I truthfully never thought I would ever be so grateful for technology. I will admit that although I am not so old, I have always been wary, if not downright suspicious, of technology. Technology should make things better and innovative in my opinion. I don’t use technology in my classroom just for the sake of using technology. A worksheet on the computer is exactly the same as it is on paper. However, I have learned that technology can be used for good and can be an invaluable tool that can keep us informed and connected.
“Technology is best when it brings people together.”
Matt Mullenweg, Social Media Entrepreneur
Social Media
Way back when I joined Facebook, I was a bit uncomfortable about sharing mostly because it was new and I don’t always deal well with new. After a while, I realized that Facebook could be a perfect way for me to be connected to people I don’t see often, like relatives in Italy. It was a perfect (and inexpensive) way to stay in touch with cousins I had met when I was in Italy and get to know others who I hadn’t met. My Facebook presence waned a bit when I discovered Twitter. On Twitter, I realized that I could customize information that came at me and also build a PLN (Professional Learning Network) with other language teachers across the world. This helped me to become a better language teacher and have a large sounding board for ideas. The idea to do this blog challenge came from Samara Spielberg, who I follow on Twitter. Recently, I joined Instagram. Instagram has given me a new view of social media. I’m sure that Whatsapp is not new to many but nonetheless, it helps me to stay in contact with my family and friends in Italy without spending a penny! All of these platforms help me to be informed about what is going on in Italy and have given me the opportunity to connect with different people who have been inspiring in their own way.
Spotify
A world without music for me would be a very sad one. Up until very recently, I have been purchasing music through iTunes and have sometimes been frustrated that Apple wouldn’t allow me to purchase a song because I didn’t live in Italy or for some reason the artist only made the song available on a premium streaming service. When my older son showed me how to use Spotify and told me he already paid for his subscription but we could have a family account for very little additional money, I tried it and I have to say, since I have been using it, I haven’t listened once to my music on iTunes. I love that I can find almost every song I could think of and thanks to my Daily Mixes, songs I didn’t know about or hadn’t thought of. I listen mostly to Italian music so Spotify gives me the access I crave.
In addition to the music aspect of Spotify, I have also begun to follow some podcasts. I had been following the Italian American Podcast since they debuted and I enjoy their show because of the content and their dedication to all aspects of Italian-American life. If you haven’t already been listening, it’s time to tune in! Through Spotify, I can follow podcasts and have one place to go and listen to them. I have added additional podcasts like Italiano Automatico, Leggiamo in Italiano and Pillole di Italiano. These have also helped to keep my language refreshed and current while also helping to give me some great ideas to use in my classroom. If you’re looking to help with your Italian language, give Spotify a try.
This, by no means is an exhaustive list but rather the first things that come to mind when I think about being grateful for how technology keeps me connected to my heritage and culture. What technology do you use to keep you connected to your Italian-American heritage and culture?
