Todd F. Hughes

A Report on Safe Use of the Internet: Some of the Most Common Risks

The Internet serves as the principal source for authentic materials for use in teaching. In addition to serving as an infinite realia bank for instructors, it also serves as a communication tool that has diminished the distances between classrooms and the target culture. Unfortunately, use of this medium is not failsafe. In terms of your computers health, Cyberspace can be a dangerous realm.

Suggestions for Films to Consider for Use in the Classroom: Films Not Rated by the MPAA

In the most recent issue of Hispania, the Media/Computers Department offered the first of a two-part series in which we presented a listing of Spanish and Portuguese language films, which the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) had rated G, PG and PG-13. The goal of the project is to assist instructors at the K-12 level to make intelligent choices of feature length films to show in the classroom. While the list presented a modest sample of possibilities for teachers, a considerable void existed because many of the films produced in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries do not carry an MPAA rating. The inventory presented in the second part of the series specifically consists of these films. These feature films in Spanish and Portuguese were released and rated in countries where the MPAA has no jurisdiction. The ratings used are those of the systems used in the countries in which the film was released. A key to the elements of these rating systems is located at the end of the inventory. While an extensive effort was made to provide as many offerings as possible, there is a chance that a qualifying film might be missing from the list. If this is the case, please contact Dr. Hughes.