lunes, 28 de septiembre de 2009

LITERACY PROCESS ESSAY

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION.- Electronic sources have been part of our lives for many years now. They have been used with the purpose of simplifying our lives.

I. THE BEGINNING
a. How I started using electronic tools.
b. Use of internet, e-mails, chat-rooms, blogs, etc.

II. MY EXPERIENCES WITH ELECTRONIC TOOLS NOWADAYS
a. Influence of electronic tools in L2
b. Strengths and weaknesses

III. THE FUTURE
a. Educational or professional research using electronic tools.

CONCLUSION.- Electronic tools have been useful through our educational formation in order to make our living simpler

ELECTRONIC TOOLS IN OUR DAILY LIFE

Electronic sources have been part of our lives for many years now. They have been used with the purpose of simplifying our lives. But, is it possible for all of us to know how to use the technology that is invading every aspect of our lives nowadays? For many reasons, knowing about the use of electronic sources is important. Since we are studying a major, many technological factors have influenced our learning. Let us check some aspects about my experience in this topic.

At secondary school, the use of e-mail was not even important. However, in high school the use of technology increased suddenly, not for assignments but to make friends through chat rooms, to know about famous people and to watch videos in “youtube”. The formal use of technology (I mean, with the purpose of a benefit) started when I entered the university. Assignments were more focused on practice through the use of web pages designed to practice English language skills and the use of word processors (word and excel) in order to write essays, investigations and other similar homework assignments. Moreover, the use of e-mail, facebook, hi5, myspace allowed us to make comments in our friends’ profiles and to know people around the world. Moreover, we can use internet in order to create a better culture in our lives.

In my major, the B.A. in ELT (English Language Teching), the use of technology has become essential in our learning. For instance, the use of web pages where we can find TOEFL exercises to practice to get a good grade in the fifth semester. Blogs and the moodle platform are like a support for us to send assignments and to download documents that are necessary for our development, etc. However, not everybody has enough knowledge to use technology which makes its use difficult. For instance, my weaknesses are to download important web pages which might be useful and the use of important words to investigate throughout search engines that make its use more stressful and tedious. But it could be really helpful in the near future.

As I said before, the use of technology in the major is increasing more through time. As a tool for teachers, it might be useful in the research for writing the thesis at the end of the eight semesters. Throughout this time, students are asked to practice by themselves which develops self-learning culture to increase students’ knowledge. It is important to emphasize that as technology is renewing every minute, teachers must update in the use of to be able to provide students with a better knowledge of this helpful tool. Internet is full of instruments which will facilitate the elaboration of assignments that are designed for students’ improvement.

As a conclusion, electronic tools are used for all kind of assignments and investigations. These have helped people to make their lives easier by saving time and finding all the topics needed in the progress of every worker and student. However, it is necessary to know how to use them correctly and not to get frustrated in the process. As time goes by, the use of technology is increasing, so it is important to adapt classes and our way of living to these sources.

lunes, 7 de septiembre de 2009

INTRODUCTORY ESSAY


INTRODUCTORY ESSAY


OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

HOOK.- Are you sure you know everything about me?

THESIS STATEMENT.- Maybe I do not have an interesting life but you can discover some things you did not know about my life.

I. PERSONAL INFORMATION
a. Name, origin
b. Occupation, job
c. Personality, likes, dislikes

II. NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE
a. Negative (with a positive learning)

III. POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
a. Positive

IV. GOALS
a. Short-term (in 5 years)
b. Long-term (in 10 years)

CONCLUSION
As you could see, there are things you have just discovered about me and the life I am just having.


INTRODUCTORY ESSAY


SOME THINGS ABOUT ME
Are you sure you know everything about me? You have seen I am a serious person and a quiet girl. Maybe, you think I do not have an interesting life, but you can discover some things you did not know about me. This essay is done for you not to live cheated thinking that I am one of the biggest nerds you know. I want you to know me deeply in order for you to have a different idea about me.

My name is Martha Susana, but as you know I like people to call me Susana or Susy if you really feel like we are friends. I was born in Aguascalientes on December 29th, 1988, so if you want to know my age I am 20 years old now. I study a major in English Language Teaching in the UAA, I chose this major because someday I want to be an English teacher of secondary school or higher levels. I work giving particular classes to four children who are siblings and they were born at the same time, but I do not know how to say “cuatrillizos”. I consider myself like an honest and reserved person, but I am also the opposite in the correct time with the correct people, I am serious in my school classes and fun outside the classroom. I like music, tv, stay at home and hang out, but mostly I like what I do. I do not like people who think they are perfect and laugh at other people.

I have gone through all kinds of experiences, but I remember mostly one about traveling without my parents to Cancun and other places to the south of the country. I was invited by my aunt to travel with her and I thought everything was going to be fun because my parents were not with me and I was already 18, so I could do everything I wanted. Unfortunately, my awful aunt did not let me go with the teenagers who were traveling with us to dance or have a nice time. Then, when we were in the ocean she was just taking my hand because she said she was afraid of water so I did not enjoy the beach. The learning I had was that it does not matter if I travel with my parents, they know me and they know that I do not dare to do forbidden stuff so they would let me go wherever I want as it happens in the family vacation.

Besides, one of the most positive experiences was when I entered the university, it was my dream since I was in secondary school but I knew I could get in because I always make a great effort in my studies that is why I always try to get good grades: to have more opportunities in life.

In five years, I see myself working in the area I want to work. I wish I could work in a place with a nice environment and that provides me the security I need to start my plan for life in the following years. I will keep saving money to afford my own car and then cover other needs such as a house. Moreover, I want to hang out with the real friends I met at the university, and I also want to do my Master’s Degree in England in order to get more experience in teaching and the English language. In ten years, I want to have a family (maybe 1 or 2 children in that time), live in my own house and have a job that I deserve because of my dedication for the years I have studied. I also want to get a scholarship for a Ph.D.

As you could see, I have done interesting things that you did not know such as my awful trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Now, you know what I like and what I do not. Furthermore, you have discovered my future plans about my family and my ideal job. You know why I try to do my best effort in school although people call me “ñoña” a lot like if it were offensive. Everything has a reason in life, and that is my reason to get good grades. I just can invite you to be my mate in these following years to overpass the obstacles that are in front of us and beat them to reach our dreams.