Monday, June 26, 2017

Going native?

     Given that my first exposure to computers came as an undergrad at Mount Holyoke College (which I tried desperately to avoid, hoping this computer 'trend' would pass), I am hardly a digital native.  I came late to the digital world, making the switch to a computerized newsroom as a producer in 1990 when I started a new job in Albany, New York.  It was a big learning curve and one I had to master very quickly or my newscasts wouldn't make air!  I missed the trusty old typewriters for quite a while before I began to see the advantages of working on computers. 



 I also remember my first experience sending emails in a Providence newsroom in the early 90s.  I kept answering emailed questions orally before a colleague told me I was kind of missing the point and could just privately email my answers!  Embarrassing.
https://thenextweb.com/insider/2011/10/08/the-first-email-was-sent-40-years-ago-this-month/#.tnw_IFDEvXgZ
I wish I could say I embraced computer technology but I think I was a bit afraid of it, worried about being slow or incompetent.  I learned enough to do my job well but didn't explore technological possibilities beyond that.  As we would say in the field of ESL, I was a perfectionist learner with a high affective filter. Thus, I was the reluctant immigrant resisting integration as I acquired enough of the new 'language' to survive but did not immerse myself in order to become fluent.

http://www.fluentu.com/blog/educator-english/affective-filter/






     Because today I am an ESL teacher of adults, I see many similarities to the mature language learners who come to my classrooms.  Some are so eager to dive in, while others become anxious and fear embarrassment.  Many believe that adults simply can't learn a new lingo with the ease and speed of a child.  I coach them, as I would coach my younger self, to put aside their fears and have fun with this new tool, trusting that they already have the skills they need  to unlock its potential.  Importantly, I believe their most valuable resource is their home language.
http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/home-language-english-language-learners-most-valuable-resource

     Currently, I use digital technology whenever possible in my classrooms.  It breaks up the monotony of worksheets and lectures in a vibrant way and because of my background, I am drawn to video, visual imagery, and story.  Unfortunately, some community classrooms are extremely low tech and poorly funded.  In those classrooms, I bring my own laptop to inject images, video, music, and language learning apps like Duolingo throughout the lessons.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duolingo
     It's important (but not always easy!) when teaching adults to find videos and other materials that are appropriate to their maturity, funds of knowledge, and practical needs.  Authentic instruction, such as preparing for a job interview in the United States, can be frontloaded with any number of online videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5oC06Kz1X8

     Although many of my students are also digital immigrants, they are often younger and therefore more technically savvy than I.  Thankfully, they are usually quick to extend a hand when I stumble around the digital universe.  I am hopeful that my natural propensities, my media background, and this class will help me reduce my heavy "accent" as I navigate this new terrain.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Narrative/Final Project

     This is the story of my professional website http://www.maryksteele.com .   Wait!   Before you fall asleep, let me assure you that i...