Week-7:Technology at its Modest Best

Week-7

Technology at its Modest Best

Technology, kind of took a back seat this week, this is how I perceived things, as far as the lessons from Robert were concerned. The One-Computer lesson plan was something one could manage more easily compared to Rubistar and Zunal, or even PPTs and the first lesson plan... and also the initial stage of blogging when my posts to peers protested no end before making imprints on peer possessed blogs. However, had one had more time to spare, there was lots to try out this week too.

I enjoyed reading other people's lessson plans; some of the ideas I couldn't have thought of myself. PK introduced me to some lessons on prosodic features on youtube and Nagwa had a research based game. Can be applied in my trainees' class. 

The articles categorized the use of computer in the class very systematically: I might as well make a list for ready reference: Computer as a (i) Teacher tool, (ii) Multimedia chalkboard (iii) Student tool (iv) Learning centre (v)Cooperative learning forum (vi) Individual S-assessment, etc and then  (vii) Administrative tool (viii) Communication station (ix) Information station (x) Publishing tool and (xi) Simulation centre. I undestand most of them but to learn to use them and then to internalize them will need time.

And then there were articles on Learner Autonomy and learning strategies. I had read about learning strategies in a chapter by JC Richards. He talked about different strategies learners employ, i.e. meta-cognitive, cognitive, affective, social, intellectual and compensatory strategies. Thanasoulas takes up some of them. For me her best in the article is in the detailing of what is Autonomy. I just loved her reference to, "actively seeking meaning from events". I have done it all my life. And not just in the academic contexts. Even life skills are learnt that way.  I also like the way she strings together a few approachs to teaching English including my favourite, "Monitor Model ...".

And here lies the beauty of this course. It takes up Technology the "hands on way", i.e. training us in its use in all the different ways and means that it can be exploited in. The tools we have learnt to use, when combined, can be used very well to bring the real and the virtual classrooms together. The course also gives a lot to the learner by way of Methodology. Hardly going into the theoretical constructs, it follows the "bottom up approach" by addressing issues like large classes, small classes, learner autonomy, multimedia lab, lesson planning, project-based approach, alternative assessment, rubrics and then each of the language skills like LSRW and of course loads of technology. The syllabus couldn't have been better what with the activities designed creatuvely, the reading selected so thoughtfully and the tools of technology taught well (let me quickly revise what I have learnt while I am at it: Nicenet, Blog, wiki page for PPTs, LPs, Signing Partnerships, etc and Delicious, Google Page, Rubistar, Zunal, PPT, ... am I forgetting anything?. All packed into 10 weeks.

But the course organizers have an advantage over many of us vis-a-vis our students: their learners are comfortable using English language skills and basic computer skills. So the learners deserve compliments here:)

This is running long, it's 3 a.m. at night and I have to go to work at 9. And I still haven't talked about the main issue Robert wants to read about. The Project.

The week was thrilling. I explored the possibility of downloading Prat, and many others. Nothing worked till we found Video Voice. The free sample is limited in range. It doesn't give me the visual display of the original version of the S's speech. Once the S has practised enough to acquire the model speech it lets me print it out. But I have found a way out and will implement it. It is going to be fun with the trainees giving me their print outs of recording tomorrow.

I have already conducted the survey and have prepared a worksheet for them and we will work on them tomorrow. They are going to be marking pause groups, sentence stress and intonation on the worksheets to show thier understanding of the features. I have also found the model speech now and can't wait to use it. I have met the trainees 3 times already. I need another 6 sessions with them, I suppose. I have enough time.

At least 1/3 of the project's first draft is ready. I plan to work on one subhead each day so by wednesday the first draft will be ready. Though most of the research work will be completed by Wednesday, I will be working with the trainees on it even after I have sent my first draft to Hala and Nagwa. I am sure it is allowed. 

I must wind up now. I think this time my blog is a little boring. Can't be helped. I had some official work (editing) to be done today which I had set aside for the blog and the project. Well, the next one will be interesting.

Good Night

Sharda