Types of Students/Tipos de Alumnos

I found this today on Youtube, and had to share because I can relate to the different kinds of students in the video.  If you are an educator that speaks Spanish, get ready laugh.  I would not consider it school appropriate because of a few vulgarities.  Make sure to have your headphones on, or that you are not around others that understand Spanish.

Student Presentations using ScreenCastify from Chrome Store

Tired of learners not speaking or participating fully during group presentations.  Try ScreenCastify!

ScreenCastify for Chrome
So I'm too lazy to create a video explaining what ScreenCastify is.  The name says it all.  Here is a 1 minute video from youtube that you can watch if you need to.  It's an extension on the Chrome store that creates a basic screencast.  Just try it, and you'll see how easy it is to use.  Students needed no more instruction than me telling them to get the extension from the Chrome Store.

Student Presentations
Group students, and have them collaborate on their presentations.  When they are done with the research stage, have them create a presentation.  (Prezi, Powerpoint, Google Slides, etc..)  I had my students use Google Slides to create their presentations.  Always remind students that images speak louder than words.  I'm a big believer that too much text on your slides takes away from the presentation.  When it comes time for presentation day, have all learners create a screen cast individually, and upload them to a discussion board.  Require students to watch at least 5 presentations, and leave comments/feedback.

Discussion Board/Student Feedback

A World Language Teacher's Dream (Taking Authentic Text to the Next level)

SpeakIt! for Language Learners

As a language teacher, I'm always trying to make learning as authentic and real as possible.  What if every student was given their own personal tutor to read the target language text out loud?  Students would be able to hear authentic language at the press of a button, and improve pronunciation effortlessly.

Now you can.  There is an extension in Chrome called SpeakIt.  SpeakIt allows you to copy text from any site, and converts text to speech.  I know what you are thinking, "It's too fast for me to understand."  You are right!  In order for a language learner to really benefit from Authentic speech, it must be comprehensible.  This is where SpeakIt ROCKS!!!  If you go into the option settings, not only are you able to change the language, but the speaking rate can be adjusted.  This allows you to take any authentic text, and listen to it while you read along at a comfortable pace.  The ability to slow down the rate of speaking makes SpeakIt a language learner's dream.  I love this app!!!

SpeakIt! Extension for the Chrome Browser

We need more Marias in the world.

#SOSVenezuela and #PrayForVenezuela

I know the world is a crazy place right now, but Venezuela also needs HELP!!! WE BUY OIL FROM THESE PEOPLE!!! If you don't care about the people, at least care about the oil they sell us. Things are changing fast. #prayforvenezuela twitter, Venezuela SOS in Facebook. Please watch and care about the Venezuelan people.

English Version:

If you are close to the DFW, come join the protest and help us bring attention to the Venezuela crisis. We are asking for English speakers to also attend and get involved. If you feel up to it, wear white to signify a peaceful protest.

https://www.facebook.com/events/713303375388496/