Sunday, 26 May 2013

week eight


Week eight

In this week I got a treasure of resources for creating online classes and both online and offline exercises. I was very much eager to try them all. I created a nice net class. I like nice net because it’s very simple, easy and free.

 I made an online survey for my students using google docs. It is about their opinion of the course they are studying. The URL is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17becdoYKiMr0GaML4ywFh4RovDMHb7bd3QDpocdBJtw/edit

 I made a simple matching exercise for my students using the ever exciting hot potatoes.
http://uk3.hotpotatoes.net/ex/103798/PQJJLQSK.php . Hot potatoes is a real fun and easy, moreover it allows you to save your work both online on the website and offline on your PC.

I tried toolsforeducators.com it’s a very nice user friendly website. I made some nice dice but the problem is it doesn't have save option.


I was also lucky to have a look at Belal’s nice project about improving listening skills. He did a great job. It benefited me a lot.

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Week Seven



In this week I learned many new things.

One Computer Classroom.

I used to use my computer only as an administrative and a presentation tool. I was very happy with that, but after reading about the topic I knew I missed a lot of opportunities to make the most of my only computer. I now know it can be used as a learning center, a simulation center or even for individual student’s learning.

Learner Autonomy

I learned some nice techniques for promoting learner autonomy.
 1- Writing self- reports.
2- Dairies and evaluation sheets.
Also I learnt two nice easy activities to promote learner’s autonomy.
 1- Checking and correcting homework.
2- Student-produced tests.
They are easy but interesting activities that would certainly increase the learner’s responsibility and independence. I’ll try to implement them in my classes and post the result in the coming few days.

Padlet

I also learnt about Padlet, a simple and useful tool that allows teachers or students to build a "wall" for sharing. You can post an article, website link, or video to your class wallwisher. I liked it very much because it’s simple easy and a real fun. If you are interested, please have a look at our class Padlet at the following URL http://padlet.com/wall/tw0g3uxbnt.

The project

Thank God, things are beginning to get better with my project to improve my student’s speaking skills. Today the students presented some nice recordings for themselves. They did a great job.I was very proud of them. I did my best to encourage the others to follow their example. Hopefully, I’ll find some more nice work tomorrow. Here is Mostafa’s speaking project about himself.



Sunday, 12 May 2013

Week Six



Week six,

This week I learnt some nice ideas that I hope will help me deal with my large classes. I think the best answer is collaborative work which will turn the week point which is number into an advantage  but it needs lots of attention from the teacher.

I also found new technique called Teaching Naked which simply means using the technology before and after the lesson and not to use it during the lesson. I found that quite an interesting idea.

I also learnt about how to make my power point presentation more interactive. I now can use hyperlinks to sound, video or even internet websites and pages. I wish I can learn about how to make a jeopardy game which I still struggle with , but I’m a fighter and I will hopefully learn it.

 I especially liked the non linear power point, the technique that allows you to jump back and forward or link to another presentation. I made a similar clumsy power point presentation which I hope my colleagues will like.

As for my project I’m in hot water. Last week was a very busy week and I didn't manage to decide on what project to implement on my students so for. They are only 10 years with mixed abilities. I don’t think they can surf the net on their own. I also don’t have internet connection in my class. I do have an over head and a teacher’s laptop and a white board. I’m sure I’ll  create a great project with the help of my instructor, Robert.