Blog Post #2

For my curricular integration project I will be doing an internet scavenger hunt.  I will assume my adult ESL students are from the ESL II class (which is the 3rd level out of  4 because Literacy comes before ESL I) and we have already spent several class periods practicing basic computer and internet skills.


Here is my idea so far: 
-Work in pairs.  I will assign more technologically advanced students with students who struggle more.  I will also try to put my Spanish speakers with students from non-Spanish speaking countries so that they don't rely on their native language when communicating with their partner.  Together they have to: 
-Sign into their email, which they will use to send me their completed tasks.  
-Create a Word and Excel document following the example provided and attach the documents to the email.    
-Search for a YouTube video of their home country and post the link to the email.
-Search for a YouTube video lesson for ESL, explain what they learned in the email, and send me the link on the email.
-Send the completed email
-Sign into Skype, call me and leave me a voicemail in English.
-Finally, sign into facebook and write about this scavenger hunt on my wall.  "Did you like it? What was difficult?  What was easy?  What was fun?  Do you think you did well?


To complete the project, I'm most nervous about actually putting it together on the Webquest.  I feel like I have a good outline and idea where I'm going with it though.  That's always the most difficult part for me.


With this project, I hope to feel more capable when it comes to internet resources.  It's exciting to learn how to do the fancy educational technology!  Because I was only a long-term substitute last semester through Holland Public Schools, and we are switching over to combine with the area consortium based out of Sparta, I'm not sure if I will be teaching at the same place again.  I will, however, be taking my practicum this fall and I'm hoping to do it at Ferris State University in their intensive English program.  There, I want to be able to show of my new skills and create something special for the students.


I'm focusing this project on computer and internet skills because, do to the detachment and disconnect immigrants feel when living in a new country, I believe they will be grateful to have better, inexpensive ways to communicate with friends and family in their native countries.  Additionally, it's very important that they learn basic computer skills so that they can help their children with computer homework and also, hopefully, gain better employment in the changing 21st century job market.