Can you keep a Secret?

Secrets, secrets, secrets.....

A. Read and answer the following questions, discuss them with your partners:


1.Can you keep a secret?
2.Have you ever revealed someone’s secret?
3.Who do you confide your secrets to?
4.Did you keep a secret diary when you were a child?
5.Do you know anyone who is very secretive?
6.What are the most common secrets?
7.Has anyone ever confessed something to you?
8.Do you think men or women are more secretive?
9.Do you think it is wrong for the media to revealpeople’s secrets?
10.Is it good to have secrets?

B. Now, do you know these words?  if you don't... ask your partners.. don't just translate it to Spanish ..explain what it means in English. Check the dictionary if you are not sure.


trendy
cheerful
colourful
wonderful
insignificant

C. You are going to watch a film called Your Secret in which you have to think about a secret. Follow the instructions in the film, and then when you have finished tell your partner how you feel.

D. This is the transcript of the film. The transcript has some words missing, in pairs try to complete from what you remember of the film. Watch the film a second time to check your answers. Click here to see the answers.

Your Secret

Let’s make something ________ together. I mean you who are sitting watching this video andme. OK? Let’s think of something ________.Not something you would buy. Not something trendy.Something ________ and personal. Somethingcolourful. Something important. Something ________ (maybe for others, but not for you).Like how excited you were by ________ when youwere a kid. Like the smell of second-hand books or something only you can see and this will be our secret.Now, keep your eyes ________ and think of thisspecial thing until you’ve counted to 3. If you’rereading this, your eyes are now________. Unlessyou’ve got some special power and can see thingsbehind your closed eyes. Or unless you’ve ________ and haven’t closed them at all (which isn’t that bad,don’t worry)(Unless you haven’t even thought of your secret)(ButI know you did)Actually, I have seen your secret. It was ________.Thank you for ________ it with me. Did you like it? Idid. Now let’s make a deal. Let’s take time everydayto think of a beautiful secret, for instance, when youwake up. When you are taking a______. Anywhere,anytime. Don’t be scared, you are________. Your secret will always ________ between you and me.


E. Now, write a few sentences to answer these questions:

What do you think the message of the film is?
Did you like this message?


*************************************
Taken and adapted from:  A Free Lesson from FilmEnglish by Kieran Donagh

Bloggers Sep-Dec 2011

Well, these are the new generation of blogger of Sep-Dec2011 Trimester! Welcome Bloggers!
Marialejandra Aguilar http://marialeaguilar.blogspot.com/
Elias Alaña http://elias697.blogspot.com/
Lihex Andrade http://lihexandrade.blogspot.com/
Ricardo Briceño http://ricarducho.blogspot.com/
Jose Cepeda http://josercepeda.blogspot.com/
Jesus chirinos
Valeria D'angelis
Robert Medina http://robertmedinat.blogspot.com/
Andres Pacheco http://pache91.blogspot.com/
Carlos Palmar http://carlosapalmar.blogspot.com/
Virginia Perea http://viggiehasablog.blogspot.com/
Richard Primera http://ltprimera.blogspot.com/
Sara Sanchez http://sarii-saradesiree.blogspot.com/

How to make a mind map

For our project we should use mind maps to visualize what we want to communicate. This is what Wikipedia define as a Mind map:

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying andorganizing information, solving problems, making decisions, writing and speaking.The elements of a given mind map are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts, and are classified into groupings, branches, or areas, with the goal of representing semantic or other connections between portions of information. Mind maps may also aid recall of existing memories.

Now, this is an interesting video that shows up how to create a mind map:

Paraphernalia – a short animation

In modern usage, the word paraphernalia most commonly refers to equipment, apparatus, or furnishing used in or necessary for a particular activity. "wikipedia" 


Watch the following short story...


Paraphernalia from Sabrina Cotugno on Vimeo.

Paraphernalia from Sabrina Cotugno on Vimeo.

Now, read these questions and discuss them with your classmate:

Why is she all alone?
Where are her family?
Where was the gentleman heading?
Why did he crash?
Why had he invented such a wonderful flying machine?
What are your thought about the name of the short film?
Do you like the ending?

Now, Can you write a short dialogue for the story? What are the characters names? What do they say?. Record the dialogue and post it in your blog.... Work in pairs.. and have fun.. !!!

* this idea was adapted from a post shared by Tom Barret

and...... keep on shining Love and Peace!
Doris3m

First term April-July 2011

Well, hello there! I'd like you to meet Eugenia. She was a level 6 student back in 2008. At that time she created this presentation that now will help you create yours... smiles..

This is she.. talking about herself:

My full name is Eugenia Cristina and I'm a simple girl looking to make the most out of life. I love going out with my friends, I'm a total fanatic for design and I like to try different things. It is very important to know english because when you want to travel that will be the medium for which communication will become easier.

For this term you should include in your presentation the following:

1. About me (personal and school info), likes, dislikes, dreams, opinion about english.
2. Introduce a friend
3. What's your take on Beauty?
4. Technology.. Tell about chernobyl
5. About the video...

You can design your mind maps and record your voice in powerpoint. Upload it to your blog and be ready to present it to your class.

Well, this is our model for the first term... can't wait to see yours..
Keep on shining Love and peace!
Doris3m

Bloggers April-July 2011

Well, these are the new generation of blogger of April-July 2011 Trimester! Welcome Bloggers!

Katherine Alvarez http://kaath90.blogspot.com/
Jose Barrera http://joseb8.blogspot.com/
David Carroz http://david-ecblog.blogspot.com/
Miguel Fernandez http://thespaceofmiguel.blogspot.com/
Liz Fernandez http://lizzyfenglishvi.blogspot.com/
Gabriel Lugo http://gabriellugo-b.blogspot.com/
Nellerlyn Olmedillo http://nellerlynolmedillo.blogspot.com/
Fabiola Pereira http://olapereira.blogspot.com/
Mervin Rodriguez http://dumbixxx.blogspot.com/
Elimar Rojas http://earrblog.blogspot.com/
Francisco Rondon http://franciscorondon.blogspot.com/
William Sierra http://willywblog.blogspot.com/

The Door: a short film

Another fun task to discuss.

Watch the film and write a comment about it... where does it take place? why does the film is called the door?

THE DOOR - Short Film from Octagon Films on Vimeo.

Fall: a Machinima

Well, last class we discussed the video named Fall by Lainy Voom. A challenge was posted in Facebook for you to answer after watching the video:


Fall from Lainy Voom on Vimeo.
Love is both a beautiful and fragile thing....

What's the meaning of the word fall in this video?... here you can find some definitions: http://www.wordreference.com/definition/fall

Check the definitions. Which one fits better to the situation in the video?

Here we have some expresions and phrasal verbs using the word Fall

– phrases
fall foul (or N. Amer. afoul) of come into conflict with.
fall in (or into) line conform. [with ref. to military formation.]
fall into place begin to make sense.
fall over oneself to do something informal be excessively eager to do something.
fall short (of)
    * 1 (of a missile) fail to reach its target.
    * 2 be deficient or inadequate.
take the fall N. Amer. informal incur blame or punishment in the place of another.

– phrasal verbs
fall about Brit. informal laugh uncontrollably.
fall apart (or to pieces) informal lose one's capacity to cope.
fall back retreat.
fall back on have recourse to when in difficulty.
fall down fail.
fall for informal
    * 1 fall in love with.
    * 2 be deceived by.
fall in take one's place in a military formation.
fall in with
    * 1 meet by chance and become involved with.
    * 2 agree to.
fall on/upon
    * 1 attack fiercely or unexpectedly.
    * 2 (of someone's eyes) be directed towards.
    * 3 be the responsibility of.
fall out
    * 1 have an argument.
    * 2 leave one's place in a military formation.
    * 3 happen.
fall through fail.
fall to become the duty of.

Welcome April - July 2011 Class

Welcome, everybody!

This new trimester, we will be learning in a blended connected way. But what is that? you may be asking yourself. Well, let's try to explain what it is about. To start with:

1. It is mostly about learning and practicing your English.
2. You will be reading, listening to, writing and talking about different topics in English.
3. It is about learning English using technology. That means we will be using computers and internet to find real updated information concerning your different interests. We are going to experiment and play with new ways to learn autonomously. Learning for life. Learning to learn. Learning by doing. We will watching and listening to videos as well as making videos. We'll have the chance to use different tools to express our ideas and interact with people.
4. It is about learning and practicing your English in groups, in community. Be ready to meet students and teachers from the university and the world. Of course, there will be tasks you must complete on your own.

That was a general description of the course. Now, how the classes take place:

• If you can't come to classes, you can connect at home or wherever you have access to a computer and Internet.
• You need to get a google account, since we will using different tools provided by Google. make sure to register to Gmail, Google Reader, Google Talk, Google Doc, and Blogger
• Blogs are going to be your personal journals. There you will register everything we do in class. All your homework and tasks should be there.
• Every class will be a taken as a workshop or TALLER. Try not to miss your classes and if you do, keep your blog updated.
• Homework will be assigned for each one of the units covered in class. The dateline to hand in your homework will be the day of your test. It means you will have the chance to work on your blog till the exam day.
• Corrections to writing will be done through Google documents and with the help of tutors.. try to get one.. Go to Bloque F and meet our tutors. .or find a friend that watn to help you-
• We will also use social networks to keep in touch: Facebook and Twitter
• Get a microphone and headphones for this class. Register to Skype
• Get an avatar we will join a project on a virtual world. Register to Second Life to get your avatar.

Things you need to do to take this class:

• Get a Gmail account and register to Google services: reader, Google talk, reader and blogger.
• Get a blog at Blogger. For instructions on how to that get the power point presentation from our box or follow the tutorial prepared by Vance Stevens.
   

Well, hope you can learn a lot and have lots of fun in this class! Once more welcome everyone!

Keep on shining Love and Peace!
Doris3m

Welcome April - July 2011 Class

Welcome, everybody!

This new trimester, we will be working with The Speaking Group. But what is that? you may be asking yourself. Well, let's try to explain what it is about. To start with:

1. It is mostly about learning and practicing your English.
2. It is about learning English by talking about different topics. You will be reading, listening to, writing and talking about different topics in English.
3. It is about learning English using technology. That means we will be using computers and internet to find real updated information concerning your different interests. We are going to experiment and play with new ways to learn autonomously. Learning for life. Learning to learn. Learning by doing. We will watching and listening to videos as well as making videos. We'll have the chance to use different tools to express our ideas and interact with people.
4. It is about learning and practicing your English in groups, in community. Be ready to meet students and teachers from the university and the world. Of course, there will be tasks you must complete on your own.

That was a general description of the course. Now, how the classes take place:

• Classes are going to be held at the lab. I f you can't come to classes, you can connect at home or wherever you have access to a computer and Internet.
• You need to get a google account, since we will using different tools provided by Google. make sure to register to Gmail, Google Reader, Google Talk, Google Doc, and Blogger
• Blogs are going to be your personal journals. There you will register everything we do in class. All your homework and tasks should be there.
• Every class will be a taken as a workshop or TALLER. Try not to miss your classes and if you do, keep your blog updated.
• Homework will be assigned for each one of the units covered in class. The dateline to hand in your homework will be the day of your test. It means you will have the chance to work on your blog till the exam day.
• Corrections to writing will be done through Google documents.
• We will also use social networks to keep in touch: Facebook and Twitter
• Get a microphone and headphones for this class. Register to Skype
• Get an avatar we will join a project on a virtual world. Register to Second Life to get your avatar.

Things you need to do to take this class:

• Get a Gmail account and register to Google services: reader, Google talk, reader and blogger.
• Get a blog at Blogger. For instructions on how to that get the power point presentation from our box or follow the tutorial prepared by Vance Stevens.
   
• Benchmarks:
  At the end of this class. I should hav
  • Read my class guidelines
  • Met my new classmates
  • Worked with the introductory task
  • Registered at Google and have a Gmail account.
  • Registered to Google doc.
  • Downloaded Google Talk and activated my IM.
  • Downloaded Answers.com alt+ click software to my computer.
  • Opened my Blogger account and posted my first entry.

Well, hope you can learn a lot and have lots of fun in this class! Once more welcome everyone!

Keep on shining Love and Peace!
Doris3m

Fill in the Form and let us know about you!

Introduction to Second Life Viewer 2

These are resources that will help you on understanding how SL viewer 2 works...

1. Introduction to Second Life Viewer 2 - ICT4LT 
This is a woderful guide prepared  by Graham Davies

2. A video Introduction to Second Life Viewer 2

Russian Venezuelan Project!

Here, we have some more info on the project....

There should be 6 meetings every week starting next week. Let me know if it is not convenient for you or your students.

1st meeting: Getting to know each other. Interviewing about family/friends, personal likes/dislikes, character traits.

2nd meeting: Compare Venezuela and Russia: climate, cities, people, myths and stereotypes, why you are proud of your country, 3 things you like and 3 things you dislike about your country, places that are worth visiting

3rd meeting: Students' Daily Routine: typical working day, ways to relax, typical problems of a student, what you like and dislike of your being a student, opportunities for students

4th meeting: Home and Food: house/flat in your country - how people live, national cuisine, exchange a recipe, what food is popular, fast food and attitude to it

5th meeting: Hobbies: popular hobbies in the country, what books you read, what films you watch, what music you listen to (may be exchange some tracks), what sites you like on the web

6th meeting: Active Life: a sport you like to do or to watch, popular sport in the country, fans, extreme sports, dancing as a sport and as a hobby.

Well, these are our friends from Russia....

  1. Alice Sokolenko                                Leiver Caballero
  2. Dana Berdauletova                            Andreina Bohorquez
  3. Aleksander Kozhukhar                      Veronica Fernandez
  4. Natalia Kolesnik                                Freddy Siu
  5. Svetlana Ionas                                   Enyurelys Nava
  6. Lusine Yeghoyan                               Jose Mancini   levi vivas
  7. Maria Shelenberg                              Carlos Arrieta
  8. Anastasia Shakutneva                        Gerardo Guerra
  9. Maria Petina                                      Jose Mejias
10. Yulia Agafonova                                Daniel Ekmeiro
11. Kristina Gaponenko                          Gustavo Naveda
12. Milalika Plyasovskikh                        Luiggi Lozada    Gerardine Cubillan
13. Darya Shalabina                                Carlos Rodriguez  Pierangela Calini

A project proposal...

Well, we got invited to do something out of the ordinary... This is going to be our final project for this level. How would you like making friends with a Russian EFL student?.... Read the following project proposal from Professor Olga Scheglova, from Omsk:

Dear Doris and students,

I'm Olga Scheglova, an English teacher from Omsk, Siberia, Russia.  I visited your presentation at CO2011 and really liked it.

I thought that if you are interested, we could have a joint project with our students. The idea of the project is crosscultural communication. It is an opportunity to practice their speaking and writing in English, to learn more about people from another country (some of them are studying Spanish at the moment) and to introduce more technology in their lives.

My students are 17-18 y.o., there are 14 of them, their English level is intermediate (Some have upper-intermediate, some have pre-intermediate). They started learning English at school and now they continue to become translators.

The project can be as following: we pair up the students, first thay exchange e-mails and discuss when it is convenient for them to meet online. Then every 2 weeks they have a topic/ a question they have to ask their foreign partner in skype. After each conversation they write a report in a blog/forum about what they have learned. Also they are encouraged to read and comment each other's reports.  The final product can be a presentation "Now I know that in Venezuela/Russia..."

I wonder if the idea seems interesting to you. I'm looking forward to your answer.

Sincerely yours,
Olga

Omsk F. M. Dostoevsky State University

Well, I think this will be  a great opportunity for you to practice your English and meet new friends...all you will have to do it's to talk to your partner in Russia and tell him or her about our country.. You will report on your blog the conversations and at the end of the trimester your will introduce your friend to the class.

We'll try to meet them on line next Wednesday... please bring your mics...

Medieval Roleplaying in Arstonia in Second Life

Well, to start with the project.. we need to get an avatar and star thinking about your character. Here you can find some info on how to create an avatar for your medieval roleplay. First visit the Vilage's wiki:
The Village of Artstonia in Second Life

1. New Player Card Format
2. Character Creation Resource Page
3. RP Character Development Profile
4. Complete Character Sheet

Don't forget to include a photo of your character... this is Pionia Destiny.. a Master Mage in the Magic Guild:

Firts Term Jan-Apr 2011

Hello, there! for this frist term you'll grade will take what you have posted in your blog and your oral presentation.

In your blog I'd like to read and listen to about:

1. Your intro and welcome to your blog. Include your physical description. Leave your comment here: http://www.voxopop.com/topic/e6a27ec4-1897-485a-9643-377e40c0b3d0 This is a model: Welcome
2. Some info about your classmates.
3. Your take on beauty. http://www.voxopop.com/topic/b928e42f-945c-49fc-b59d-8e76c556c756
4. Your take on Technology. leave your comment here: http://www.voxopop.com/topic/b928e42f-945c-49fc-b59d-8e76c556c756
5. Your opinion about the Katy Perry Video. Firework: WE are all Fireworks!!!!!!!
6. A fun task: write a poem (optional) Fun EFL Task: Writing a Poem
7.  Got an avatar and wrote about it in your blog: this is an example.. Jose Mejias' blog

For the Oral presentation:
1. Look at Eugenia Cristina's presentation: http://eflcenterspeakinggroup.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-post.html
2. make a powerpoint presentation like hers... and record your voice  explaining the presentation.
3. Post it to your blog.
4. Be ready to present it Live in class.

Bloggers Jan-Apr 2011

Welcome to our new bloggers!

Jose Mancini http://josemmf6.blogspot.com/
Carlos Rodriguez http://carlosrodriguez90.blogspot.com/
Enyurelys Nava: http://enyurelys.blogspot.com/
Luigi Lozada http://quefeaverdad.blogspot.com/
Daniel Ekmeiro http://danielekmeiro.blogspot.com/
Carlos Arrieta http://carlossimpson1.blogspot.com/
Andreina Bohorquez http://expressyourself19.blogspot.com/
Gerardo Guerra http://www.jousy18.blogspot.com/
Freddy Siu http://freddysiublogpage.blogspot.com/
Leiver Caballero http://www.lvredu.blogspot.com/

Best of lucks and keep on shining love and peace!
Doris3m

Katy Perry - Firework