Spanish 2, Week 6 Update
Sra. Odom - Spring 2015
Communication is critical, especially right now!
We are in the midst of one winter storm after another right now and some schools have been out for weeks, while others may not have missed at all. Thankfully, the course never closes and is open 24/7, as long as there is internet access! :-) Some students have computer access at home, while others do not. It's extremely important that you, as the ELA (and parent), remind your students to communicate with me (and any other online teachers) or contact me/us yourself regarding whether or not students do or don't have course access to complete assignments. This should be done in a timely manner, as it occurs, so I can work with students, as needed to get caught up. Assignments have a set closing schedule (per schedule of assignments listed below), so I have to know if/when specific students need special access to create that for them or else they will get behind. The best way for you to contact me is via email at teryn.odom@ncpublicschools.gov. If you don't have email, texting is the next best method at 704.336.9168. Calling by phone is the least effective method. I appreciate your help in this matter!
A Note on Grades
Please remember that any incomplete/missing assignments are calculated as 0s. If a student is behind, any work that should be done (or was missed/skipped) is being calculated as a 0. This is one of the reasons that it is SO important for students to stay on track (or ahead) and used the Schedule of Assignments (linked below) as a check-off list/agenda! Also, remember, if/when looking at grades in Moodle, make sure to look at the "Quarter 1" average. If you/your student/s have ANY questions about grades/feedback, etc., please let me know! :-)
Week 6 Assignments Due
Students should be finishing up all assignments in Unit 3 this week. As such, the following assignments are due this week:
**Unidad 3 - Required Live Class** - (during week 5 or week 6)
Lección 4
_____ Práctica de Vocabulario
_____ Actividades de Vocabulario
_____ Prueba de Vocabulario
_____ Práctica de Gramática
_____ Escuchar
_____ Escribir
Lección 5
_____ Práctica de Vocabulario
_____ Actividades de Vocabulario
_____ Prueba de Vocabulario
_____ Práctica de Gramática
_____ Actividad Cultural
_____ Proyecto Final
Unit 3
- Tues, 2/24 @ 4 pm
- Wed, 2/25 @ 9 am
- Wed, 2.25 @ 8 pm
- Thurs, 2/26 @ 7 pm
Are you or your students confused about the eLinguaFolio? Check out video below!
Keys to Students' Success
The main keys to being successful are:
- completing all assignments (*well and on time*) (using the Schedule of Assignments), reading the announcements/learning block daily, checking/reading messages daily
- going through the direct instruction and practice as slow as needed to understand the material
- taking/studying notes, reviewing the grades/feedback for all assignments to see what was missed and why
- attending the required synchronous sessions
- asking questions when something doesn't make sense and/or more explanation/practice is needed
Students who need help
Students are required to attend Required Live Classes throughout the course (at least one per unit/module), which is a virtual classroom environment that allows for complete interaction with the teacher and other students. As such, questions are often answered in these sessions. However, if/when a student needs additional help, he/she should first ask me, the teacher. If I'm not available and it's a quick question, he/should should take advantage of the NCVPS Peer Tutoring Center's Quick Questions via BB IM. If more serious content tutoring/remediation is needed, the student/s can request one-on-one tutoring with me and/or a peer tutor. If a student is weary, nervous, and/or conscientious about taking the class online, he/she can request a Virtual Buddy from the NCVPS Peer Tutoring Center for moral support, technical assistance, and more. See the video below for complete details on the PTC (information is located in the course as well).
Do your computers meet the NCVPS Tech. Requirements?
Click here to see the most up-to-date list. Please note that students should have a headset w/ microphone OR a computer with built-in speakers and microphone.
Click here for NCVPS Virtual Support/Help Desk!
The NCVPS Virtual Support Center is available for technical assistance (for which I cannot do/help). They can be reached via phone during business hours or any time via Help Desk ticket.
About Me
Let me introduce myself. My name is Teryn Odom and I am from Charlotte, but currently live in Raleigh. I graduated with Bachelor's degrees in Spanish, Psychology (and Education) from UNC-Charlotte and am a NC Teaching Fellow. I earned my Master's in International Studies from NC State University. I am now taking classes to earn my add-on administration certification online from UNC-Wilmington. I am currently an online Spanish Teacher, Instructional Leader and Course Development Team Leader for North Carolina Virtual Public School. I also have the pleasure of serving as an Advisory Board Member for NCVPS. In addition to my work at NCVPS, I teach the professional development course, Teaching World Languages Online, for LEARN NC as needed and work as a consultant/contractor for the NC Department of Public Instruction. I have taught middle school, high school and post-secondary at Wake Technical Community College. I love spending time with my husband and two sons, traveling, photography, reading, listening to music, experimenting with technology tools, researching, fishing, cooking, gardening, and playing with my two yorkies. I have traveled to over 21 different countries (including over 140 cities) and lived in three (Spain, Costa Rica & Mexico). My goal is to visit each Spanish-speaking country and each continent at least once. I have a fervent desire to create and innovate new learning opportunities for individuals in North Carolina and throughout the world. In fact, one of my research interests has been promoting sustainability in countries around the world through distance learning. As a language teacher, I strive to teach critical life skills and build character in addition to teaching and promoting language and culture. I know that all students/people are not language lovers, but all students/people can learn another language and have fun while doing so! :-)
Email: teryn.odom@ncpublicschools.gov
Website: www.freewebs.com/srabivens
Location: Raleigh, NC, United States
Phone: 704.336.9168
Twitter: @sraodom