getting there

Have enjoyed the course and learned a lot about blogging. Still feel a bit overwhelmed and need to continue if I want to learn more and really use this when I start teaching again. It still remains a challenge for me to stay in front of the computer with summer coming and the many actitivities to do outside. I was like a little child when I received a comment from a fellow member and read their messages. Thank you to those who took the time to read and comment. A bit thank you to Illya and Jennifer for all of their hard work and really quick answers to questions:) I can imagine the positive aspects of using a blog with a class as it allows the students to communicate with each other when they have time, outside of the classroom and allows them to reflect on their posts or their comments. In class, they must answer right away (sometimes). Of course there are many other uses of blogs but this is the first that came to mind:)

widgets

Have looked at the tutorials and installed 2 widgets. There are so many on the web that it is hard to select. Would like to try it out for a while and see how valuable they are to my teaching. I am wondering how to get them off the blog.

week 3

My goal this week is to join a few discussions and see where this leads. I have read the blogs that are listed on the main page and enjoyed seeing the different ideas that the members have. I am a bit surprised at how much time it took for me to understand the basics. Somehow, time flies when I am on the computer and the next thing I know it is alreaday so late. I have learned a lot with the readings, the videos and the practical side of this course. I still wouldn't know how to begin something like this with a class but would probably need to just "do it"!!!

new culture

Today is Banntag in Hersberg. A few months ago I had never heard of this word before even though I have been living in Switzerland for almost 10 years now. The idea is to walk along the borders of the village with the residents and then there is a big party. During the "hike" someone carries the village flag and there are gun shots and a speech. It's too bad that I didn't feel very sociable today and we decided to stay at home and be efficient. We made a list of what we still needed to do in our new apt.

I haven't given much more thought to all of the options available for a teacher but think that a trip to the "Berufszentrum" would be a good idea. New area- new possibilities...

first option

Here is my situation: I would like to get back to work part-time as an English or French teacher. I have two small children and a husband who works full-time. I used to work as a high school teacher in Stans but there is too much additional work involved as a teacher at this level. the extra-curricular activities are an interesting part of teaching as are the ped days but they require too much extra involvement at the moment considering the family situation. I would like to explore the different options available: business English, EAP, tutoring, online teaching...

Let's start with business English. I have never taught any business English. I would be happy to hear from someone who has done this type of teaching. What kind of diploma is needed? Who teaches Business English?...

online course

I'm enjoying the online course even though I am not someone who loves to sit in front of the computer. I am aware that this is a great tool that can be used with students of many levels and that there are many different ways of using this. As a beginner, it can sometimes be a bit frustrating as it is taking up quite a lot of my time without really getting much done in terms of producing anything. I am still at the theory stage and need to read and see what there is before I can really produce anything. As such, it is a good lesson for me as I am put in the role of the student and am reminded of how they might sometimes feel when they are learning English.

The second week of the course seems to be really practical and will enable me to use this "blog" world. I am both nervous and excited. I also feel that this is a sort of diary and don't really feel comfortable writing to strangers on the Internet. I guess I am still part of the "shy" generation even though I know that it is a useful tool.

Since I am looking to start working part-time again but am a bit overwhelmed at the different opportunities available for an English teacher, I would like to use this blog to write down my ideas and the pros and cons. I am hoping that with the many other teachers on this course I will get enough feedback, suggestions or new ideas to help me along the way. Thank you in advance:)