I just returned from the eTech Technology Conference in Columbus, Ohio where I heard keynote speaker David Warlick talk about the importance of collaboration, professional learning networks, and being a master of learning.Our students need to be getting from us new information on a daily basis in the classroom that will inspire and stimulate their thinking. If we are not continuing to grow professionally by connecting with others through our communities of learning, then we are limiting how we can connect with our students with the power of quick, technology powered information. I was also very inspired by the many different types of technology I saw being used in today's classroom. Another speaker, Adora Svitak is a 12 year old girl who challenged teachers to think different about the way we teach and give students the tools they enjoy to help them learn. I am interested to know from my students what types of technology you use on a daily basis. How do you spend your time after school? Help me to rethink how I can present material to you.

Many of my students have been asking about the American Idol audition song by General Platt called ¨Pants on the Ground.¨ While searching for it on the internet, I came across a translation and rap of it in Spanish that I thought my students would enjoy seeing and listening to. This was put together compliments of the Spanish class of Señor Mahannah. You might want to turn down the volume before listening.

Welcome back to school and the 2009-2010 academic school year! I am so happy to welcome you to the Freshman Campus at Lakota East and look forward to a fun and challenging year in Spanish I. I'd like to introduce myself and tell you a little about my background. I have been teaching Spanish for 17 years. This will be my 18th. I have traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Spain mostly on missions and some to finish my masters in Education. In my free time I love to dance, bike, sail, kayak and do creative things with technology. I hope to use this blog this year to communicate with both you, your parents and other Spanish speakers from around the world so that you can have a real world experience from your desktop.

You will be getting a Spanish name equivalent to your English name, or another name starting with the same letter if there is no equivalent. Go to the following website to find more information about what your name means:www.behindthename.com/nmc/spa.php

Now, I'd like to hear from you. In your assigned groups, tell me why you are taking Spanish, how do you see yourself using the skills you will gain, and what specifically do you want to learn this year?