A Community Of One: Latinos And Non-Latinos In Our Spanish Classes I teach in a rich and diverse community. My Spanish classes typically are comprised of non-Latino (Spanish-as-a-second-language) students because our society is still confused. I continue to field the question, "Why would a Latino take Spanish class .... to get an easy A?" This, of course, is ridiculous. Just as native English speakers take English classes to enrich their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and overall understanding of the world around us through literature and historical readings, so too should Latino students. It's taken a long time, but word is finally spreading that taking a world language takes you beyond verbs, tenses, and grammar. It allows you to explore the world around you; it makes history come to life through language. How powerful is that for ANY student?

It is without a doubt that technology has changed my classroom. I used to think I could teach from the most remote area, with few resources. And I still think that's true - if it were the only possible situation. But to really grab the students' attention, the classroom needs to come to life. Technology hasn't "taught" my class, rather it has enhanced my own teaching. Unfortunately, it is very much a "every person for themselves" situation. If you need something in the classroom, well, you will have to fund it or find funding yourself. Our school has a classroom budget, but it really only provides the basics of extra pencils, paper, markers, etc. The real enhancements come from supporting donors.

As stated earlier, I'm in need of a classroom set of headphones with microphones. I recently attended an Advanced Placement seminar held by the College Board in which it was discussed the need for students to practice thoroughly conversational skills via a recorder. While we do have a computer lab at our school, we have no headsets or microphones. How can they assess their progress without hearing their progress? This will be a great tool to enrich our classroom. Additionally, I am requesting one classroom flip-recorder. My idea is for students to check-out the recorder (just like they would a library book) for a weekend. They will have assignments, such as preparing themselves to conduct an interview entirely in Spanish. I want them to feel comfortable using their bilingual talents around native Spanish speakers. And our community is experiencing Latino growth! They will conduct their interview with restaurant owners, other language teachers, university language professors ... anyone who speaks Spanish. They will record themselves and the speakers. Naturally, they will get to highlight their recordings as a final exam project at the end of the semester! Who doesn't want to show off

The suggested classroom lessons can't happen without the generous support of donors. Technology in the classroom is expensive, whether the school has a high rate of poverty or not. I don't blame the school, or administrators, or parents for our deficits. The fact is that school technology is ever changing, and trying to keep up with it is costly and daunting. But bringing these items to my classroom is going to improve the skills, confidence and learning of more than 125 impressionable, talented, and eager young adults. Gracias! And Thanks!