First thing's first...

I am so excited to be here and to be a part of the TOOL learning community! 

The first step is always the hardest, am I right? I have some experience blogging, so creating this new blog wasn't difficult. The hardest step was figuring out what I should name it! I wanted a name that would embody my teaching philosophy while incorporating this new realm of online learning. After a few indecisive minutes of typing and backspacing, I settled on Rigor.Relevancia.Relación...en la red. My reasoning? Well since you asked... 

I truly believe these 3 elements are the cornerstone for an effective learning environment. One cannot exist without the other. 

Rigor- Students rise to our expectations. I see it everyday. I make it a point to provide a rigorous learning environment where students are challenged. My hope is to instill an intrinsic value on education that will last far beyond the classroom (or digital) walls. 

Relevancia- What use is my class if it is not relevant to my students' lives? They have to understand how it will benefit them in their world, in their life, in their future, not mine. I teach Spanish- which is incredibly relevant, but I want them to see that for themselves. Life skills and lessons are incorporated into my daily content so that they understand how this language and culture can enhance their every dream. 

Relación- In my opinion, relationship is the absolute most important element to teaching. Whether online or in a brick and mortar setting, students have to know that we as teachers truly care about them. Learning is an individual quest, and we have to learn to meet the needs of each student, not every student as a whole group. In order to individualize teaching and learning, we have to take the time to get to know our students. 

... en la red (on the internet)- None of these elements have to be sacrificed because the setting is changing from face-to-face to online. This learning environment opens up a whole new realm of opportunity for both the teacher and the student, and I look forward to learning what that can look like for me! 

Oh, and the Spanish part? I mentioned that I teach it. I love it. I'm passionate about it. 

Again, I'm so excited about this learning opportunity. I can imagine that this community will be an enriching setting to learn and grow in my knowledge of online learning. I'm so happy to be here...