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First.egg on Aviary.

As a teacher, I'm still learning...

This is my 4th year teaching in Budapest. I've been at the same school all these years. After teaching the same thing year after year, I sometimes forget what/how I should be teaching. At the mid-year mark, I asked my students what they think we shoud do to make their English better. I got lots of responses from students, such as "play more games" and "watch more English movies (with subtitles.)"

I feel that in the right environment, those could be very good activities. But why? Well, a young lady wrote this response to my question, and I wanted to share it with you all. For her privacy, I'm not publishing her name, but I did get her permission to share it.

(I have not edited this at all)
"Speaking English is VERY important to me. Not just because I wouldn't ever get a diplom without having at least one language exam. English is really a beautiful language, I can be myself while using it.

I think we should help each other in a way that really helps. I mean the first thing the others shoud "learn" is how to enjoy speaking English. For a long time, I don't care so much about my marks anymore, I'm just trying to enjoy speaking, improving my knowledge. It means a lot more to me to watch a flm in English and understand it without subtitle, than to get a 5 in school.

So maybe watching more films would help. Or a nother good thing is I think reading. So maybe we could read more books in English. But I guess it would eb difficult to chose one that everyone likes, so each of us could find a book for him/herself. Than give a bookreport, or just talk about it after reading it.
Well, I hope my ideas will help you!"

What wisdom from an 11th grader. Wow...a student wanting more than a mark (grade) as a reason to learn a language.

Virtual Experience

As part of my preparation to enter the world of EdTech, I joined Second Life. It's been quite a learning experience. I pretty much hang out in educational regions (mostly ISTE Island) where I've met other educators who use technology.
This evening, I was part of a tour of a teaching hospital designed for medical students/interns. It was neat to see all that they had created for simulations. I was part of a surgery, sat in a delivery room bath, and even operated a mammogram machine. Talk about attention to detail, there were even hand-washing stations!

It was a bit cumbersome with 20 other avitars on the tour. With a slow connection and computer, I spent a lot of time bumping into walls, and having my view blocked by other people or equipment I couldn't get around. Getting around Second Life is like learning to walk and talk again. The tour guide did have a voice system, so I could just listen.

I know some of the classes I would take for the M.E.T. actually take place in SL. I'm a little excited. I'm glad that one requirement is that the students should have about 20 hours of SL experience. I've still got some work to do.

One thing I found is that there are a lot of very nice people who hang out in SL. Other educators and students! I've met and made friends with several. They've helped me with changing my avitar's appearance, and teleporting from place to place. Some people I've talked to in Real Life, are skeptical about SL. They think it's just for gaming and less moral activities. But, just like Real Life, there's no limit to what you can do in SL. I've found a couple of places that hold actual ESL classes! Native teachers meet with students around the world and hold English classes.

The more I learn about new technology, the more excited I'm getting about getting my M.E.T. Here are some screenshots from the tour.

Lying on an examination table in the ER.


Washing my hands.


Getting an x-ray.

Final Decision...

About this time the past 3 years, I've made a decision. It's always been an easy one. But this year is a little harder, because I know the outcome will be different. It's around this time that I decide whether or not to return to Hungary and teach with ESI.

So, this year, the decision is different. My time in Hungary is coming to a close...for now...for the foreseeable future. I've decided that it's time to "re-enter" and make some changes in direction and career. I've loved my time in Hungary, and it's not a matter of "culture fatigue" or "stress." Living here has really been a joy. It's a strange feeling: having peace, but still being sad. I'm sad to leave Hungary...a country and people I love. But I have peace that this is the right decision for this time.

I'm ready for a change. To this experience's credit, this is the longest I've ever done anything. Four years in the same job! Even at 36, for me, that's an accomplishment. I've given the last 6 years of my life to Hungary. It's been well spent...definately worth it.

I'm sure many of you have questions, so here's the FAQ:

1. When are you returning to the States?

I'll be back in the States the end of June. After the ePortfolio conference in London, I'll fly to D.C. to atten NECC (National Educational Computing Conference). Then mom and I are taking a trip to Boston for the 4th of July to see the Boston Pops' "Pops Goes the Fourth."

2. Where will you live? Alaska? Washington?

I'll be in Puyallup, Washington, living with my mom for at least the first year. This is so I can work on my masters in Educational Technology, and mom and I can work on our book. Yes, we're planning to write a book. Again...more on that later. We're also planning on doing some worshops and working more closely on Ed. Tech. stuff. Of course, a visit (or two) to Alaska will be in the works. :-)

3. What's next?

I'm going to work on my Masters in Educational Technology. That was part of the decision to move back. While I COULD remain overseas and work on the degree, I think for such a huge undertaking, it would be best to be home. I think it's fitting that I make this announcement using technology!

4. (Hungarian friends) Will we ever see you again?

Of course! I'll be back to visit, at least! Thinking about summer 2010!

So, there it is.

I appreciate your prayers as I prepare to close up my life (and flat) in Hungary. I'll have lots of items for sale, including kitchen items, clothes, furniture, DVDs, and a bicycle!

Hope you have a blessed day!

Erin

Back 'n' Forth

That's where I am as far as making a decision about next year. I don't feel any reason to leave Hungary. I've invested 4+ years of my life here. Over 4 years of learning the language, how to get around, and adapting to the culture. So why leave? Plus, moving back to the States, I would need to get a job. I'm not sure how the economy would effect my ability to do that. Plus, I have a great deal here with housing/health insurance/access to a classroom.

I wrote to Boise State, and a representative from the EdTech program wrote back with information on the program. The fact that they encourage students responding to assignaments from the point of view of whom they teach. Very cool. How can I use technology with my ELLs? Also, the program seems very interactive. Good for me...knowing my learning style.

So...leaning towards staying. Step closer to grad school.

Thankful

I'm thankful for lots of things. Here's a recent list. No particular order...just as they come to me:

1. Salvation and a Way to the Heavenly Father!
2. His grace in my life as I really need it sometimes.
3. His people. So blessed!
4. His provision.
5. My family.
6. The fact that we finally got our own internet connection!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving! Spend it with someone you love! Tell them you're thankful for them!

God Bless...and I'm thankful for you; for reading!

Erin

Surgery update

Hello all,

Just wanted to take a moment to fill you all (some for the first time...sorry) in on my upcoming surgery. Tomorrow morning (Monday) I'll go to the hospital here in Budapest for the "pre-op" stuff and meet with the anesthesiologist and get set for surgery on Tuesday. I won't have to spend the night on Monday.

I'm going to have a procedure called F.E.S.S. (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.) I've got polyps and tissue completely blocking my ethmoid sinuses. Those are the ones right between the eyes. It's meant lots of headaches and frequent sinus infections. I've been dealing with this for about a year. They polyps were discovered last spring. So, they're going in to clean me out. Someone said it sounds like a "roto-rooter" procedure. That's kind of what they're doing.

So it's a relatively minor surgery and will only have to remain in the hospital for one night, then two weeks on "house arrest" after that. I've gotten a sub for my classes (pray for Marcus!) and my mom's even here to help take care of me! I really like the doctor and he's very patient with my many questions and he's said to be the best ENT in Budapest.

I should be back to e-mail/blog/facebook by Wednesday evening (Hungary time.)

Feel free to check my blog or Facebook for updates.

Pray that the surgery goes well, and for a complete recovery.

Blessings,
Erin