On Learning in New Media Environments

Going through Dr. Wesch’s virtual tour of New Guinea reminded me of my best friend’s Mexican hometown (more like home-ranch because it’s a deserted area where poverty-stricken homes are far away from each other). Something that really stood out to me while watching this video is that I don’t think I’ve experienced the feeling of culture shock, at least nothing uncomfortable. If I’m in Mexico I speak Spanish, if I’m at school I speak English, and if I’m with my friends I speak Spanglish. I’m like a chameleon in my community, I don’t fit anywhere yet I blend in everywhere. I’d really love to feel that feeling of complete culture shock, it must be exciting. As a student I feel a bit cheated of my education. I can count numerous classes that have sent the wrong message: that learning is acquiring information and that I must face the teacher to keep from interacting with my peers. When in reality, my instructors should have been creating, “caring, daring, and collaborative learners.” Take this class for example, I haven’t been bored once. Every class felt more like hanging out with my friends than attending class, and I’ve learned more here than in any class at USD or SDSU for that matter. After watching this video I understand why my Professor wanted us to cultivate our own learning and connect with one another. He didn’t want to limit our learning. As an educator and as a leader, I will always remember his consideration towards us and find a way to show the same respect and courtesy to my future students.

A more formal approach to my observations at Paul Ecke Central Elementary School

Last time I wrote about my observations at PECES, I didn’t address the topic questions I was instructed to address. Very briefly, I’d like an opportunity to answer them now: 1).The main form of technology that we witnessed at PECES was the use of iPads. And yes the use of iPads most definitely promoted student learning. First graders were learning how to take care of the iPad, what the iPen was used for, and how to handle such devices responsibly. Third graders were engaged in independent reading and profiles. Fourth graders were creating presentations and movies to their classmates. Sixth graders were participating in class polls to answer math problems. Everything that I witnessed was extremely sophisticated as far as the promotion of learning and sharing goes. 2). I was particularly impressed with a cute little boy whose class we visited last, and I’d really like to kick myself for not remembering his name right now but he was soooo smart. His class was the first in the school to be in a dual language classroom where they study math and history in Spanish while studying Mandarin every Friday. His classroom uses the iPad regularly to complete assignments and assessments. He was so eloquent and confident as he shared that he was of great help to his family when he went to Mexico during the summer and helped his parents and the taxi driver understand each other.3). I already mentioned this, but what I saw the most of in relation to this class is how much the education system has changed since I was a child. Now, students are regarded and respected as the experts of their own learning (at least at PECES) I couldn’t help but notice various topics that were discussed in “The Essence of Connected Learning,” and how much in control these kids were of their own education. They really are professionals/experts of change.

Kindness can go a long way

As the last day of school before Christmas break is nearing, the students in Mrs. Santana’s English class are hurriedly turning in work so that the whole class can watch the film “2012.” For two weeks now, there have been murmurs and whispers about how the world is going to end on December 21 (the last day of school) because the Mayans predicted it so. They’ve been begging Mrs. Santana to watch the film, and she has agreed to allow them to watch it just as long as they all turn in their essays. As a Special Education Assistant, my job is to make sure Mrs. Santana is complying with the modifications stated in each student’s IEP and that the students in turn are succeeding in their general education courses. I am also completing my practicum hours with Mrs. Santana so that I can gain a credential as an English teacher. This just means that I have to work twice as hard in Mrs. Santana’s class, and I’ve tried very hard to be the best teacher and paraprofessional as I can be. And I thought everything I did in class went by unnoticed until I read Liliana Hernandez’ paper. Liliana is an IEP student who has mild retardation and who needs extra attention. She has opened up to me and confessed that she lives in a shelter with her mom and nine-year-old brother. Despite the various difficulties she encounters in life, she is extremely energetic and bright. She does, however; find it difficult to focus and to organize her thoughts into a written paper. The class was instructed to write an essay describing three characteristics that a true leader needs to have, to introduce a person who they believe has those qualities, and to support their claims with examples. I was touched when I read that Liliana argued that she believes I am a true leader because I am responsible, respectful, and hardworking. She values those characteristics in leaders because they are trustworthy traits. I was very grateful for the fact that she notices how much I help with both special ed. Students and the rest of the class, and how I give students help even when they don’t ask for it. She thinks that means I’m responsible. She said I am a kind teacher who is always smiling and being nice to students and other teachers and that she is very happy when she sees me (I just about cried at this point). She also wrote about how I’m hardworking because I do two jobs in the class, and because I help her even when I’m supposed to be eating during my lunch break and don’t send her away. I was touched when she finished her essay by saying that she is grateful for a leader like me. Liliana’s paper is filled with grammatical and spelling errors, but I don’t care. To me it was the most beautiful paper I’ve ever read because she allowed me to see myself through her eyes. And as I read her paper I was so proud of myself and didn’t seem to mind the stress of finals, because all this work is worth it if it means having the pleasure of working with all the Lilianas out there J She really made me like myself, and that’s supposed to be my job, not hers J  

The day America’s Heart Broke

It was already an incredibly difficult day at San Diego High School. I kept looking over at the clock hoping the workday would soon be over. When lunch finally came around, I took out my phone, read a few words and instantly put my phone down. The only way I could keep my head up was by supporting it with my hands. I couldn’t believe this horrible blow. There were tears in my eyes. The teacher I was working with put on the news immediately and we were both horrified by what we heard. While we were having an unpleasant morning at SDHS, a 20 year old man forced himself into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 kids and 6 adults. Much to America’s horror the six and seven year-olds that died that day had multiple gunshots in their bodies. About a couple of days after the shootings, I read a very touching story about a special needs child, six year-old Dylan Hockley whose body was found wrapped in the arms of the body of his teacher’s aide. This broke my heart. This teacher’s aide died trying to protect her student while doing the same line of work I was doing at the time. I couldn’t help but wonder what if this crazed man would have chosen my school that day? What would I have done if it were my classroom he entered? This is scary not only as a teacher, but as a person that wants to have a family someday and still believes that schools are like second homes to our kids. Although I’m not a parent yet, I am an aunt who is very involved in the lives of her nephews. Their little faces were the first thing that I thought of when I heard the devastating news. And I cried in fear for our kids’ future, for the poor little souls who were robbed from their parents, and for the little angels who survived and will forever remember this day, poor kids to have had their innocence stripped away from them. It’s just such a terrible travesty. I don’t want to think about it anymore and yet the headlines keep haunting me, all I can do is write because it is the only thing I can take control of. My thoughts and prayers to the families and hopefully this tragedy put an end to these awful copy-cat school shootings that are occurring in our society.

On Visitors and Residents: Better late than never :)

Obviously, I was definitely a visitor at the beginning of this course, a visitor that couldn’t wait to go back home. But now after finishing the course, and finally have watched the video, I can honestly say that I have found a new home. Maybe  my skills online are not as sophisticated as I’d like them to be, but at least not I’m not afraid to explore the many possibilities and I’m not afraid to connect with people worldwide. After participating in this class, I can now see the difference from when I started this course and now. According to Dr. White, a visitor is individually private and logs in and out without leaving a trace, whereas a resident is socially visible and leaves his presence behind somehow even when he is logged off. This is perhaps my favorite part of this video because it best describes my growth. When I first started this course I would use the internet for whatever purpose and then leave, or as Dr. White would put it, I would rummage a toolbox, use it for whatever purpose, and then put the tool back. Whereas now, I am definitely connecting with various people and learning and teaching others at the same time, it definitely has that walk in the park feel. I am aware that the more I learn, the more I know that there is still so much to know and that doesn’t scare me anymore. I am looking forward to whatever growth I demonstrate for deciding to reside in the virtual realm. On my internet, continuum, I am at the point where I’ve come to understand that it is not a question of “academic or technical skills but about culture and motivation.”

On my first Ed Chat

First off I just want to show off how incredible our chat was tonight. I was a bit disappointed at first because I was actually waiting for #LangChat and I hadn’t realized that they are on a two week break for the Holidays. Imagine my surprise when I logged onto to twitter and saw that they were not going to connect. I just about flipped out because I thought I may not turn in this assignment on time. Then I went on Google and found the following website:  http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-top-50-education-twitter-chats-and-how-to-use-them/, the top 50 education twitter chats (and how to use them). This amazing website not only posted the various Ed chats, but also gave a bit of background information on each and what time they met each week. Honestly I chose #isedchat because it was the only one that met on Thursdays at 9pm EST,an hour away from #LangChat, which gave me plenty of time to follow and drag it onto my tweetdeck next to interactions. Thanks Maureen for this tip! It also gave me time to chat with Dr. Joan McGettigan who was leading the chat. I came clean and said it was my first Ed chat and had no idea how to get started, she informed me about tonight’s topic and how to prepare for it in the few minutes I had left. She also gently reminded me not to forget using #isedchat after each comment. The topic for tonight was, “favorite tool for 2012,” which reminded me a lot about the activity we did on Wallwisher.com where we listed our favorite tools and apps. I heard very familiar apps like Evernote and Diigo. However, the majority of the tools mentioned were new: Socrative, Understoodit.com, Sproutsocial, Flipboard for IOS, Getpacket.com, and various iPad apps like Book Creator and Explain Everything. I was so proud of myself because I said that my favorite tool was Pinterest and a girl responded wanting to know how to use it. I copied a tutorial link from You Tube and she favored it saying she’d look into it after the chat. I can’t believe that I ACTUALLY TAUGHT SOMEONE SOMETHING!! It was at that moment that I saw how far I’ve come in just four months. I was a little nervous that I may be ignored because of the lack of knowledge I thought I offered the chat, but it was completely the opposite. The group of people I chatted with was happy that I was trying to expand my PLN and I wasn’t the only novice in the chat either so all embarrassment flew out the window. Everyone was so inviting and even offered me links to read over that may help me in the next chat. Various chatters congratulated me on my efforts and I even left the room with new followers, which of course made me happy. I loved the energy in the virtual room and it actually felt a lot like the Google conference we had as a class only I couldn’t see them or hear them. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do it again. I captured some of our conversations on Storify.com:

http://storify.com/nlorena1984/what-is-your-favorite-2012-tool

On the death of La Diva Jenni Rivera

On December 9, 2012 at approximately three in the morning, a legend died.Daughter of Mexican immigrants, Jenni Rivera was born in Long Beach California. Despite her extremely difficult life, she was the personification of strength. It is difficult to succeed in an environment in which you are constantly told that you don’t fit it. Often at times, it feels as if Mexican Americans aren’t Mexican enough to fit the Hispanic culture or American enough to fit the description either. For years we’re told that our language whether English or Spanish is not good enough. I really feel that this woman possessed both cultures with much pride. Who else can sing that oldie but goodie, “Angel baby” and turn it into a regional Banda song? She said what she felt and did what she pleased, all while maintaining her dignity. She was a devout Christian who worked hard for her kids. And despite the failed marriages, domestic violence, and extreme poverty this woman really came out on top. She sold over 15 million albums worldwide and won over millions of hearts when by inviting her fans to her house through her reality TV show, “I love Jenni.” It is difficult for a heart to get over a death like Jenni’s. On the night of December 8, just hours before her death, she performed a sold-out show in Monterrey, Mexico. She and her crew hopped on a private plane bound towards Mexico City where she was to appear at “La Voz,” Mexico’s version of “The Voice.” Unfortunately, the plane crashed and all who were aboard died (gulp) chunks of her flesh and bones were collected for DNA which proved that it really was our beloved Diva. I am particularly impressed of how much of a role technology played in my relationship with her. I never met her, but through You Tube, Television, and podcasts, I grew to love her existence and I’m very sorry to hear she’s gone. She left behind 5 heart-broken kids, two grandchildren, and millions of fans who adore her, including me. L In 2005 she wrote a song about how she would like to be remembered upon her death, this is the translation:

"I was a strong 'guerrillera'
who fought for her children;
remember that in life
your mother did not crack
with her head held high
say goodbye to her with honor"