A reflective blog of "Building Teacher Skills Through the Interactive Web" Online Training Course by the American English Institute at the University of Oregon
Week 7 has been very challenging and rewarding for me. Thinking of creating a one-computer lesson or activity was out of the question for me! I have always thought that the lesson would end up being teacher-centered and boring. Fortunately, I was wrong since I have read about it and I have implemented a one-computer lesson plan myself on the Risks of Social Networks!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences! I have learned so much from you!
I feel that using the computer as a multi-media chalk board has many pluses since it is an easy way to record information from a group brainstorming session or for simultaneous live access to a selected Internet site to enhance discussion or illustrate a point.
As a minus, a one-computer classroom to have students use the computer as a tool for individual input can be time-consuming for very large classes. However, a good facilitator can do wonders and having students volunteer to work can make the class move smoothly.
I had never thought that dull conventional PowerPoint Presentations could become so interactive and motivating provided they include good techniques and design. I think hyperlinks can make a difference together with think-peer-share, quizzes, jeopardy games and quickwrite techniques.
I have shared my PowerPoint presentation Google on the News in the wiki and I've seen many interesting works there. I think my online colleagues are doing a great job! The material has been insightful and Janine's feedback is essential for our learning process. I am glad I am taking part in this webskills course!
Oh, what a week! lol I have been exploring webquests and for the first time I can see what they are about. I thought they were mere websearches but now I can see they are well-designed lesson plans which can be enhanced by webquest creators. I have had the pleasure of creating one at Questgarden http://questgarden.com/144/50/9/120512151402/
Indeed, webquests have the potential to integrate skills, including language skills, webskills and critical thinking skills. I believe they can make a difference in education. Now I can see that the technological change can and will include them as part of a possible solution. They can include rubrics, which makes them even better! I am thinking of evaluating different aspects I had never taken into consideration before! Rubistar is a very good tool for creating rubrics as well.
I feel this week has been crucial for a better understanding of technological innovations and the conference in Nicenet has helped us share our viewpoints and show our progress!
This week has been very demanding with many insightful materials to reflect and think ahead.
The conferencing topics have been very interesting. Describing some issues has helped me reflect on the problems my students are experiencing in reference to language use, motivation and the difficulties I have to face when teaching in my context.
Indeed, the Technology Enhanced Lesson Plan has been a clarifier for me. It has help me see the way creative teachers planned and implemented their teaching practice in an integrative process using technology to teach language. One of my favorites is Giants of the Century because it portrays great famous persons.
It's been great to know there are so many good websites to enhance the teaching of reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary!
I think we are creating a learning community in which we can continue sharing knowledge and information by participating in conferences in Nicenet and using Delicious.
Sharing our experiences leads to reflection. Thinking of the problems we are facing and of possible solutions is crucial for our learning process in this course. I see some of us have similar problems but we have a different context and we may come up with different solutions according to our teaching styles and frames of mind. This course is enriching us as professional teachers.
