Of taking the next step

I have been learning quite a bit about EdTech in the last few... years? months? lives?

Well, anyway. Today I decided to take the next step.

Of technology, cardboard paper and Virtual Reality

Ever since I started this incredible journey into EdTech, one thing that has always intrigued me was Virtual Reality.

Actually, it started much earlier than that, because Virtual Reality is not new. When I was a kid, watching sci-fi movies such as "The Lawnmower Man" and "Back to the Future": whenever they showed VR, I was mesmerized! 

Never in a million years could I imagine then, that I would be one day getting familiar with this tool!

Of collaborative writing with teens

Recently, I have been working more on collaboration in my classrooms. It is not an easy task with teenagers. They can be so focused on themselves: their future university, their drama, their social life, at times they forget to really learn and get ready for real life, the one that will happen when school is out.

So to bring on collaboration in a motivating and exciting way, I used something which is part of their lives, constantly: their mobile phones.

The objective of the lesson was to write an argumentative essay using statistic facts, developing a compelling argument about living in big cities and the pros and cons of it. 

Boring!

How could I turn the task into something fun, cool, and most importantly, collaborative?

Of soccer as a cultural barrier breaker

Can we teach culture to teens?
Yes, we can! But, how?
All you need is a lesson plan, a great app and a passion in common. I chose to raise cultural awareness by discussing soccer, part of so many cultures.

I used the app from Cambridge, Cambridge English FC, available here: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/games-social/cambridge-english-fc/

With this app, students can learn vocabulary and grammar by answering English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation questions to help their team pass the ball, get to the goal, shoot and score.


After playing, they are able to have a conversation about soccer with absolutely anyone in the world! They can learn about cultural differences and similarities, while having fun.

Of post-its: they can help you be a better person

I had a great class. 

It feels so great to say this. 

And my class really touched me in many ways: as a teacher, I felt proud and accomplished: they learned what they were supposed to.

As a human being, I felt like I made a difference.

Of bullying and resilience

There has been a recent avalanche of news related to bullying around me. Teachers, students, even my family; suddenly bullying is a big deal, and a serious issue.

Nothing new here: it has always happened and it has always been serious. But why are people all of a sudden aware of it?

Of headbangers, New York City and crochet

"I am The Headbanger Teacher."

Yesterday, I said that to my coordinator, who looked at me unsure on how to proceed. "What does that mean?"

This post is about how I became the Headbanger Teacher. And how 3 main passions in my life has lead me to become The Headbanger Teacher.