Each week, my service learning experience gets more and more exciting! This week, my students have been working on how to navigate the internet, but more particularly, how to use sites like google and bing in order to use other sites and gain valuable information. You guys should have seen the glow on their faces! It’s like they were introduced to a new world! It was amazing. Many of them had never heard of google or bing. (Of course, I assumed that everyone at least knew about the sites.) Taking it slowly, I showed them that sites like google and bing will open up new horizons. I explained to them that using these sites was like going to the grocery store, going to the produce section, and having the opportunity to choose your favorite tomato (out of 100 of them). Thank God it made sense to them because when I explained it to my friends, they seemed confused. Haha.
Another thing that we focused on was using online maps—i.e.: google maps and mapquest. When I explained what these sites do, again, they were so excited. Apparently some were still using the maps you buy in stores. This, of course, makes it easier on them as they can go from A directly to B (by using search engines and what not). One student mentioned that she would use this for her weekend trip. I was thrilled.
I’m not sure if I told you guys what site we use to learn the material. We are using a program called LearnerWeb (www.neworleans.learnerweb.org). You won’t be able to look at it without signing in, but if this might be something that interests you, let me know and I will give you my log in information so that you can play with it!
Again, each week gets more interesting. This week, by seeing the excitement in my students’ faces, the fact that I am making a true difference in someone’s life was reconfirmed yet again.
Until next time,
J.C.
Peace.
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