Thursday, 31 October 2013
Using classnet tool: dustbin
I used this tool with my CELTA trainees as a kind of recap to discuss the main differences between presenting grammar, i.e. the differences between deductive and inductive learning.It worked well as a summary of some of the key points we had discussed throughout the session.
My second attempt at Prezi
I have tried to be a little more ambitious here as I want the participants to be able to do some independent study. I have linked some MP3 files and hyperlinks. I shall see how it goes in class.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Using Dvolver movie
I have created this short film for my CELTA learners to help them to concept check. I hope they will enjoy it.
Presentation tool: Prezi
I have wanted to try out Prezi for ages. I was introduced to it briefly a while ago but, being me, unless I apply what I have learned immediately, I forget everything. Therefore, after we were introduced to some presentation tools last week, I decided to give it a go. To be honest, I found it quite tricky to use, especially on my laptop but I like the look of it. It is a bit more exciting than PowerPoint and it is important to add variety to your sessions.
I have decided to use the one I have created, "delivering effective presentations" with my level 3 students. They are due to give presentations at the end of next month and I wanted to do a recap of the points we had discussed initially. I am hoping to book out some computers for next week's session so the participants can view the Prezi at their own pace and then discuss what they found there. However, if this is not possible, I plan to use it with the class. I feel this will not work so well as I do not want to read out information written on the Prezi but I shall see how it goes!
I have decided to use the one I have created, "delivering effective presentations" with my level 3 students. They are due to give presentations at the end of next month and I wanted to do a recap of the points we had discussed initially. I am hoping to book out some computers for next week's session so the participants can view the Prezi at their own pace and then discuss what they found there. However, if this is not possible, I plan to use it with the class. I feel this will not work so well as I do not want to read out information written on the Prezi but I shall see how it goes!
Monday, 28 October 2013
Using wikis in the classroom
Out of all the web 2.0 strategies I have looked at, the one that interests me the most is using wikis. I can see similarities between using wikis and blogs but blogs are generally more author-centred than wikis. So far in this blog, written about my own experiences of using e-technology in the classroom. Other people can comment on my posts but unless I have invited them to be a co-author, they are restricted to evaluating to what I have written. I like the idea of creating something more content-driven, an editable website which can be used on different courses.
I have decided to create a wikispce for the CELTA course as this is a course we run twice a year. Although we have a New Learning site, it is not always easy to access. I find it is more useful for learners to find resources in which they are interested rather than reading an overview of different topics. I feel a wikispace for the CELTA course could be used in several ways. First of all, it could be used as a kind of marketing tool for participants who are interested in doing the CELTA. They could access the page and read an overview of the course and look at some of the sessions. I hope to include two letters from previous graduates outlining their different experiences on the course and their tips for survival!
I have started putting this together. I have included some tips about lesson planning. This of course is author led but I hope that once I have discussed the value of using wikis, participants will be more willing to contribute to the page. I like the idea of adding 'please contribute' on the page so that participants have to voice their own ideas. I would like to create a more collaborative atmosphere so that the learners feel more part of the learning process; not everything is dictated by the course syllabus or the course tutors. Participants could be encouraged to post tips on how they check meaning, for example, ideas they have used in the classroom etc.
Of course, one of the drawbacks with creating a more collaborative atmosphere is that participants might think that you are available 24-7. Guidelines need to be put in place so that they are aware that feedback will not always be immediate, especially in my case as I only work part-time.
Some more screenshots are provided below:
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