Sonnet

Dreamers' fear

They spread their wings to fly above the sky
these dreamers seek their freedom through the clouds
together they embark a savage cry
the hunting tears unwished desires and proud.

They seal their eyes with fright I must admit
at night with trembling hands they sew their mouths
are forced to see the dazzling moon as lit
a light is lost and tries to find a route.

But restless hope dissolves the heavy fog
relief embraced their tender drained remains
a voiceless breath removes the ashy clog
majestic arrows break defeated chance.

Their fragile bodies bear deceptions now
and now their bravely take the daily vow.

Figurative Tanka

True love is madness,
the world is now pink colored
You taste the sweet flavor.
Dreamers don't want this to stop,
everything becames cold tears.

Tanka poem

Together

A presence comes near
It stays and stifles the soul
It feels like the end,
Peace and loneliness emerge.
Finally the rest is here.

Limerick poem

Two faces

I was walking alone at night,
my mind became full of fright.
In infinite dark,
I see a white spark.
The moon became full and bright.

Cinquan Poem

Japan.
Quiet, crowded.
Pleasing, evolving, living.
Fusion of tradition and new
Culture.

Using technology in teaching

Does using technology inside the classroom helps students? Certainly, technology use is constantly evolving and becoming more important in our lives. Karsenti et al. (2002) says that technology has reached an important point in daily life (as cited in Birch et al., 2009). Moreover, different fields use technology such as medicine, for example, technology helps physical disabled people. For this reason, education is not the exception and nowadays, more and more teachers make use of different technologies inside the classroom because it improves the learning process even though some teachers do not think the same. Technology integration refers to the usage technology effectively for teaching such that there is a complete merger between technology and pedagogy (Singh, 2013). That is why technology serves as an useful tool for enhancing learning of students.

Teachers who use technology in classes involve students in meaningful learning through a different way of teaching. Interactive whiteboards have become significant platforms for a learning process (Tsung-Ho et al). Interactive whiteboards are just an example that technology works as a way to involve visual students in classes,whereas technology resources like LCD projects, touchscreens, computers, online resources, and chat forums are other options that teachers can use in order to create meaningful courses. As a result, students have a high interest and motivation in the learning activity with technological resources, which enhances student involvement in learning tasks (Tsung-Ho et al., 2012). Students find attractive working with extra material besides boards or mere worksheets; consequently, they assimilate the information better. However, technology usage also has disadvantages.

Technological devices also have defined disadvantages so the usage of technology does not help students because even though teachers have it, they do not use it properly. According to Oblinger & Oblinger (2005)  “It is important for a teacher to know how to use technology as a tool for effective teaching” (as cited  in  Singh, 2013, p. 153). It is not enough to have technology equipment, also teachers need to know how to use it so they can involve students. It may be true that interactive whiteboards improve visual students’ learning but kinesthetic and students with other intelligences are forgotten. Moreover, the problem may be that students have few opportunities to manipulate technological resources (Tsung-Ho et al., 2012). Even though these resources reinforce learning process, it may be tedious for students because some devices require that just teachers manipulate them. Students do not have real interaction because they limit to stare the class. Consequently, this matter does not give students the opportunity to assimilate the information better.       

As long as teachers use technology correctly, they can create meaningful classes. Teachers that make a relevant usage of technology within the classroom, support students’ learning process. Educators that utilize technological components as a tool for teaching students with different intelligences, simplify the learning task and facilitates learning efficacy to students. (Tsung-Ho et al., 2012). Since teachers face students with different intelligences, they can make use of a wide variety of  technological equipment in order to include all of them. Using technologies such as video cameras, multimedia room, software applications, and worksheets teachers include all students and their intelligences such as kinesthetic (Singh, 2013). As students work with interactive whiteboards or projectors, teachers allow to enhance learning and at the same time all multiple intelligence students with are included.     

Using technology within a classroom contributes to a meaningful learning of scholars. Teachers strengthen the learning process by using technological devices like interactive whiteboards, videos, projectors, etc, moreover, technology offers different options that teachers can use in their classes like LCD projects, touchscreens, computers, and online resources. Equally important, technology takes into account students with different intelligences and helps students to get involved in classes. Technology continues evolving and offering different tools, yet the problem is how to use it properly. Teachers can bring technological devices in the classroom so they can create a balance between students’ and teachers’ usage.        

References

Birch, A. A., & Irvine, V. V. (2009). Preservice teachers' acceptance of ICT integration in the classroom: applying the UTAUT model. Educational Media International, 46(4), 295-315.

Hammonds, L., Matherson, L. H., Wilson, E. K., & Wright, V. H. (2013). Gateway Tools: Five tools to allow teachers to overcome barriers to technology integration. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 80(1), 36-40.

Singh, U. (2013). Technology integration in teacher education: An infusion or a delusion? Researchers World: Journal Of Arts, Science & Commerce, 4(3), 147-154.

Tsung-Ho, L., Yueh-Min, H., & Chin-Chung, T. (2012). An Investigation of teaching and learning interaction factors for the use of the interactive whiteboard technology. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 15(4), 356-367.

Cover Letter

The cover letter below is to be considered a template only and is not directed towards any particular party, institution, company, etc.

To who may concern: 

My name is Ana Patricia Alonso Fernandez and I am studying the B.A. in English Language teaching. I would like to work as an English teacher in a university in Aguascalientes. I would like this job because I find interesting to teach young adults. I enjoy working with them and I have worked during social service so I liked the environment they create. 

I would like to develop my professional career in a pleasant environment where I can help students. I will feel good in an institution where students are important and valuable and where the development of integral personality is important.  I am looking for a job where I can learn something new in every class with different teachers. 

Because of constant training in different English skills, I believe that I can offer grammar knowledge, adaptability to groups, creative classes with variety of activities. I firmly consider that students must find interesting learning English, for this reason entertaining and different activities are an important key when planning a class.  

Despite the fact that nowadays is hard to get a job, I would love to work in a university with high prestige. I am aware that important universities want to hire well-prepared people and I think I am a good candidate. I would appreciate that you take into consideration my request.  

http://resume.linkedinlabs.com/nhta56jf5

Recommendation letter

Laura Ríos

 To whom may concern:

     My name is Patricia Alonso and I am studying B.A. in ELT. I know Laura Ríos since high school. She was my classmate and we have been friends for five years. During these years of friendship we have created strong ties. We share great moments and that is why I know what she is able to do. Her most noticeable strengths are responsability, sociableness, and intelligence.

Laura Rios is a responsible and hard-worker girl. She studied Computing at Conalep. Her hard work is reflected in  everything she does.While we were studying at high school, she proved to be a trustful person. I could count on her because she would help to do works . Laura is intelligent and a quick learner. Her best subjects are English, Maths, Chemistry, and Physics. These subjects are easy for her. She also made her social service at Hospital de la mujer. There she learnt to manage Excel. She has studied English since elementary school, therefore her level is advanced. Since her English was fluent, she used to help classmates. Talking about the way she is,she is sure of herself. This self confidence allows her to fight for what she wants. Since she is sociable, she is able to get along with people and colleagues. The personnel of your company will feel comfortable.

Laura has strengths as responsibility, astuteness with different subjects, and cooperative attitude. These attributes make a good option for your company.  As her English is fluent, the company may be satisfied with the assistance she could offer to clients. They will feel satisfied. Since the company attends English native speakers, hiring people with a high level of English is ideal.            

Cordially:

Ana Patricia Alonso Fernandez.

UAA Student

Purpose Statement

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius. The purpose of wanting a job as a translator is so that I can practice Japanese language in a pleasant environment. This language has been always interesting for me and working in a place where I can use it would be ideal for me. Since I want to learn something new every day I must be attentive to new knowledge that I can get from my colleagues. Not only be alert to new knowledge but I need to study hard in order to have an advanced level of Japanese.  Though I may face difficult situations such as people that are more prepared than me I will practice hard even on my free time.

Also in this job, I need people to rely on whereas I need to be a person that people can rely on too. I will demonstrate that people can count on me. Another key point is that I want a job where I can get along with my co-workers in a good and friendly environment. This can be achieved through promoting a good relationship with my co-workers and teamwork. Finally, a cooperative attitude among workers will help to improve common goals.

Three helpful tips to be a good teacher.

What kind of teacher are you? Since this is a common question, most of teachers ask themselves what is the description of a good teacher. Sometimes, they are afraid of not being a good teacher. Although the answer of this question is not very difficult, here are listed three aspects to consider. Good attitude, strong vocation, and wide knowledge are some notable characteristics of a good teacher.

First, a good attitude towards students is vital in a classroom. Good does not mean just to have lots of fun in the classroom, but a cheerful class keeps students interested. Classes can be boring sometimes,  yet a teacher can transform an ordinary class into an amazing one. To achieve this goal, a comfortable environment is significant. In the same way, it includes respectful treatment from both parties. A teacher is the primary promoter of  this process.   

Secondly, English teachers need a strong vocation. While they need to feel deep devotion for teaching, love for their students is equally important. After all, teaching involves more aspects than talking to a big group. A teacher can face a lot of difficult situations, so they can feel insecure. When this situation occurs, teachers need strength to continue. For this reason, they can rely on their vocation to go on and face those circumstances. On the contrary, a teacher without this calling, cannot enjoy this experience. A vocation is a tool for teachers as the same as a wide knowledge.

Finally, students trust what the teacher say, so they need wide knowledge to teach them correctly. Since students ask even the most unimaginable questions, teachers must be ready to answer those doubts. Students want clear answers, and it is the  teachers' responsibility to give to them. Knowledge refers to intelligence when giving class. Teachers who are open-minded know that they can learn from students too. In essence, teaching requires constant training.    

          Good attitude, a solid vocation, and large-scale knowledge are aspects that describe a good teacher. Since a good attitude with students promotes meaningful learning, teachers need to establish a good rapport . A solid vocation is the basis to fulfil teaching goals, but ample knowledge is basic and needs continual training. For the most part, these previous traits give some characteristics that teacher can follow.

     English teachers need strong vocation in order to give a good class. teaching involves more aspects than talk to a group. As it is known, a teacher can face a lot of situations so they can feel insecure. For this reason, they can rely on their vocation to go on. Students trust what the teacher say so they need patience to teach them correctly. It has been told that vocation, coupled with knowledge is necessary for a good class.     

 

     Teaching English is an exhaustive duty of continuos traning. They need something else than just a lot of knowledge. Given that, they need to be prepared if they want to feel satisfied with their work. Some times, students will ask even the most inimaginable questions. For this reason, teachers must be ready to answers those doubts. Students want clear answers, and it is teachers' responsability to give them. After all, teaching English require constant training.