Week 10

This weeks tasks were very mild, compared to the past  9 weeks... but they were the best ones...

I  have thoroughly enjoyed this course, and other than the few ups and downs I've experienced due to personal reasons, there is absolutely no bad memory at all.

My only advice for  the future participants is 'time management'. This is something I have had a tough  time with (not due to lack of time management skills but rather due to over-estimating myself that I will be able to do tasks on short  notice... but when the eleventh hour would arrive, my health would not permit me to do much...), so it's my only piece of advice.

I  also finally got to know where  I stand on the  scale of 'Technology  Integration'. This has given me a sense of  direction, as I know that I have settled in the Level 4(b) spot, however I still have Level 5 and 6 to achieve.

Donna has been the best teacher I can possibly imagine... I've  learned a lot from her... Providing opportunities, and creating solutions... The 2 components that make a teacher complete.. something that was definitely missing in me.. Thank you  :)

This is the ending  of  the 10  weeks, however it is definitely a beginning as far as the Technology Integrated venture of my English Language classes is concerned. 

I've learned a lot... I'm looking forward to implementing  it all and enjoying the outcomes...

Week 9

All Individuals are unique. They have their own specific needs and interests. All learners cannot be equal in abilities, skills or attitudes. Their way of learning is different, their level of understanding is different and their backgrounds are also different. However, it  is very very important  for the teacher to identify  which learning style best suits every  individual child in the classroom.

It is impossible to incorporate all the styles in one plan, however, the teacher must maintain a balance in order to give  the  students a  taste of each, so that they can also  become aware of what style they possess.


The final project reports were due this week... I even completed  it on time.. but haven't managed to upload it due to some error... :(


Its been a tough nine weeks, but am looking  forward  to my final posting...  Next week :)

Week 8

This week was as fruitful as the previous ones. In addition to creating online exercises I was introduced to a terrific LMS designed especially for language learning and teaching: ANVILL. I also got to learn about tools like Voiceboard and TCast which have features that make development of speaking skills possible in a collaborative environment. 

I also made an online exercise for my students. It was a 'crossword' regarding their country since we celebrated  our country's independence day during this month. This  was a nice  follow up exercise  that my  students enjoyed  thoroughly. It also made them search some of the information on the internet.

I will definitely make some more online tools that are applicable in my lesson plans and can be used for evaluating the understanding of  my students.

That's all for now... Until the next post :)

Week 7

This week was about 'Learner's Autonomy' and 'One Computer Classrooms'.

Achieving learner's autonomy in my class will take lots of time, as we in Pakistan have to follow a particular curriculum in order for our children  to be able to clear the Board Examinations. However, the entire concept is very appealing. I guess we as teachers should start guiding  into that  direction so that they realize the importance of being self motivated towards learning. Once we achieve the self-motivation factor, it will be very easy  for the children  to take responsibility of their own learning, as will eventually be able to learn independently.

As far  as 'One Computer Classrooms' are concerned... It is something I've left behind, however
it is exactly how  I had  started some years back.

Hoping to start thinking in terms of developing autonomous learners... perhaps, I'll share this with my students  and see what feedback I get from them...

That's all for now... Until the next  post...!

Week 6

This week was all about Interactive PowerPoints. I am a very frequent user of PowerPoint in my classes, and also always encourage my  students to use this medium for presentations. However, it was for  the very first time I came across the concept of INTERACTIVE PowerPoints.

I tried the blank slide technique in my class, and it worked wonders in grabbing the attention of my young learners.

The reading this week was about engaging students in large classes. I personally have an ideal class of 25 students, so things are not very difficult to plan and implement.

Am looking forward to creating better PowerPoints from now on, as I've learned great techniques... :)

Week 5

This week was all about Assessments, Rubrics, Alternative Assessment Tools, and WebQuests.

I made a Rubric of a task that my students were going going to be involved in the following week. I was for the  first time I shared an assessment rubric with them. They really appreciated it and I personally  felt that they were more focused while working, and took care of every minute detail as they were aware of the areas they would  be assessed on, and at what proficiency level. This will promote an autonomous learners' environment in my class. 

I also got a chance to explore PBL in detail this week. I was pleaed to read and realize that we at Korangi Academy are pretty much on the right track and with the incorporation of some of the suggections in the articles, the students would benefit even more.

I had tooooo much difficulty with the WebQuest. I hope in  time, I'm able to constrct one...

That's it for now... Till the  next  post :)

Week 4

It's very easy to identify problems in another person's class or teaching technique, however this week I got to reflect back on  my practice, and think of all the problems I face in my class...

Initially I thought I never had any problems, however when I sat to think about it, I'm surprised as to how serious my problem actually is.

Finally, the 'technology enhanced lesson plan'... This has been a very difficult task... I'm still confused about it...

That's it for now...