Brainstorm... with sunny spells

Technology's influence on my language learning has surprised me for six today.

Whilst doing some 'light' reading on the presence of the french language around the world, especially in the minority countries I stumbled upon language exercises encompassing my memory of the documents that I had just read. Interestingly, there was no warning of these excercises when I launched into the articles, in fact, had I known, I actually wonder if I would've even read them in the first place

- "Poppycock!"

Such excercises popped up as soon as pressed 'home' to go back to base for another article. These varied consisted of 'cloze', matching and translating excercises.

Sans doute, c'est vraiment interessánt.

What's more... when reading these articles I was using two tabs, one with the english version of the article and the other with the translated french version.

- "Oooh lá lá!"

"what's in the shopping trolley dear?"

Shopping in ALDI or LIDL stimulates my language learning experience, but technology plays no part...
If such chains were to follow TESCO's footprints and set up online shopping then we would be knocking down the boundaries of 'A Learning Environment' with full force.

The common argument amongst language learners appears to be that technology doesn't play an important role in their language learning experience, suggesting that they could push on leaving it behind. However impossible learning without technology may be, doing such a thing is only moving in the opposite direction to the world, backwards. As a result of this resentment to change, there will be a negative reflection on the work of the learner.

I embrace diversity in my learning experience with open arms. Amongst the products that I purchased today, not one of them was Irish or English. Germany is the predominant supplier of ALDI's stock, but nonetheless unbeknown to me half my trolley was filled with french and spanish products.

Am I subconsciously drawn to these products because they are made in the countries of my languages of study???

Such a thought intrigues me.

Any day-to-day activity can be transformed into a learning experience if it is driven by determination. So, if you find yourself in ALDI or LIDL in the near future, pay attention to which products you throw in the trolley.

ps: Online shopping with ALDI/LIDL, watch this space....

Another Won bytes the dust…

Sir Prise
Won

- “Hurry! ….. (whistle blows)……… Quickly……… Jump on!

- “I cordially welcome you aboard The Surprise Ride.
Congratulations on getting this far, you are one of the privileged ones who has made it on time.”


- “Phew, Phooof, Phwoarrrrrr, I’m scared….”


- “I beg your pardon, allow me to introduce myself, they call me, Sir Prise. We are going on a journey together to explore the ‘Surprise-world’ of CALL, there is nothing that won’t happen on this ride, except boredom… obviously!”


- “Bu…bu….bu…bu…butt…ttt..t, is there a wi-fi zone onboard?”


- “Young fellow, our first course of travel is; Tabletology. What you will experience is nothing short of revolutionary.”


- “My name is Won, and I am truly honoured to be apart of The Tabletography Expedition.”


- “Won, it is a pleasure. Join me in the cocktail lounge for a Tablihito or a Tabletoliton?”


- “I believe we are going to change the world”

Una fairytale Infantil...

This Spanish assignment couldn’t be more suited to fit me. The once upon a times, the ugly ducklings, the frogs, the princesses and the happily ever afters are soon to be shown the door, and how to close it from the other side.

Además, estoy en casa (Mallorca, España) por unos días. Hace casí un ano mi familia se ha mudado aquí. Aunque no los veo como frecuentemente que antes, nuestra vida ahora es como una cuenta fantasía. Entonces ya tengo bastante inspiración para escribir un libro en lugar de solamente una cuenta!

That’s right! Pixar hold on to your pride, for this Bear is on the prowl with a stash of Surprises up her sleeve. Soon you will be buying my enchanting tales of this magical place for your box office movies.

La escena ahora reflexiona mi idea de la felicidad. Veo unas ondas en la piscina hacían par la brisa suave, Óleo el café fresco, Oyó el sonido de los perros jugando en el jardín y del loro hablando a mis hermanas. Siento el sol sobre todo mi cuerpo.

In itself the scene before me is a fairytale. Being subjected to this degree of Happiness has shown me that; peace of mind, love, success (and all that comes with them) all go hand in hand with each other, we just have to establish the right balance. There is no recipe or guideline to follow, each of us must determine our own balance, through recognising our priorities.

Es cierto que la felicidad es sencilla. Si aprendemos disfrutar la vida por lo que tenemos, la felicidad y la paz seguirán. Riqueza no da la felicidad.

You have heard the proverb; “All that glitters is not gold” – think about that.

El ano pasado aprende una lección que cambió mi vida. Quiero compartirlo con ustedes luego.

In the meantime, try balancing on life.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh-tishhhhhhhhhh-ooooooooooooo

My fingers are literally stroking the keys as I type. Top-pal (A.K.A: Laptop) and I are both recovering from a Vernacular (invented) Virus - VV just sings drama. Following a heavy dosage of; Cough-meddi, Uniflu, Strepsils and other painkilling / numbing materials we have come to the conclusion that, hot water with lashings of lemon, honey and ginger really knocks any antibiotic out of the park.

Lectures have not seen much of me, nor has anyone else for that matter. Hence whilst cooped up in my boudoir, I have been chomping at the bit to blog all week, but when top-pal is out of the game, then the ball comes to a grinding halt. There was a stage when we couldn't even be exposed to wireless or suchlike, this was when the VV was at it's peak.

Today took the biscuit, in several respects... It included; A (car!) breakdown, Deportion from several computer labs on campus, Copious amounts of coughing and Getting locked out of the house ..... (wait for it) ..... in the rain! However out of every bad, I like to derive not a good, but a thought.............

........"Aaaaaaaaaahhh-tishhhh-ooooooo"

- Á tu souhait, Toplab!............

.........During one of the lab stints I was in the heat of blog-bleaaah, when I got kicked out because of a shortage of computers for a class. Mehhh made in heaven at the time which caused serious disgruntlement on my part as I had to dump my half written rant.

"Yes and, why did this happen?"

Lets dig! It is possible that such a negative blog would have dampened the mood of my on-going upbeat blog, or perhaps in getting thrown out, I left the chips that were on my shoulder behind. Looking into these things only gives them more clarity, which in turn, makes them easier to accept and understand. The harder I polish, the more they shine.

A heartfelt thank you to those who made today (and this sickweek) so... extraordinary. Lesson learned; Never again will I take Toplab's health (nor my own!) for granted. We are ripping it up along the road to recovery.

My belief that everything happens for a reason has been re-enforced. Finding the reason is the adventure. A hero of mine puts his worldwide success and achievement down to these words;

"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever"

He is of course, The Lance Armstrong.

I say; "NEVER QUIT!

Withstand whatever pain is induced for there is ALWAYS reasoning behind it."

Cutting wires,

Button up and be on edge because October is upon us. Turn that frown upside down for it has brought a surprise; wireless Internet.

".......Surprise!"

It feels gratifying and fulfilling to have survived September in a 'disconnected' house.
'Skype' and those with it became accustomed to my constant 'offline' status, 'Bebo' basically abandoned me and 'Myspace' almost merged into 'Nospace'. To you, Lord/Lady Reader this may sound entirely dependant and petty of me, but it is the heartfelt truth. I need connection, without wires.

"....... Surprise"

Mr. Swissmem Stick spent September swanning around his swagger stick in hand, proud as punch that he was on show and in demand. The minutes wasted on; waiting for and logging onto the computers on campus and then then saving all necessary notes and whatnot to Mr. Swissmem would be interesting findings. Think, it would've allowed 'X' more minutes in bed or something else sincerely worthwhile.

"....... Surprise!"

Last year, while living on campus I was armed with broadband. This indeed beats the 'disconnected' status hands down. However, when there is a red snake stuck between your computer and the wall, it has it's restrictions. Now, there are no strings attached, literally. Within 10 minutes of getting connected I was giving Matt (my man) a tour of my house. Although he is on the other side of the pond (Amsterdam) we can now potter aimlessly about - together.

"....... Surprise!"

Agreed, no wires cost more then wires.
But, while spending a little extra on this walkabout connection one invests in time, understood?
And, I believe that time is invaluable in university, is it not?

"....... Surprise!"

Think of being connected in the kitchen, in the TV room, in the bed or even on the loo(?)! The opportunities are endless.
Do you want to walk, talk, work, eat, dance and read simultaneously?
Cut your wires and you've got it. Don't miss the connection train. Hurry!

The question is;
"Will my academic learning sky rocket or nose dive as a result of this?"

And the answer will mainly be determined by the degree to which I apply myself to my number one priority; which as of yet has to be decided!



So, my Lords and Ladies, I leave you with a little thought...


"Are you catching the wireless connection train?"


PS "....... Surprise!"

The Perfect 'Match'

Ireland V's France is the talk of the nation these days, this match will come and go. Despite the fact that it will be played on their side of the pond, the support for the Irish could outnumber that of the french. Surprise! Nonetheless, regardless of the outcome most will have moved on to the new opposition by next week. Cos' Lets face it, we're going to win.

Language V's Technology is an on-going match. Neither competitors dominate the came consistently which proves that the match will never end. A language without technology would crash, and vice versa.

So, you wonder; "why aren't they on the same team then?"

These two long term rivals are constantly competing to keep up with each other whilst one is always trying to outrun the other. Hence, the degree interest, inspiration and stimulation stirred up by the game itself.

Unbeknown to us we rely on technology for our everyday learning of Languages. Oh, you also didn't realise that you are learning everyday either? Hakuna; been there, worn the tee shirt. I discovered this the hard way; when a piece of technology (usually attached to my hip) was taken away from me. That is; my laptop.

After contracting a deadly virus, I send it to the doctors, we were only apart for a weekend and a bit. In which time, my language learning hit a wall.
Spell check, Online translators, Grammar workshops, Correspondence with foreign friends and skype to name a few all went on holiday for the weekend, and I suffered from their absence. On return of the machine in a million, my languages and I picked up our pace and ran like the clappers, right through the wall that stood in our way.

Now we are full speed ahead but are whole-heartily happy that technology is back in the game with a vengeance. Such competition keeps us on our toes whilst keeping my language learning at an optimum.

Some may say; "The luck of The Laptop" but I assure you that the only result in this infinate match-come-marathon will be a tie.

A match made in heaven don't you think?!

The first byte...

Welcome Wonderful World!

Lets take an apple; The King of The Fruit Family.
It all kicked off in The Garden of Eden right?!

Apple rolled on and became The King of Technology without delay.
and its 'ipod' is the heir to the throne.
Yes!
One could say that The 'ipod' has taken the font seat of the carriage and thrown apple's computers and extended technology family into the back.


As The Power of NOW is invincible,
thus, now I think it fair to say;

"Me, Myself and ipod."

to be continued...