficial to their students in this age. To be an ESL teacher, we also need to think about using website tools in our language teaching. I personally view that the new technology will activate students passion and motivation for language learning and providing a innovative way of learning English to language learners. However, language educator needs to think about the details of using technology in classroom, like: Would this new way of learning beneficial?
How can L2 teachers use blog in their teaching?Would this new way of teaching appropriate? Here are my suggestions of three ways to use blog in ESL classroom.


No. 1-- By using blogs teachers can create an online learning community for student.
Actually this new cyberspace provide teachers a chance to create a new language learning opportunities to language learners outside classrooms. The traditional way of teaching make the communication outside classroom impossible for learners and teachers. However, blog provides a new platform for them to communicate opinion, discuss questions and share their learning experience. This is a good for way language learners to learn another language. 


This would support the Standard 1.1 of national standard for foreign language education.Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. 


No.2-- Teachers can put authentic language articles on their blog communities for students to read.
It will be a good way for teachers provide good articles on their blogs. Students might be more interested in reading materials and articles in this way than in reading articles in the traditional ways, with which students are more familiar and comfortable with. In addition, other forms of materials can be posted in the blog, which can enhance students understanding in language from other perspectives. Another strong point is that students can discuss and share their understanding of the readings on their blogs not only with their peers but also teachers too. 


This would support the standard 3: English for critical analysis and evaluation develops students' abilities to read, write, listen and speak in English to analyze and evaluate complex texts and issues.


No.3--Constantly blog writing can enhance students' writing ability in language.
Teachers can assign students a daily writing practice of keeping blogs. In this way, on one hand this can help students form a habit of writing and on the other hand with this writing habit, students can benefit a lot from it concerning their writing ability in their L2. The most important thing is that student might not view this task tedious and boring, for the viewing of their blogs from outside like their classmate, their friends, family members and even strangers other than only their teacher will motivate and encourage students in writing. 


This would support the standard 3: English for critical analysis and evaluation develops students' abilities to read, write, listen and speak in English to analyze and evaluate complex texts and issues.