Professor Naty's Chronicles

 Saturday, August 10th, 2024 Technology as a complement in education, not as a replacement. The use of technology in the classroom is now inevitable. However, it cannot replace traditional learning altogether, or teachers, or the human connection. But tech should have certain limitations to avoid different drawbacks associated with the overuse of digital devices in schools.  Some kids have recently started to get cognitive development issues because they no longer know how to think. It's the AI who does it for them. Some are having problems with reading and writing even - have you seen how on social media people now want quick information, so they avoid having to read a larger text, and instead they just go for a catchy hook or phrase? The same is happening in education. It's becoming boring for teenagers because of all the available platforms and apps out there that are fun and easy to use.  But we cannot let our students lose the essential abilities for everyday life - ...

Saturday, August the 3rd, 2024 We have talked about incredible apps for teaching but the one and only teaching tool that simply cannot be missing inside the classroom is the well-known game Kahoot! This is perhaps the most fun and easy-to-play game out there and basically the holy grail for educators.  Kahoot offers a unique blend of engagement and assessment that transforms traditional educational methods, making it an invaluable tool for modern classrooms. One of the standout advantages of Kahoot is its ability to create a gamified learning environment.  By integrating game elements such as points, leaderboards, and time limits, Kahoot turns routine quizzes and reviews into exciting, competitive experiences. This gamification not only boosts student engagement but also enhances motivation and participation, leading to better retention of information. Don't forget to check it out! kahoot.com

 Sunday, July 27th, 2024 Nowadays being a teacher is not only about giving instructions and using an old textbook where students ask questions and follow guides. With the rise of technological devices, teachers must know how to use these new tools for learning that will guarantee staying caught up. That is communication and information technologies (TIC) in education.  Learners can have personalized experiences in the classroom thanks to the use of digital platforms that they can use and access according to their specific needs. And us teachers might feel like we don't understand how all this works, that's why we must learn alongside the students and be up to date on every new advance.  As we have discussed throughout the weeks, technology can be our best ally. But first, we must learn how to use it to reach its full potential. We are teachers but first we have to be learners too, so getting the proper training is key. If this is not carried out well and teachers show res...

We can use two amazing educational apps to enhance all four skills when teaching English,  ESL Lounge Student  and  Storybird  -- follow the links to check the websites. Here is the link to a presentation containing detailed information + examples of both websites. POWERPOINT PRESENTATION - ONE DRIVE Apps Educativas - Natalia B.pptx

 Saturday, July 6th, 2024 So far we have explored the benefits and uses of different educational apps that are a teacher's best friend. Still, there is an underrated platform teachers can use that is highly easy to use: Microsoft Forms. It offers a range of benefits for teachers, enhancing teaching efficiency and student engagement. This versatile tool allows educators to quickly create quizzes, surveys, and polls, facilitating easy assessment and feedback collection.  Teachers can use it to measure student understanding, gather opinions, and even create interactive learning activities. The app's real-time analytics help educators identify areas where students may need additional support, enabling more targeted instruction. Additionally, its integration with other Microsoft 365 tools ensures seamless workflow management, making organizing and analyzing data easier.  It also has numerous perks for students -- since it offers immediate feedback, it helps students to quickly...

Saturday, June 29th, 2024 Canva is a great helper for teachers and students. You can create presentations and infographics in Canva that simplify your work. They make it easier to understand and retain information, encourage visual learning, boost interest and motivation, and enhance assessment and feedback. For students, infographics are valuable study tools that foster creativity and critical thinking, improve communication, and promote collaborative work.  Incorporating Canva into the educational process can significantly enrich the teaching and learning experience. Here's an example of an infographic and presentation that you can create using Canva.