Blog/Anthology Finalization Details

Our group has just about finished finalizing the details for our blog/anthology. It has already been created, shared with all members, customized with a theme, and is now fully set up and ready for members to begin posting their reviews. The details of our blog are as follows:

1. Blog Name: Marianas Local Favorites

2. Description:
The blog will feature reviews of our favorite local businesses, foods, and destinations throughout Guam and our neighboring Mariana Islands. Each group member will contribute at least two reviews from any of the topics listed below.

3. Review Topics:

• Favorite Local Businesses (art, jewelry, retail, restaurants/food trucks, and other locally owned businesses)
• Favorite Places to Visit/Relax (leisure destinations, hiking spots, sports facilities, music & nightlife, night markets, etc.)
• Favorite Foods (barbecue, burgers, pastries, desserts, drinks, local specialties, favorite items from mom-and-pop stores, etc.)

4. Post Requirements:
Each review will include detailed information about the topic, photos or videos, and contact information, if available.

PD894 Class Photo

J. Dela Cruz - Reflection for June 13 meeting

 It was nice to attend the ILA meeting and to witness the installation of the officers for this year. Though they are the same individuals, its great to see their committment to ILA. It is always great to continue the promotion of reading and literacy to the children of our island. I love how books are donated to community groups such as Erica's house and the Lion's club. Thank you Dr. Rivera for the opportunity to attend this event. It was really nice. 

Also, I appreciate the clarification for our class blog for this course. It gives us all a better understanding. I am excited with our theme; "Local Favorites" 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Week 2: Resources Reflection

Week 2 provided more useful and interesting resources. I liked how the PIBBA Blog helps keep Pacific Islanders from different cultural backgrounds informed about news, events, and activities. It’s a great way to stay connected and learn what’s happening across the region, no matter where you live. I also enjoyed exploring TeachThought. I like that it offers evidence-based teaching strategies and resources for educators. The article about the One-to-One classroom was especially interesting, and I appreciated how organized and clean the website was.

My favorite resource this week was The Guardian article about screen-free days for students, teachers, and parents. It was interesting to read how a simple idea from students encouraged both teachers and parents to rethink their own screen habits. We often hear about the negative effects of screen time on children, but we don’t talk as much about how it impacts adults. As teachers, we remind students not to use their phones in class, yet it’s not uncommon to see adults at school checking their social media or emails during the school day. As a parent, I’ve also experienced times when my kids wanted to play or ask my something, but I was focused on work on my phone or computer. Even though I was working, I realized it could make them feel like I wasn’t fully present. Sometime last year, I started noticing that I was spending more time on my phone at home than I wanted to, so I've made a conscious effort to leave it in another room whenever possible. Like some of the parents mentioned in the article, this has helped reduce distractions and allowed me to be more present with my family.

The idea of a screen-free day at school is something I would love to try. I know it would probably receive negative responses from both students and teachers, but it would be interesting to see how everyone responds and whether it could have a positive impact on engagement throughout the school day.

Reflection for Week 2 (Jun 8-12): Readings on Articles & Video References

Week 2:  Reflection on Readings / References

I love the resources & references presented this week because they provided me with clear understanding on the usage of blog,  The difference between Wiki, blog, and podcast is clearly explained. Now, I am confident to share with my peers and develop blog for our CHamoru teaching activities in the program.  This way we can network on our lesson topics and develop activities shared by one another through blog publishing. 

TeachThought is another reference that linked with Critical Thinking, Assessment and Learning Theories that are useful in teaching methodology. These are vital references also in asking questions to ensure that students are learning the objectives as well as the students could develop questions to further their curiosity on the assigned lessons.  I also opened the link on Educational Technology by David Lee and the presentation and examples provided was clear and concise.  I enjoyed this presentation.

Thank you Dr. Rivera for providing us the opportunity to engage on these references.

J. Dela Cruz - Reflection for Week 2 Readings/Resources

 I appreciate all the resources and reading for this week. This helps with creating a blog. Blogging is important when posting information on the website. I feel that we need to monitor our students when accessing the internet. Some information may not be appropriate for them.  

I do believe that the use of the internet can be both good and bad, and the importance of monitoring both our children and students is essential. As a parent, I try my best to monitor my children's social media. I try to at least let them know of my expectations on what they are viewing and what they are posting. I just only hope that my children listen and understand where I am coming from. 

I am also glad that Dr. Rivera shared the other blogs from the past classes. This gives us an idea of what is expected in our class blog assignment. I enjoyed seeing them again. 

Reflection on Story Time, June 6th

 The read aloud at the library was so much fun! One of my favorite things to do is read aloud to kids and get them as engaged as possible. It was awesome that there were children physically present, because sometimes it is more challenging to interact in a read aloud in a virtual setting. 

Estella's read aloud was also fantastic and relevant to the kids. The children were engaged and actively listening. It was great that it was a topic that all children can relate to!