~:[CH15 - Day 5]:~ All in a Day's Work

 
~:[CH15 - Day 5]:~ All in a Day's Work

Technology is amazing, isn't it? I know that the translations apps aren't the most accurate. While making a presentation for students in Japan, I once translated a word for "drinks" and it became the word drinks as in alcohol. Luckily, it was caught before the presentation. However, with the technology that exists, we can at least give some tools to the students who have a gap that is difficult to cross, especially because of language. Working with so many people in Asia, I have come to recognize how these students feel, as the challenge of understanding people around me is not easy, even when I know some of the language. I can only image how difficult it is for students who are trying to learn academic language in a language they are just learning. While I only do it from time to time, with a document-based essay coming up, I threw the documents into a translator and I was amazed at how improved it has become. Again, I know the accuracy may not be there, but still, it provides them with at least some resource they can compare with the original to fill in the gaps. I thought it would be tedious work of cutting and pasting, but the documents translated much quicker than I thought. As we kick off a new school year, the students looked like they were struggling and I don't blame them, I was too. However, I also have to remind myself that I have to work extra hard at the start of the school year to ensure that they are also engaged. If they sense the same feeling from me, they will continue that downturn, however, if I can figure out a way to at least make it a bit more exciting, it will help jumpstart our 2026. Tomorrow could go any which way, as I know that reviewing these documents is quite cumbersome, however, I have faith that they'll focus in and be able to prep themselves to do the work they are capable of. Let's use the tools around us, force ourselves to learn more of what's available, so we can maximize our abilities, especially in times where we lack the motivation that we may normally have. At this point, I am tired and my body is telling me to sleep. In fact, for the first time in awhile, I took a short nap during the day, however, as I look back at the day, I was proud of what I accomplished and will use it to help get myself back on track, one day at a time. Good luck to all those trying to jumpstart your 2026!