Week 2: Web Searching

Dear participants,

I have received a message that was officially opening the second week’s activities/assignments. Following the path: http://google.com/site/, I was directed to look at Noodletools “Finding the Best Search for your Information Needs”. Clicking there, I have reached “Choose the Best Search for Information Need”.

I have chosen “I need creative and performing arts sources”. Searching from “JURN”, there was a window where I could type the information I need. As a teacher of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, I have entered these key words and have gone on searching (Search JURN). Do you know what I have got? I was allowed to choose among:

- Integrating listening, speaking, reading and writing

- Improving speaking by listening

- Developing Speaking skills through Reading

- etc

(the URL is: http://www.jurn.org/?cx=017986067167581999535%3Arnewgrysmpe&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Listening%2C+speaking%2C+reading+writing&sa=Search+JURN&siteurl=www.jurn.org%2F&ref=www.noodletools.com%2Fdebbie%2Fliteracies%2Finformation%2F5locate%2Fadviceengine.html&ss=609034j351858237032j39)

In fact, I have used this site and I was looking for the four basic skills in language learning: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. As far as I am concerned and looking at my students’ needs and levels, the search is commendable. Why? Our country, Rwanda, has recently shifted from French to English as a language of instruction. As my students have learnt for a long time in French, they need a long and permanent exposure to such materials that can help them improve their use of English while listening, speaking, reading and writing. I know I have a lot to do with my students, but the situation is like that. We hope that we are committed and we shall do it!

The Search site offers a lot of advantages: exploring different sources; showing teaching/learning materials;… For disadvantages, there are a lot of theoretical considerations where a beginner teacher maybe lost, as for us we are “new users of English”, we are not yet familiar with some stories like “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Unit as a Unit that involves students in experiences which permit them to determine whether the Mariner is a hero in their eyes and in the eyes of Coleridge. If no solid background, there may be some barriers about understanding and implementing the theory itself.

Finally, you will have noted that the article is written by Martha Walsh Dolan.

Thank you!!!

Sosthene