Mariia Selivanova

"Ancora Imparo - I am still learning" - Michelangelo

Month: May 2024

Say ¡Hola! to Spanish: Mastering Spanish Greetings and Introductions

May 31, 2024 / / 4 Comments

Like in any other language, focusing on mastering a core set of words and phrases is crucial for building confidence and understanding of the language. Learning basic Spanish words and phrases will provide me with a solid framework upon which I could gradually construct more complex sentences and express my thoughts more fluently.

To make it even easier to learn, I found this online resource that breaks down the essential words and phrases into categories to make the learning process more manageable. This also helps to focus on mastering vocabulary and phrases relevant to particular contexts or situations. Whether it’s greetings and introductions, everyday conversations, travel essentials, or specific topics like food, shopping, or directions, having it all organized into categories will allow me to tailor my learning experience to my personal preferences and goals. I found a couple more online articles: 50 Basic Spanish Words and Phrases and 100 Common Spanish Words for Beginners. This week I decided to focus only on learning greetings, responses, and how to introduce myself.

I looked for a couple more online resources to help me learn the basics of Spanish language and I found these two YouTube channels: Real Fast Spanish and Language Animated. The Real Fast Spanish YouTube channel offers videos on grammar, vocabulary, and useful phrases, however, I found it challenging to follow as a beginner learner. The Language Animated YouTube channel uses animated videos to teach language concepts and provides clear and detailed explanation suitable for beginners.  For example, the Lesson 1 – Greetings, from the Language Animated channel, is a great video to start with to get yourself familiar with the basic words and expressions to begin a conversation. One of the videos to learned from is the Lesson 7 – How to Greet People in Spanish for Beginners , which is, of course, from my favorite YouTube channel – Language Tutor – Spanish. Dr. Danny Evans provides cultural insights, tips, and examples on when and how to use each greeting appropriately.

Mastering basic Spanish greetings is indeed crucial for initiating conversations and building connections with others. After reviewing the online resources provided above, I decided to organizing these phrases into categories to help me practice and memorize them more effectively:

BASIC SPANISH GREETINGS

  • Hola – Hello
  • Buenos días – Good morning
  • Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
  • Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night
  • ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (informal)
  • ¿Cómo está usted? – How are you? (formal)
  • ¿Qué tal? – How’s it going?
  • ¿Hablas español? – Do you speak Spanish?
  • ¿De dónde eres? – Where are you from? (Informal)
  • ¿De dónde es usted? – Where are you from? (Formal)
  • ¿Cuántos años tienes? – How old are you? (Informal)
  • ¿Cuántos años tiene usted? – How old are you (Formal)

RESPONSES

  • Estoy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? – I’m fine, thank you. And you? (informal)
  • Estoy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted? – I’m fine, thank you. And you? (formal)
  • Muy bien, gracias – Very well, thank you
  • Más o menos/Así así – So-so/Not too bad
  • No muy bien – Not very well
  • ¿Y tú? – And you? (informal)
  • ¿Y usted? – And you? (formal)
  • Yo hablo español – I speak Spanish
  • No, no hablo español – I do not speak Spanish
  • Yo soy de Ukrania. ¿Y tú? – I am from Ukraine. And you?
  • Tengo 28 años. ¿Y tú? – I am 28 years old. And you?
  • Hasta luego – See you later
  • Hasta mañana – See you tomorrow
  • Sí – Yes
  • Claro – Of course
  • No – No
  • Por favor – Please
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • Muchas gracias – Thank you very much
  • Muchísimas gracias – Thank you very much
  • De nada – You are welcome
  • Perdón or Disculpe– Excuse me
  • Lo siento – I am sorry

SELF-INTRODUCTION

  • ¿Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
  • Me llamo [your name] – My name is [your name]
  • Mi nombre es [your name] – My name is [your name]
  • Soy [your name] – I am [your name]
  • Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
  • Encantado/Encantada – Nice to meet you (masculine/feminine), similar to “Enchanté” in French.

After learning basic greetings, responses, and self-introduction phrases, I was able to understand this basic conversation for beginners:

I can already see the progress I’ve made in learning Spanish in such a short amount of time, and it’s incredibly motivating. Just a few weeks ago, I struggled to understand even the most basic conversations (example is in the video above). I couldn’t imagine being able to engage in a simple conversation myself. But now, I can greet people confidently, introduce myself, and even hold a basic conversation in Spanish.

Duolingo vs Memrise

I also tried Duolingo and Memrise (as recommended by one of my classmates) applications to improve my learning progress. Each app offers its own unique features and methodologies, so experimenting with both allows me to find the one that best suits my learning style and preferences.

For me, Memrise has been a better fit compared to Duolingo for a few reasons:

  • First, I found Memrise’s approach to be more focused on vocabulary acquisition, which is crucial for building a strong foundation in any language. The spaced repetition system they use really helped me retain the words I learned and reinforce them over time.
  • Secondly, I appreciated Memrise’s emphasis on real-life situations and practical phrases. Finishing their first lesson on greetings already makes me feel more confident and prepared for my travels, as I’ll be equipped with the basic phrases needed to communicate with locals.
  • Lastly, another aspect I liked about Memrise is that it incorporates elements of multimedia and clear audio recordings of words and phrases spoken by native speakers. It kept me engaged during the lesson.
Memrise - Lesson 1 Complete

Memrise – Lesson 1 Complete

I’m feeling accomplished and motivated reflecting on this week’s progress in learning Spanish. I experimented with different apps and delved into various resources to expand my language skills. Learning how to greet people, introduce myself, and engage in simple conversations in Spanish feels like a significant milestone. These basic expressions are the building blocks of communication, and mastering them opens up countless opportunities for meaningful interactions, especially as I prepare for my summer travels.

I’m excited to dive deeper into the language next week and learning even more useful expressions that will undoubtedly come in handy during my adventures. Here’s to another week of discovery and growth! Stay tuned 🙂

Embrace the Change: Insights Inspired by Michael Wesch’s Work

May 26, 2024 / / 4 Comments
Technology evolution concept. Vintage and new phones flying on paper kite on blue sky. Origami. Paper cut. Top view

Photo by thayra83 on Adobe Stock

TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION

The pace of technological evolution over the years is truly remarkable. It’s incredible to think about how easily accessible knowledge has become, thanks to the internet and digital technology. However, alongside this accessibility comes the realization that our digital footprints are constantly being formed, sometimes from the earliest moments of our lives. During one of our lectures, I learned that 92% of toddlers today have a digital footprint, isn’t it crazy to think about? The idea of having your photos, videos, and memories available on the web from the day you are born can be disturbing. This shows the extend to which technology and media have penetrated society and established new norms.

TECHNOLOGY THEN VS NOW

Growing up, I never had access to the kind of technology that is so readily available today. Even compared to my parents’ generation, the technological landscape was very different during my childhood. Each generation witnesses technological advancements that were unimaginable to the generation before it. Revolution is constantly happening, and I can’t even begin to imagine how to explain to a person, from let’s say 1950’s, the technological world we live in right now. It has reshaped nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate and learn to how we work and entertain ourselves.  The pace of technological change can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for those who didn’t grow up with the same level of access to technology.

During our lecture, we talked about a quote from Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, who came up with a set of rules that describe how we respond to technology. Here’s a quote of his:

  1. “Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
  2. Anything that’s invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
  3. Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things.”

For me, embracing lifelong learning and adaptability is a thrilling journey of personal growth and exploration. As someone who has witnessed the rapid advancements in technology, I understand the importance of staying curious and open-minded. Whether I grew up surrounded by digital devices or I’m just beginning to navigate this tech-infused world, I recognize that there’s always something new to discover and learn. Each new skill mastered, each new concept understood, opens up a world of possibilities for making meaningful contributions to society and improving my own life.

Entering a career as an educator, it’s crucial to stay up to date with technology because using various tech tools such as educational apps, interactive whiteboards, online simulations, and others can enhance the learning experience, strengthen the connection with students, and empower students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

EMBRACE THE CHANGE

“New media not only introduce new ways for us to express ourselves, but also new forms of self-awareness—new ways to refect on who we are and how we relate to others.” – YouTube and You by Michael Wesch. After our class discussion, I was interested in getting to know Michael Wesch’s work better. It offers  deep understanding of how technology has changed our world, particularly in terms of participation and culture. His lecture “An Antropological Introduction to YouTube” provides a fascinating exploration of how YouTube reflects and shapes contemporary culture. He says: “YouTube is a huge cultural force. It’s a global phenomenon. It’s everywhere. It’s not just videos. It’s ideas. It’s politics. It’s culture. It’s everything.”

Here are some of Michael Wesch’s ideas and quotes that resonated with me the most, when Michael Wesch described YouTube as a growing community:

  • Empowerment and Community. “It’s a celebration of new forms of empowerment. Anyone with a webcam now has a stronger voice and presence. It’s a celebration of new forms of community, and types of community we’ve never really seen before, or global connections transcending space and time. It’s a celebration of new and unimaginable possibilities.” Watching his video was an eye-opening experience that truly expanded my understanding of YouTube as more than just a platform but a vibrant cultural ecosystem. I browsed his YouTube channel and found another video called “The Machine is (Changing) Us: YouTube and the Politics of Authenticity”. His talks are so inspiring and brilliant, and yet so simply!
  • Participation. “We’re moving from a kind of passive consumer culture to one in which we are all expected to be not just consumers of media, but also producers of media.”  It represents a significant shift in our relationship with media and technology. In the past, traditional media consumption was largely a passive experience where people received information and entertainment without much opportunity for active participation. Today, with the rise of platforms like YouTube and social media, the lines between consumer and producer have blurred. Now, we’re not just passive recipients of content; we’re also expected to contribute, create, and share our own stories and perspectives. This shift has fundamentally changed the way I engage with media. Instead of simply consuming content, I find myself actively seeking opportunities to participate, whether it’s through sharing my own experiences on social media, contributing to online discussions, or even creating my own content on platforms like YouTube.
  • The Human Element in Technology. “It’s not about the technology, it’s about the people.” Technology is a tool that is shaped by human interactions, stories, experiences, and connections. Creators like Casey Neistat, who combine storytelling with innovative cinematography, exemplify how technology can empower human creativity and expression on the platform.
  • The Importance of Participation. “If we don’t understand this new culture of participation, we’re not going to understand our world.” “The machine is us. We are the machine.” Michael Wesch reminds us that to truly understand and navigate our world today, we must embrace and engage with the culture of participation that defines the digital age. Failure to understand and embrace this culture of participation means missing out on opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth. It means being out of touch with the realities of our interconnected world and failing to grasp the complexities of modern society. Additionally, YouTube empowers us to shape the cultural landscape in meaningful ways. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter have utilized YouTube as a platform for activism, facilitating important discussions on social justice issues.

The Effect of Michael Wasch’s Insights on YouTube for Classrooms and Schools

The implications of Mickael Wasch’s insights on YouTube for classrooms and schools are significant, as they highlight the need for educators to understand and navigate the digital landscape effectively. Teachers can help students to develop critical thinking skills to navigate the the vast array of content on YouTube, distinguish between valid information and misinformation, and recognize the cultural context on the content they consume. As Wasch discusses the socio-cultural implications of YouTube, this includes teaching students about online safety, responsible digital behavior, and the ethical use of digital platforms.

One of the key takeaways from Wesch’s video is the importance of promoting student engagement. He emphasizes that successful YouTubers captivate their audiences by being genuine, relatable, and passionate about their content. As a future educator, this resonated with me as I reflected on how I can bring authenticity into my online teaching practice. Whether it’s sharing personal anecdotes, showing enthusiasm for the subject, or creating a welcoming virtual environment. Authenticity can help develop a sense of connection and understanding with students, even in the digital space. Michael Wesch suggests that educators can learn from YouTubers who actively engage with their audience through comments, polls, and interactive features. This insight has inspired me to explore new ways of promoting student participation in virtual classrooms, whether it’s through live polls, breakout discussions, or collaborative projects that empower students to take an active role in their learning journey. For example, I really enjoyed participating in a survey in one of our classes, so I will definitely incorporate it in my teaching practice.

He also highlights the power of storytelling as a tool for engaging learners. By adding narrative structure, teachers can captivate students’ attention and make abstract concepts more accessible and memorable. Inspired by YouTubers, who skillfully weave storytelling into their videos, I see the opportunity to incorporate elements of storytelling into my lesson plans, turning complex topics into compelling narratives that resonate with students on a deeper level.

Overall, Michael Wesch’s work had deepened my understanding of the relationship between technology, culture, and society. I am happy I explored his work through this course. It has opened up new perspectives on the role of technology in our lives. Also, his work has challenged me to rethink my approach to online teaching and to draw inspiration from the dynamic and engaging content creators on YouTube. I believe educators can create more vibrant and engaging online learning experiences that resonate with students and promote a deeper love for learning.

Counting in Spanish: Your Fun Guide to Spanish Numbers!

May 26, 2024 / / 5 Comments

Are you ready to embark on a journey to learn Spanish numbers?

Mastering numbers is a fundamental step in learning how to speak Spanish language. In this post, I will explore the basics of counting in Spanish and share the resources I used to incorporate numbers into my vocabulary. It will not only enhance my ability to navigate practical situations but also deepen my understanding of the language’s structure and sound patterns.

Why Learn Spanish Numbers?

Numbers play a crucial role in everyday communication, from telling time and discussing prices to exchanging phone numbers and addresses. I found this online resource that explains how knowing Spanish numbers can greatly improve your travel experience in so many ways:

  • Social Interactions. Knowing numbers is valuable for making plans and connecting with local people.  It promotes cultural engagement and appreciation as it demonstrates respect for the local language and customs. I want to be able to exchange contact information, discuss dates, times, and ages while interacting with locals.
  • Currency and Shopping. Understanding numbers will allow me to handle money transactions more confidently, whether I’m exchanging currency, bargaining at local markets, or paying for goods and services.
  • Navigation and Direction. Spanish numbers are crucial for understanding transportation schedules, such as bus and train timetables, and for asking for directions involving distances, street numbers, or addresses. When my partner and I visited Colombia last summer, one of the taxi drivers was trying to take advantage of our language barrier, in particular, our lack of knowledge of numbers, to trick us into paying more for a ride.
  • Accommodations. When booking accommodations or discussing room numbers, knowing Spanish numbers ensures smooth communication with hotel staff.
  • Increased Confidence and Independence. When learning Spanish, the numbers are some of the quickest and easiest vocabulary to pick up. Proficiency in Spanish numbers will help me in a variety of situations and will give me confidence  in communicating with native speakers. Also, it will increase my independence while travelling because I’ll rely less on others for basic tasks like shopping, ordering food, or managing finances.

This week I learned Spanish number using my favorite Language Tutor – Spanish YouTube channel, where Dr. Danny Evans teaches how to write and say numbers all the way up to a million:

Here is a structured approach and some tips I followed to master Spanish numbers:

Start with Basics – Count from 1 to 15.  First, I learned numbers from 0 to 15. There is no real pattern, you just have to memorize them: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez, once, doce, trece, catorce, and quince. These are the building blocks for larger numbers.

  • Tip: Dr. Danny Evans recommends saying those numbers out of order. When we learn numbers in a specific order, such as counting from 1 to 15, our brain tends to recognize and process them as a pattern of sounds rather than distinct entities. By mixing up the order, we can challenge ourselves to recall each number independently, reinforcing our understanding of their meanings. In everyday situations, we use numbers in a non-sequential manner, such as when giving a phone number or discussing quantities in random order.

Learn the Pattern – Count from 16 to 19.  Numbers 16 to 19 follow the pattern: diez (10) + y (and) + ones. For examples, seventeen is diecisiete, diez (10) y (and) + siete (7).

Learn the Tens. When counting multiples of ten, with the exception of veinte (20), the numbers end in -nta, making it easy to remember the tens, such as treinta (30), cuarenta (40) and cincuenta (50), sesenta (60), setenta (70), ochenta (80), and noventa (90). Other than veinte (again), they all have a clear relationship with the related smaller number: cuatro turns into cuarenta, ocho turns into ochenta, etc.

  • Veinte: 20 (Veinte = 20)
  • Treinta: 30 (Tres + Diez = 30)
  • Cuarenta: 40 (Cuatro + Diez = 40)
  • Cincuenta: 50 (Cinco + Diez = 50)
  • Sesenta: 60 (Seis + Diez = 60)
  • Setenta: 70 (Siete + Diez = 70)
  • Ochenta: 80 (Ocho + Diez = 80)
  • Noventa: 90 (Nueve + Diez = 90)

Learn the Pattern – Count from 20 to 99. Numbers 20 to 99 follow the pattern similar to numbers 16 to 19 of diez (10) + y (and) + ones. For example, treinta y dos (32) or sesenta y cinco (65). Notice the pattern of “y” which means “and” in Spanish between the tens and units, except for veintiuno (21) where there’s no “y”. This pattern continues until 99.

Learn Spanish Numbers Beyond 100. In Spanish, cien means “one hundred”. For numbers between 101 and 199, use “ciento” (one hundred) followed by the specific number. For example, ciento uno (101) or ciento veinte (120). When counting in hundreds, you start with the number of hundreds followed by “cientos” (for one hundred). Here’s the pattern:

  • Doscientos: 200 (Dos + Cientos)
  • Trescientos: 300 (Tres + Cientos)
  • Cuatrocientos: 400 (Cuatro + Cientos)
  • Quinientos: 500 (Quinientos)
  • Seiscientos: 600 (Seis + Cientos)
  • Setecientos: 700 (Siete + Cientos)
  • Ochocientos: 800 (Ocho + Cientos)
  • Novecientos: 900 (Nueve + Cientos)

Count the Thousands (Mil): After reaching 1000, the pattern repeats with “mil” (thousand). Combine the appropriate thousands, hundreds, tens, and units to form larger numbers. For example, dos mil: 2000 (Dos + Mil) or tres mil quinientos: 3500 (Tres + Mil + Quinientos).

Count Beyond Thousands: The pattern continues for larger numbers. For example: diez mil: 10,000, cien mil: 100,000, un millón: 1,000,000, dos millones quinientos mil: 2,500,000.

I liked that Dr. Danny Evan’s lesson and other online resources I used provided the patterns for learners to follow, making the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming. Understanding the patterns and following a clear structure made learning the numbers easier and more effective! I also found this great online resource that tabulates all the numbers and their pronunciation. I plan to print it out and keep practicing! Consistent practice, especially with pronunciation, will help me become more confident and fluent in using Spanish numbers.

Next week I plan on learning basic Spanish words/expressions and trying out a Duolingo app! Wish me luck! 🙂

Canva Video Creator and Editor Review. The SAMR Model

May 21, 2024 / / 2 Comments

When I first started this class, I saw technology as a way to have fun, but now I see technology as an extension of my educational beliefs. Technology is an essential tool that has become a part of the learning process, allowing the differentiation and creating new opportunities for students and teachers. Good technology integration in the classroom is not about using a fanciest tool, it is about being aware of the range of options and picking the right strategy. As a future educator, I believe that technological experience in the classroom must serve a purpose. This can be accomplished by working through the SAMR model as a way of identifying the functionality of the new piece of technology. Also, before implementing a new tech tool, teachers need to understand their students learning styles and their access to technology.

SAMR model is based on using technology with a purpose in order to enhance learning experiences. SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. Here is a quick summary of each stage of the SAMR model:

  • Substitution is a simplest stage, where the educational technology acts as a direct substitute and is used to replace the traditional practices. For example, replacing paper-based lectures or worksheets with digital versions.
  • Augmentation is a stage where the technology piece involves adding functional improvement to the learning process, not just for the convenience purposes. For example, a teacher’s guide is complemented by a video that explains a particularly difficult concept.
  • Modification involves the technology tool used to go beyond the traditional classroom. For instance, students can work together on a shared document in real-time.
  • Redefinition is the most advanced stage of the SMAR model, where technology opens up completely new learning opportunities.

For this blog post, I would like to take the time to provide an app review of Canva and highlight where it can be placed in the SAMR model. Canva is an online graphic platform that has become increasingly popular in schools as a tool for creating visually appealing and professionally-looking materials, encouraging creativity, and enhancing collaboration. One of the main benefits that teachers and students can access this platform for free.

Using Canva’s video editor and creator is quite straightforward. I found this YouTube video on how to create videos with music and animation in Canva. It is very helpful and easy to follow. Here’s a guide on how to get started:

  1. Create an Account: If you haven’t already, sign up for a Canva account. You can use your Google or Facebook account to sign up, or create a new account with your email address.
  2. Access Video Editor: Once you’re logged in, navigate to the Canva homepage. You should see an option to create a new design on the right hand side . Click on it and select the “video” option.
  3. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch: Canva offers a variety of templates for different types of videos like presentations, social media posts, ads, etc. You can choose a template that fits your needs or start with a blank canvas.
  4. Customize Your Video: After selecting a template or starting from scratch, you can customize your video by adding text, images, videos, and other elements. Canva provides a library of millions of images, videos, graphics, and fonts to choose from. You can also upload your own media, videos, and audio.
  5. Edit and Arrange: You can edit your video by clicking on the “scissor” icon on the tool bar above the editor. Drag any of the sliders on the ends of the highlighted part of the video to shorten or lengthen it. Click on “Done” to save the changes. You can drag and drop elements to reorder them and adjust the duration of each element.
  6. Add Effects and Transitions: Canva offers various effects and transitions to enhance your video. You can add animations, filters, music, and more to make your video more engaging.
  7. Preview and Finalize: Once you’re satisfied with your video, preview it to make sure everything looks good. You can then finalize your video by clicking on the “Download” or “Publish” button, depending on your needs. Canva offers options to download your video in various formats or share it directly to social media platforms.
  8. Save Your Work: Don’t forget to save your work periodically to avoid losing any changes.

Take some time to explore all its features and get comfortable with the platform. Hope you have fun creating your videos! Using a Screencastify extension in Chrome and Canva, I made this quick video tutorial that summarizes the steps above:

When applying this to the SAMR model, I would say that it falls under the Modification category, allowing for significant task redesign. Students can work on a shared document together and create a video in real-time. This would assist in completing tasks online and changing the core structure of the assignment.

Also, this tool ties directly into my learning project post this week where I used the Canva Video Creator & Editor to show my progress in my second week of learning the Spanish language.

Hola! Let’s Master the Spanish Alphabet!

May 21, 2024 / / 6 Comments

Alright everyone, let’s start this adventure! Welcome to my second week of learning another language! Honestly, I feel like Spanish won’t be a hard language to learn, but we shall see!

question hablas espanol? do you speak Spanish?

Photo by nito on Adobe Stock

ENGLISH vs SPANISH ALPAHBETS

As a beginner learner, I think it is important to start with the alphabet and pronunciation, as it will give me a solid foundation to learn on. Before I dive into learning the Spanish alphabet and pronunciation, I wanted to pay attention to a few key similarities and differences between English and Spanish languages. Doing so will help me spell in Spanish in no time! After reviewing a several online resources, I put together a comparison summary between the English and Spanish alphabets:

Similarities

  • Alphabet origin. Both English and Spanish languages share the same alphabet – the Latin Alphabet. This alphabet, also known as a Roman alphabet, was originally used by ancient Romans, and is now used to write hundreds of different languages.
  • The same letters. I find English and Spanish alphabets very similar which makes learning Spanish a lot easier than learning a language with a different alphabet like Japanese, for example.  There is no need to learn a whole new alphabet, how exciting!!

Differences

Number of letters. English alphabet has 26 letters, while Spanish has 27 letters, including the famous Spanish “ñ” letter.

Pronunciation. In comparison to English, Spanish is a very straightforward language when it comes to pronunciation. English language has 44 phonemes, individual speech sounds, while Spanish has only 25! There are way more sounds to learn in English than in Spanish, isn’t it surprising? Each letter has its own sound and will always (with some exceptions) make that sound, no matter where it’s placed in a word. However, there are some different sounds in Spanish language that don’t exist in English.

SPANISH ALPHABET

I found this YouTube video lesson on how to learn Spanish alphabet. It was very helpful: straight to the point and with no long unnecessary pauses, just examples and pronunciation – exactly what I needed to start with! Then I looked for more online resources to find further explanation on each letter, including the examples and tips on how to sound like a native speaker. For example, lesson 1 on the Language Tutor YouTube channel was very easy to learn from. Dr. Danny Evans had very good examples and tips on how to sound like a native speaker. I am enjoying the learning process so far!

Pronunciation Guide and Tips on How to Sounds Like a Native Speaker

Vowels. In Spanish, 90% of pronunciation and reading is knowing your vowels. All vowels are always pronounced the same (unless paired with another vowel). Letter “a” sounds like “aa” (lips and mouth wide open), “e” pronounced as “ey” (lips slightly open and mouth stretched), “i” sounds like “ee” (lips slightly open and mouth stretched), “o” sounds like “oh” (lips rounded and opened slightly), and “u” is pronounced as “oo” (lips rounded and almost fully closed).

Consonants. Most consonants in Spanish sound similar to their English counterparts, with some exceptions:

  • letter “h” is always silent
  • letter “j” sounds like “h” in English
  • letter “g” is pronounced differently depending on the vowel that it follows:
  1. when “g” is followed by “a”, “o”, “u”, “ue”, and “ui” vowels, it is  pronounced as a hard “g”, similar to English “go”. For example, gato (cat) and  grande (big);
  2. when “g” is followed by “e” and “i”, it is pronounced as a soft “h” sound, similar to the “h” sound in the English word “hello”. For example, gente (people) and gigante (giant).
  • letter “ñ” is one of the unique features of the Spanish alphabets and is pronounced like “nio” sound, similar English word “onion”
  • “ll” is pronounced like “y”, similar to English “yes”
  • letters “b” and “v” sound the same in Spanish, and that can be a little confusing.

To sum up, I think this week was very productive. Using various online resources, I learned a lot about similarities and differences between English and Spanish alphabets, as well as unique letters and sounds in Spanish language. Below is a video of me saying Spanish alphabet with an example for each letter. Wish me luck for next week, when I take on learning the numbers.

Technology: Navigating Everyday Life in the Digital Age

May 15, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Technology and its role in my day-to-day life!

We probably all agree that technology has a significant impact on every aspect of our lives. It has changed the way we communicate, access information, work, entertain ourselves, and even how we manage our health. I think nearly everything I do is dependent on technology, and I cannot imagine my life without it. Here are some key areas where technology has had a great impact on my daily life:

Workplace. Technology has changed my work life. It has opened up opportunities for remote work, automated routine tasks, and collaborations across the world. It allows me to work from home and communicate with my colleagues in real-time. At work, I use tools like email, Teams, Zoom, Google Cloud Platform, project management tools like Trello or Jira, data analysis tools from Excel, MATLAB, and Python to more advanced chemometric software like Unscrambler or Eigenvector. All of these tools make my work life much easier and more efficient.

Education. Thanks to technology I am taking this course online, isn’t that amazing? Technology has created more flexible ways of teaching and learning through online courses, educational applications, and digital libraries which provide me and others access to knowledge anytime and anywhere. For academic purposes, I use the UR Courses learning platform to access this online course, as well as the Zoom communication platform to connect with people online for virtual classes. I also use Microsoft Power Platform, YouTube, and others. One of my favorite web applications is Google Docs which lets me create and edit a document with other people in real-time and from any device. Further, I use Canva for presentations in my diversity and exceptionalities class. Lastly, I am now familiar with Discord and WordPress 🙂

Entertainment. Technology provides immersive entertainment experiences including movies, music, video games, sports broadcasts, streaming services, and interactive TV. For entertainment and leisure, I mostly use Netflix and Amazon Prime for watching my favorite movies and shows, YouTube for listening and watching music videos, and various different online sites for shopping.

Social Life. Technology is a powerful tool for communication, allowing me to connect with my family and friends over the Internet across the world. My family is back home, in Ukraine, and I cannot imagine not being able to call and see them at any time using WhatsApp or Viber. In my personal time, I use a lot of social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.

Tech-Related Distractions and Strategies to Minimize Them

Technology has undoubtedly made our lives easier, more convenient, and efficient. It has offered us new opportunities in many areas. However, technology can be very addictive. According to multiple research studies, it was found that there is a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Have you ever checked how many hours of screen time you spend a day? Check out the average screen time statistics for 2024. I found these quite shocking.

  • Loss of productivity. Personally, I find technology very distracting. It can take up valuable hours of my day. My work and school require me to spend most of my time in front of a screen, and outside of these activities, I still spend an average of 3 hours on my phone every day. I often catch myself scrolling through Instagram posts and reels for at least 15 minutes when I thought I would quickly open it to check my messages. I am working on finding a balance and setting up boundaries to ensure a healthy relationship with technology. One of the strategies I use to stay focused on my task is to turn on a “do not disturb” mode on my phone. This way, I am not tempted to respond to every text, call, or notification because I will not know they are there until I am ready to take a break and see what I missed. I also disable notifications on my watch, so it does not trigger me to check my phone.
  • Poor quality of sleep. In addition, I have noticed that using technology, especially social media, before bedtime negatively affects my sleep quality. I practice a screen-free time for at least an hour before bed to allow my body to wind down and prepare for sleep. Instead of scrolling through my phone before bed, I can take my dog for a walk, read a book, relax, listen to music, take a bath, or do anything else that does not involve looking at a screen. I recommend using the Headspace app which offers short meditation sessions. It helps me to clear my mind of chatter and teaches me to stay focused and attentive to the present moment.

All in all, technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Technology has transformed my life for the better in many ways. I believe that technology has a lot to offer, especially in education. Nowadays, elementary school kids have classes on computers, and many of them have been using computers, phones, and tablets at home even before they started school. As a future educator, I want to stay up to date with technology because that will help me to feel closer to my students. I will use various tech tools to improve their learning experiences and deliver the knowledge in the best way possible. Although technology is a part of our daily lives and is an essential tool for work, education, entertainment, and social life, it is important to develop healthy tech habits and provide guidance and support to help our kids use technology responsibly and effectively.

The Learning Project: Getting Started!

May 12, 2024 / / 8 Comments

Welcome to my learning project journey!

When I heard about this project, I got very excited! There are always a million things to learn but so little time. I am happy there is an opportunity in this class to pick something you are interested in and learn about it! I started brainstorming to come up with a few options and settled on these two: learn how to play the piano and learn a new language. Both of these options sounded equally appealing to me but after some thinking I weighed pros and cons, and I decided to start learning a new language.

Language

Photo by Feng Yu on Adobe Stock

As I mentioned in my previous post, where I talked a little bit about myself and what I enjoy doing, travelling is a big part of my life. I like going to places I have never been before. Meeting and talking to people from different cultures is one of the best ways to learn about their traditions, local food and their lives. We are so used to chatting in our own language, of course, but when you travel that’s when you learn how to really communicate. My partner and I went to Colombia last summer, and I had a very hard time talking to local people because I did not know a single world in Spanish. I had to use hand gestures, facial expressions, and use the technology like google translate to helps me express myself but that’s not the same quality of communication. This summer we are going on another trip to Nicaragua where people mainly speak Spanish. I would really like to learn some Spanish so I can talk to local people and improve my travelling experience. All I know how to say in Spanish is “Cuánto cuesta?” which means “How much?”. I think it is an expression every tourist should know but it is not very helpful when you do not know the numbers.

Lets learn spanish lightbox message on a bright yellow background

Photo by ink drop on Adobe Stock

Even though this is not my first time learning a new language, I still decided to do some research and look for tips and advice on what to start with when learning a new language. I found an online resource that talks about first 5 steps you should take to learn a new language.

Throughout this project, I will stick to the following plan and learn:

  • The Alphabet and pronunciation.
  • Numbers
  • Greetings and introductions
  • Basic sentences for ordering food in Spanish
  • Asking for an understanding directions
  • Frequently-used vocabulary

I have scheduled time for my learning project on Sundays starting from May 19th, 2024. My language goal is for me to be able order food at a restaurant, ask people how they are doing (and understand their responses), and be able to negotiate prices with street vendors and taxi cab drivers in Spanish.

Wish me luck on my learning journey!

Welcome!

May 11, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Hello there and Вітаю!

Welcome to my very first blog post – ever!

My name is Mariia, and before I introduce myself, I want to thank you for visiting my ePortfolio. I would love to share a little bit about myself so I invite you to come along with me on this journey of me becoming a high school teacher.

I am in my first year of the Secondary Education after degree program at the University of Regina which has led me to this class! I believe that the use of educational technology has grown exponentially in the last few years and during a pandemic it became a necessity. I cannot call myself a tech-person but getting my university degrees and online learning has helped me to develop my tech skills. I think that using technology in various ways in the classroom helps to improve the learning experience and make education a better place. I am excited to explore technology through this course!

I am originally from Ukraine, and I moved to Canada in 2017 when I started my Master’s Degree program in Chemistry at the University of Windsor. During my graduate studies, I worked as a teaching assistant and that’s when I realized that I was so passionate about working with students, sharing my knowledge and energy, and helping them succeed both as a student and as a person.

Wascana Trails with Ollie    Graduation from the University of Windsor Mount McDonald Hike

I am also a dog mom to a crazy Australian shepherd puppy, and when I say crazy, I mean it 🙂 His name is Ollie and he is very energetic but I love keeping up with him. I enjoy travelling, hiking, camping, and anything outdoors. It allows me to explore new places and experience nature, as well as get away from stress of daily life.

As for blogging, I have never had any experience with creating a blog, but I have enjoyed learning about it so far! I think blogging gives you an opportunity to tell your story and speak your “unique voice”. We live in the world where everything is becoming more and more tech-based where your online presence will replace your resume in 10 years. As a result, I see the benefits in creating a digital identity, so here we go!

Please feel free to navigate through my site and learn more about who I am and what brought me here!

Check out the drop-down list for more options:

Who Am I?

My Educational Journey

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