What I know that I didn't know then.

I have just completed and published for the first a WebQuest. I have previously lacked in technology skills as advanced as developing a WebQuest page. Consequently, I was very apprehensive about being able to complete this project. I did not really understand what I was supposed to do, which help create much anxiety throughout this endeavor. That is until the sky opened up one day and much like having been struck by a bolt of lightning, I was suddenly able to see the big picture and the light at the end of the tunnel.

          The strategy I used to help me develop my WebQuest was to first acquire and read instructions I found in the Internet on how to build a WebQuest—such as what was supposed to go under each section, etc. Then, QuestGarden software was recommended by a friend who is well versed in this type of technology. Next, I asked an experienced classmate to allow me to see her product. She was gracious enough to give me the link to her WebQuest. Although her WebQuest was on a subject totally different from mine, I was able to observe her design pattern and see where she placed the different information, etc. All these things combined allowed me to fill in all the wording—section by section of my WebQuest. I was only lacking in the knowledge as to the process by which I could embed the rubrics, graphic organizers and videos I planned to include in my WebQuest. Finally, I was fortunate enough to receive one-on-one instruction from another teacher—not in my school—who took time from her busy schedule to show me exactly how to embed rubrics, graphic organizers and videos into my WebQuest in order to finalize and publish it.

          I learned by means of this WebQuest assignment, that technology is very intimidating when you don’t know the “how to” portion, but that once you get to play with it and receive guidance from kind souls who show you their work and take you by the hand and walk you though the process, everything about it suddenly becomes clear and much less intimidating.

          I was also exited to have learned how to create a WebQuest, since I truly believe that this will be an exiting and beneficial assignment for my Spanish I student during this coming school year 2011-2012. Good luck to my student and me in the future implementation of my newly developed WebQuest! It’s really not that difficult using the QuestGarden software. I believe that my students will really enjoy it, as will I.

Universal Design

Universal Design is a method of designing a space that will be functional for all, and the creation of products that may be used by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or circumstances.

Following are some examples of Universal Design, and under each example, I’ve listed how it compares to my school building design.

·         Smooth, ground level, entrances without stairs

o   Only at the front door entrance. Side and rear door entrances have a step up/down.

·         Surfaces that are stable, firm and with slip resistance

o   Exterior surfaces surrounding the main building are concrete, thus firm, stable and slip resistant. However, surfaces surrounding the trailer classrooms are gravel and can easily cause a person on foot to stumble. Only one of the seven trailers has a concrete ramp leading to its entrance.

·         Wide interior doors, hallways, and alcoves with 60” x 60” turning space at doors

o   This holds true for my school’s interior.

·         Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs

o   This holds true to my school’s interior.

·         Components that do not require tight grasping pinching or twisting of the wrist

o   The side exterior door—next to teachers’ parking and used by most teachers upon their arrival is very difficult to open with only one hand. It requires two hands and twisting of the wrist. This makes entering the building especially difficult when teachers are carrying books, briefcases and other items into the building in the mornings.

·         Light switches with large plat panels rather than small toggle switches

o   All light switches throughout my school are very high up on the wall. In addition, the switches on several classrooms are almost hidden—I’ve personally have had to vigorously look for the light switch of one of the classrooms in this particular area of the school.

·         Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting

o   My personal opinion of the lighting in my school is that it is inadequate, at least in the classrooms I’ve seen. However, the lighting in the commons seems to be adequate.

·         Ramp access

o   There is only one in my school and it seems to be adequate.

·         Closed captioning on television networks

o   I don’t believe we have closed captioning television in my school.

·         Signs with light on dark visual contrast

o   None in my school.

Emerging Technologies--BrainPOP

BRAINPOP

·         Just the Facts

o   Founded in 1999, BrainPOP creates animated, curriculum-based content that engages students, supports educators, and bolsters achievement. Their award-winning online educational resources include BrainPOP Jr. (K-3), BrainPOP, BrainPOP Español, and BrainPOP Educators. Within their resource, you find movies, quizzes, experiments, timelines, activity pages, and much more covering hundred of topics within Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Technology, Arts, Music, and Health. All content is aligned to and searchable by state standards.

o   Their teacher community is over 125,000 members and they feature free lesson plans, video tutorials, graphic organizers, best practices, and much more. BrainPOP Educators is a new, free resource that supports teachers with shared tips, tools, and resources for teachers. Access to BrainPOP Educators is entirely free. Register for BrainPOP Educators at www.brainpop.com/educators.

o   Teachers can sign up for a free trial. However, it’s very likely that once you’ve tried it, you will want to subscribe.

o   Subscription cost varies depending on whether the subscription is for a classroom, an entire school, or a district. Subscription cost, however, for one-year subscription for classroom access  used by a teacher and students in s single classroom on up to three computers, projectors, or interactive whiteboard is as follows:

§  Classroom BrainPOP, $195

§  Classroom BrainPOP Jr., $125

§  Classroom BrainPOP Español, $150

§  Classroom Combo (All three products above), $265

§  Classroom BrainPOP ESL, $115

§  Classroom Combo plus BrainPOP ESL, $380           

·         In the Classroom

o   BrainPOP is ideal for both group and one-on-one settings. BrainPOP may be used in numerous ways, from introducing a new lesson or topic to illustrating complex subject matter to reviewing before a test. Content is aligned to academic standards and is easily searchable with their online Standards Tool.

·         Help, I’m Stuck

o   BrainPOP is suited for 21^st-century learning. All products are fully compatible with interactive whiteboards, learner response systems, projectors, Macs, and PCs. No downloading, installation, or special hardware is required.

o   To ensure that you’re able to receive assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible, BrainPOP has a “Help” page where you can select a help topic and receive answers immediately. If you don’t receive an immediate answer to your question, you can click on the contact us link, explain your problem or ask your question. They promise to respond shortly.

o   BrainPOP provides teachers with training via Webinars, Video Tutorials, Ideas for Integration, Professional Development, and Conferences.

·         Check it out

o   Here are the links to BRAINPOP and BRAINPOP Educator

§  https://brainpop.com

§  http://www.brainpop.com/educators/home/

Pre-Plan

The questions posed to my Spanish I 8th grade students is: What are the cultural similarities and differences (compare and contrast) among eight Hispanic Countries—must include Spain—according to information contained in each country’s online newspaper? How do these countries’ newspaper articles, weather reports, movies, and ads compare to samples from our home culture?

     The objective of this WebQuest assignment os for my students to research online newspapers from eight Hispanic countries (including Spain) and compare and contrast cultural similarities and differences among the eight countries of their choice. Students also must examine the newspaper articles, weather reports, movies, and ads and compare them to samples from their own home culture. A website link will be provided for them on WebQuest from which they can obtain the various links needed to research the eight Hispanic Newspapers of their choice.  (http://www.uni.edu/becker/Spanish3.html#newspapers).

HTML

The week we learned about html I was amazed to see how much actually goes into the behind the scenes programming of a web page. Personally, I don't think that I want to go that route. It all seems too complicated for me--not having an ounce of technology gene in my body. So, I'd rather build my web page using a technology that's more user friends, such as Web Page Building for Dummies.

Exámen ACCESS

Notificación para Padres

Su estudiante será examinado este año para determinar su progreso en el

aprendizaje del inglés. El examen es un mandato del Gobierno Federal e

incluye a todos los estudiantes identificados como Aprendices del Idioma Inglés (English Language Learner - ELL), independientemente que estén o no

recibiendo servicios.

EL examen se conoce como ACCESS - Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State. Los estudiantes serán evaluados entre el 24 de enero y el 4 de marzo de 2011.

Los estudiantes serán evaluados en lectura, escritura, comprensión auditiva y en conversación. El examen completo toma aproximadamente 2½ horas y será

administrado durante varios días.

Los resultados del examen nos ayudarán para preparar un mejor plan de

instrucción para su hijo/a. Usted será informado de los resultados. Por favor

indíquele a su hijo(a) la importancia de la prueba y de llevar a cabo su mejor

desempeño.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llameme a mí o al administrador

de ESOL de nuestra escuela. Para más información acerca de la prueba

puede visitar esta página de Internet http://www.wida.us/.

ACCESS Testing Window

Information all ESOL students and their parents should know:

ACCESS test will only be administered duing the test window of January 24th - March 4th. All English Language Learners who are enrolled during the test window MUST be administered the ACCESS. Participation on the ACCESS is an AYP accountability measure for the district.

Parent Notification
Your student will be tested this year to determine progress in learning English.
The testing is mandated by the federal government and includes all students who are identified as English Language Learners (ELLs), whether they are receiving services or not. The test is called ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension & Communication in English State to State).

Students will be tested between January 24 and March 4, 2011. Students will be tested in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The entire test takes approximately 21/2 hours and will be administered on several different days.
 

Results from the test will assist us in planning instruction for your child. After

we receive the results, you will be notified. If you have any questions, please call me or the ESOL administrator at our school. More information regarding the ACCESS test can be found at www.wida.us.