Tweet this: a week without Facebook!

As more and more of our students try to divide their attention between their classes and their iPhones/Blackberries, this sounds like a fabulous idea!  

Thoughts?

A central Pennsylvania technological college with fewer students than many Facebook users have friends is blacking out social media for a week.  

The bold experiment at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — which has drawn praise, criticism and even a jab on late-night TV — means students and staff can't access Facebook, Twitter or a host of other ubiquitous social networks while on campus.  

Provost Eric Darr said the exercise that began Monday is not a punishment for the school's 800 students, nor a precursor to a ban, but a way for people to think critically about the prevalence of social media.  

The blackout comes on the heels of a report that Web users in the U.S. spend more time socializing on Facebook than searching with Google, according to data released last week from researchers at comScore Inc.  Still, Darr said he can't believe the controversy generated in the Twitterverse, blogosphere and academia, with some accusing the school of inflicting "a terrible thing and an infringement upon people's rights." "By and large, the students are supportive of the whole exercise and don't get so worked up over it," Darr said. On campus, attempts to log in to MySpace or LinkedIn return the message: "This domain is blocked." E-mail, texting and other Web surfing is still allowed, but not instant messaging. Student Ashley Harris, 22, said the blackout has freed her to concentrate on her classwork instead of toggling on her laptop between social networks and the lesson at hand.

"I feel obligated to check my Facebook. I feel obligated to check my Twitter. Now I don't," Harris said. 

       

 Like the idea?  Maybe you'd also enjoy reading about the "my phone is off for you" web site and phone signal blocking services below!

MY PHONE IS OFF FOR YOU is a revolution; a series of tools designed to help engage in the present moment and spread this idea!” The tools? Awesome cell phone signal blocking handkerchief… sticker! rubber stamp! and a web site to get you to take action!

Just a reminder: we also offer Spanish classes at Britt!

We specialize in TOEFL test prep, but Alejandro Contreras offers private Spanish Classes--with over 15 years of experience, he's personable, patient, and professional, with a great program for all levels...

Study Spanish exciting Mexico CityOne of our specialties for many years at Britt Language Services...
Our Spanish program is directed by Alejandro Contreras--considered by many to be one of the top Spanish teachers in Mexico. With nearly 15 years of teaching experience, he  has developed an outstanding program that's both effective and entertaining.  He's fluent in English and French, which is really helpful for students who don't yet communicate perfectly in Spanish. And even though he will gently push you to use Spanish in class,he's a very patient teacher.

Our classes are taught on a private basis (or in small groups of students who wish to study together). This gives us a great deal of flexibility when it comes to scheduling classes. It also allows us to create a truly personalized program that really caters to the individual needs of the student.

Spanish teacher Alejandro Contreras with a visiting student.

Many of our students jump back and forth between the U.S. and schedule classes while they're in town on business or vacation.  Others with extended time in Mexico set up more long-term programs.  For those with really limited time, very intensive schedules can be arranged.  

Students visiting Mexico will no doubt enjoy their free time in exciting Mexico City.
We use a variety of teaching materials, depending on the level of the student.  Classes can be given to zero-level beginners or more advanced/specialized classes can be arranged.  Again, we cater to the exact needs of each student.

The classes are priced per hour, so the cost of each program depends on
the frequency of the class.

If necessary, we will gladly conduct an initial evaluation to determine a student's level.  Once we know the student's level, we will set up a specially tailored program and agree on a class schedule.

If you're interested in studying Spanish with us, please give us a call or send an email.  We look forward to working with you in Mexico City.

britt.mx@gmail.com   Tel. 52 55 5207 9516   www.dfbritt.com

Harvard, Georgetown, Stanford....Prospective students mark your calenders!

If you're interested in attending some of the most prestigious colleges in the US (and the world), this is an important event.  It will be held Sept. 13 at the American School and give prospective students an opportunity to meet with university reps....details below.

Breaking News! New PBT TOEFL dates for Mexico City...

After previously posting that we thought the PBT (paper-based official TOEFL) had disappeared in Mexico (based on the fact that none were being scheduled, ETS said none were planned at the moment for 2010/11, and the ETS web site says "...PBT is available where iBT is not)....We are very pleased to announce that new tests have been planned for Mexico City!


It appears right now that exams will be planned only for Mexico D.F. (unlike previous years), but there are six PBT's now available for registration.  We think this is important because the exam (and the preparation) is a bit easier--and there's no Speaking section, which is hard for some.  Nearly all universities that require official TOEFL (yes, there are a few exceptions now) will accept either iBT or PBT.  To register go to www.toefl.org, where you can choose your date, make your payment, and reserve your place before the tests are full!  (You reserve for iBT dates at the same site).

The new PBT dates are:  Aug. 14, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 (2010), 

Jan. 15, Mar. 04, and May 07 (2011)

To prepare for this course, contact us for options--you can take the same course for PBT and ITP (Institutional, which we apply)

Have you studied in the U.S. and returned to Mexico?

Maybe you'd like to join the Education USA group of former students.  Seems like a good idea if you're interesting in sharing your experiences with others, joining their mentor program, securing scholarships for advanced studies, or searching for contacts/employment opportunities...

TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers...on-line, on-demand program

Really busy?  Don't live in Mexico City?No problem!  You can still take Greg Britt's TOEFL prep course...for a complete program presentation, please visit
www.etoeflprep.com
Demo Video

TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers is a very complete on-line, on-demand program

that includes several different components:

º Free 269 page e-book download for TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers.

(Includes 90 Practice Exercises, 22 Mini-TOEFL Exams, 3 Supplements, 9 Appendices). º Aprox. 25 hours of recorded classes by the author of the book, Greg Britt. These classes are available on-demand, 24/7. º A personal introductory meeting with Greg Britt. º 3 private 1-on-1 sessions with Greg Britt (up to 1 hr. each).

We will make an appointment via email for your private sessions--

then you'll be sent a link to log in the eClassroom at the appropriate date and time.

 º 3 complete practice exams (with score report and review of errors).

 º Personal support with Greg Britt via e-mail.

Here's some info. on the ACT exam...

Our specialty at the Britt institute is preparing students for the TOEFL exam...but sometimes our younger students need information on other under-graduate admissions exams like ACT or SAT...so here's a meeting you might want to attend (and a video at the bottom) explaining the ACT college entrance exam.

Labels:   act, admission examen beca becas admisiones· conacyt gre·· toefl·mexico df ·examen gmat·examen gmat en méxico·examen gre·examen gre becas admisiones· conacyt gre·· toefl·mexico df ·examen gmat·examen gmat en méxico·examen gre·examen gre en méxico·examen