Good Technology

The word technology sometimes leads to confusion.

Actually many people think of computers or really funky machines when they come across it. The idea that a pen represented technology in the past or many other simple services created to satisfy people, does not really spring to mind at first.

To think of my favorite piece of technology is rather simple. I have two, though.
I think the first one if my mobile phone. That is for a very simple reason. I like the idea of integration. For me to have a camera, the music I like and a diary with the numbers of poeple I want to ring, is really good I can't believe I used to memorize so many numbers! My brain must be deteriorating big time nowadays. The best part of it is the organizer. This is the only way I get to pay bills on time, send "boletas" on certain dates, etc. I love it. I got it in 2007 and use it all the time.
The second item I'd like to mention is the external disc drive. I think when you have lost all your info because your PC died or because you got it stolen or whatever reason, it can be really tragic. That is why I learnt we need to save info on a safe place that "ideally" will not collapse or disappear. I have complete books, whole albums of good music, and lots of documents that have taken me hours to download or write myself and don't want to lose. I don't remember when I got this but long ago. Could I live without them? Hell yeah! I would have to get used to it, that's all.

Describe your favourite piece of Technology.
Say:

- How you got it
- How long you have used it
- How often you use it
- Why you like it

Describe how life would be without it (220 words minimum)1 comment on your teacher's blog and 3 Comments on your classmates'.

Today's post

Today we have our second themed post. Since I have only received one suggestion. This is mine.

In my area of study, I think you need a number of skills; The first one is probably being studius and systematic in your reading on second language acquisition, methodology, assessment among others. I think the good rapport you have with students is a very important aspect to consider for learning to take place. If your students feel comfortable, they are more likely to learn.
I think this is an inborn quality that comes with your personality. I believe in respect to everyone around me (who deserves it). Regarding being studious, I think it is a habit that anyone can develop.
I think my university gave me the main tools and the degree, but probably the best courses I've done have been intensive and by foreign institutions. Edperience also teaches you loads.
I think what most teachers are missing nowadays is extra time for professional developmentand, in Chile, a decent salary. This has to do with motivation, which is essential for good education.
With regards to what courses miss in general, I dare to say the problem is not so much the course, as the reasons why people study pedagogy, which range form having a low PSU score to liking something theoretical more than actually being in the classroom.
Regarding the future, I believe there are good things ahead. I have had all sorts of teaching jobs. I think maybe I need to devote some hours to working with children for a change. They are a completely different story in the classroom.
Looking forward to hearing what you've got to say.


What are the main skills needed in your area of study?

Which of these skills are inborn and which are learnt?

Do you feel this university is providing you with what you need for the future?

What is the course missing? if anyhing.

Do you feel prepared for what the future awaits(workwise)?

Reflect on these questions and write a minimum of 220 words, plus 3 comments in one of your classmates blogsand 1 on mine. Remember to post today. Tomorrow you get 1 point. Add a picture if you like.
Regards,
Beatriz

a place

I'd like to tell you about a wonderful place I visited in 2008. Actually, I think it is one of the most amzing places I have seen in the past few years, and it is just around the corner. I went there with my husband and my sister- in-law. I had to drive for around 9 hours to get there (neither of them felt like driving), but it was well worth it. The place is called Malalcahuello, but I think all the surroundings are quite impressive. This holiday was kind of nuts, but really nice. It was kind of crazy to travel with my sister-in-law for so many days. We camped, we stayed in hostels, we ate lovely food, we swam in lakes, we had fights, we met nice people and saw amazing deers, rabbits, foxes and birds.


This particular picture was taken on the way from Malacahuello to Corralco (a great national park) and it shows one of the many half- dead trees in the area. I believe the ninth region is really gorgeous. I am a big fan of green in the whole sense of the word. I was born in the south and maybe this is what makes me love this colour so much.


Write about a place in Chile that you enjoyed visiting. Upload a picture.
Say:


When you went there


Who you went with


What you did there


Why you like this place


(200-220 words)



Then write at least one comment on your teacher's blogs and three comments on your classmates' blogs

Two possibilities

Hello Guys:
Today you get the chance to choose between two different posts.

Post 1
Write about a career-related website that you enjoy visiting.

You should:

- provide a link
- describe the website (sections, features,etc)
- say how often you visit the site
- explain why you like the site.

>Add comments to at least 3 of your classmates’ blogs
>Word Count: 190 - 200


Post 2
Who is a person/expert on your field that you admire?

Say:

-Who she/he is.(very short biography)
-What she/he has done. (examples of their work, images if you like)
-What makes him/her special.
-Include his/her image

> About 190 -200 words please
>Add comments to at least 3 of your classmates’ blogs