viernes, 25 de abril de 2014

my favorite piece of technology

It’s hard to imagine our daily lives without technology. We know that our grandparents used to live without computers, cell phones, washing machines, GPS, etc, and they lived perfectly well. However, nowadays we spend a lot of time using our cell phones, computers and almost no one washes by hand so it is hard to say what my favorite piece of technology is because I use all of them. When it was time to make my choice I asked myself “what did I feel when I bought it?” and now I have an answer: My favorite is my Kindle!
 I bought it a year ago and I was very happy when it got home in a small package. I like it because I can buy almost any book in a few seconds, it is very light so I can carry hundreds of books in my bag and I don’t get sore eyes.  I wasn’t very sure at the beginning if having an e-reader was a good idea because I like the romantic idea of keeping my books on a bookshelf and touch them but I like to read novels in English and they are very expensive here in Chile.

Actually, I can live my life without my Kindle but books would be more expensive or I couldn’t get as many as I do now.(224)

Write about your favourite piece of technology

Say:


What it is.

When you got it.
How you use it.
How often you use it.
Why you like it.
What life would be like without it.



- 130 words minimum.

- Include a picture. 
- Comment on at least 3 of your classmates’ blogs.

viernes, 11 de abril de 2014

How to make comments

How to make comments
 
-Read the text completely
-Point out the strengths of the text (content, organisation, expression, interest, accuracy)
-Be respectful
-Do not just say wow! or fantastic! Say why you think it is fantastic or wonderful.
  
Sample comments:
I like your biography because it is interesting and easy to follow.
I particularly liked the way you describe your hobbies... 
You give a very good definition of...

Expectations for a new semester (academically and in general)

This semester I have a lot of work. I’m teaching 6 courses and I’m working at two different universities.  Teaching English in Chile is a complex task for different reasons and I think that the hardest part is when students have to communicate. Maybe this is because Chilean people are shy.  Most students don’t have problems when they need to read or write in English but as soon as they have to talk things are different; they get nervous, they are embarrassed, etc.  I think that a good teacher has to be able to motivate her students and create a nice atmosphere in the classroom so they can feel they’re in a safe zone.

I think that when you like and when you are concerned about your job or your studies you devote great part of your time on improving your studying or teaching methodology.  My expectations for this semester are to do my job the best I can, spend time with my family and friends and don’t be a workaholic because relaxing time is very important. (177 words)

What are your expectations for this semester? What subjects are you doing this term? Are you taking any extracurricular activity? Are you enjoying this new academic period?


This time you have to write 110 words (minimum) and make comments on three of your classmates posts