For a portion of my learning project, I will be using Duolingo. This is a free to use software application that is able to be downloaded on any form of technology (e.g., Apple, Android, Windows, and Mac). The purpose of this software application is for users to learn languages through a game-based platform. Some of the game-based activities provided on the app consist of: translating sentencing, correctly matching the image with the terminology, and more.

Although the above-mentioned software application is quite user-friendly, I would recommend using Duolingo on a wide screen device such as a computer or tablet, as opposed to a phone. From my experience, I find that doing any task whether it may be school work or for entertainment, using a wide screen device is beneficial as the screen is easier to visualize which gradually prevents me from making simple mistakes. A second tip I recommend implementing while using Duolingo, is to always turn the volume on. This is primarily due to the fact that if not all, but most, of the game-based activities require auditory learning. 

There are several ways an individual can implement the Duolingo software application in a variety of ways within the classroom. For example, if an individual plans to deliver and teach the subject, French, he/she is able to as French is an option to learn on Duolingo. Another way that Duolingo can be implemented within the classroom is through the projector. The teacher has the ability to present Duolingo lessons on the projector. This way, if the students receive individual laptops or work in pairs, the students are still learning collectively as a whole. These are some of the methods I would implement Duolingo within the classroom. 

In my first blog post, I mentioned that I plan to use Duolingo for this project. Last week, I only used Duolingo in order to get used to its advanced features. Because the previously mentioned software application is still new to me as I never tested myself speaking Spanish during the first week, I will implement Duolingo training within this post.  

As soon as I logged onto the software application, I scrolled down to the “start from scratch” tab. This is because I wanted to take the easiest training modules as I am new to learning Spanish. In my first training module, I was assigned a series of tasks including the following: select the correct image that aligns with the image’s correct Spanish terminology, translating sentence, and more. The first task of aligning the image is quite beneficial to me as I learn best through pictures, images, and videos. The second activity is useful as it revolves not only around understanding and applications, but more importantly, before translating the sentences, there is an audio button that I have the opportunity to hear Spanish more vividly. Through this, I am confident that I will be able to perfect the language as the audio feature enables me to make fewer mistakes during the pronunciation process of this learning journey. 

Prior to the upcoming lecture on Wednesday May 21st, I plan on using a new online platform, Quizlet. This digital tool enables users to produce flashcards in order to learn their course material. This software application can be downloaded on any device. What I strive to accomplish while implementing the digital tool, Quizlet, is to not only obtain the selected targeted skill for this learning project, but more importantly, to gradually and efficiently memorize the Spanish language.

Please see the unlisted YouTube video links (anyone with the link can view) Below.

Starting Spanish From Scratch on Duolingo: 

Spanish Translation Testing Activity:

The websites I use consist of: The Canadian Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, and the Government of Canada. I utilize these websites not only for research projects, assignments, and school work, but more importantly within my spare time, I enjoy learning about Canadian history and facts.  

As for my favorite software applications, I consider myself as an individual who loves social media. Therefore, I constantly binge watch videos on YouTube. The reason being is not only for entertainment, but more importantly, if I am having a rough day, I tend to use YouTube to aid in brightening up my spirit. As for messaging and communicating with friends, I use apps such as Instagram or Snapchat. 

I use several digital tools that help me manage my coursework and study schedule. With respect to daily studying, I keep a four to five hour alarm on. This is because I tend to put in a minimum of four to five hours for every individual course. Whether I am memorizing my flashcards, working on an assignment or project, this timer supports me in knowing when to stop and taking a break, as well as to transition into studying material for a different course. Because I also have other daily commitments including volunteering, working multiple part-time jobs, and being involved in student clubs, I create a schedule on google spreadsheet in the beginning of the semester in order to prioritize and manage my semester. I have been implementing these resources since my first semester of university, and I can most definitely say that it goes a long way in managing time. One of the most profound resources that enable me to stay productive outside of school, include both the MyFitCoach and the Health app. MyFitCoach is a software application that not only has filtered exercises, but users can also design their own exercise routines while working out at the gym. This is one of, if not, my most favorite feature of the software application. It is highly beneficial towards my workouts because I have the opportunity to organize each exercise for every day of the week. As for the Health software application, I strictly use this digital tool for the sole purpose of monitoring my daily steps. 

In order to prevent distractions, I turn on the, do not disturb, feature and place my phone in my drawer while I am studying. This way I am not distracted by any notifications at all. Secondly, I found that if I place my phone not only in a drawer, but in a location far away from me such as a closet, I forget where my phone is while I am studying. By forgetting where my phone is, I do not worry about picking it up or scrolling through social media apps. These methods do not only prevent me from distractions, but more importantly, they aid in striking a balance between studying and technology. This is because I will only use technology for entertainment after I have accomplished and completed all of my studying for the day. 

During the first week of this semester, I had difficulties figuring out what skill I wanted to take the initiative in learning. Initially, I was debating on learning a new language as I had several in mind: American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, and Turkish. Thus, I went along with selecting Spanish. One of the main reasons as to why I strive to learn this skill for my learning project, is due to the fact that in the future, I strive to do a study abroad trip in Spain. This way, if I ever do potentially enroll within a study abroad trip in Spain, I will have less difficulties with communicating and socializing. Another reason as to why I selected Spanish is because one of my previous employers is fluent in speaking this language. Therefore, learning this targeted skill would be great to communicate with her as well. 

Duolingo is a software application that any individual can download on any smartphone, tablet, or electronic device in general.  This software application has numerous languages an individual can learn. Not only this, but, more importantly, Duolingo has several features such as tests, exams, quizzes, and timed notifications to remind the individual regarding whichever language they want to learn. Therefore, this notable language learning tool will support me in obtaining the above-mentioned targeted skill. These are one of many resources I plan on using to help me learn Spanish. I hope to find new tools and resources throughout this journey. 

My name is Muhammad Azam. I am a fourth year undergraduate student within the University of Regina.

Some of my hobbies that I enjoy consist of working out/regular physical exercise, swimming, biking, watching TV-series/Netflix, playing video games, and reading. Other than that I work part-time & I am a food insecurity volunteer for a volunteering organization that aids in serving meals & food hampers to needy individuals in the downtown region of Regina.

I have a great amount of experiences with respect to technology. I enjoy playing video games, so with this I am quite technological. I know how to use multiple consoles, I am also confident with regards to using computers, phones, tablets, etc. When the COVID-19 pandemic came, I started using zoom for online and remote courses. In the beginning, it was quite difficult to get used to. As time progressed, I started getting used to it through instructional tutorial videos found on YouTube and just simply by using the application constantly.