BLOG POST #1

After taking this class, I hope to feel more competent and knowledgeable regarding the resources available to ESL students and how to use the information effectively.  I also want to feel less frustrated when navigating through the endless amount of information available.  

Similar to most Americans my age, I have a basic understanding of technology through google searches, word processing, spreadsheets, personal communication, etc.  I felt as though my skills were fairly general until I worked with adult ESL students.  In addition to teaching English classes, I volunteered in the weekly computer class.  Through this experience, I realized that they often lacked technological education in their native country, which meant that their computer skills were low to none.  Because I am so accustomed to the internet, I never stopped to realize how fascinating and amazing technology can be for someone who is, for example, watching a youtube video of their native country for the first time.  I would like to share that experience with everyone, no matter their age or education level, because technology is awesome! 

I'm not exactly sure what I would like to do for my technology integration project, but I am thinking about something to teach basic computer skills to older individuals or researching and implementing resources to use with adult ESL students.

This past winter was my first semester teaching adult ESL.  During that time, I didn't use the computer lab often because, due to the limited computer knowledge of the majority of my class, I found it frustrating to get them logged in and guide them through the activities.  I would like to learn better techniques to teach my students basic computer skills and I would also like to find several resources, hopefully free, which guide them through the assignments and programs slowly and reliably.