WEBQUESTS AND PODCASTS

This session was long and intensive. We started by skimming through a lot of useful information about types of search tools, search engines, some web bibliographies and some advice on how to search websites. We learnt about the meta-search engine, used to search for information in different search engines at the same time. This was something very relevant for our future activities as all the necessary information can be easily got without spending too much time using the different engines separately. From the list suggested we tried one which had an interesting layout.

1- WEBQUESTS

The information on webquests, structures that bring different pieces together and combine them to perform a task or project, seemed very interesting. They are projects that use the web for information under the teachers’ instructions about relevant websites and follow a standard frame (Introduction, Task, Process, Evaluation and Conclusion).  Nevertheless it's a topic that requires much extra and demanding work, which we'll have to develop later after this training course has finished.  Besides the reference about the WebQuest’s father, Bernie Dodge,  we were given a list of webquests with interesting materials for our lessons, such as this one about aboriginal studies. For anyone who wants to create a webquest visit this site.

2- PODCASTS FOR ELT

The Word podcast comes from the words i-Pod and broadcast. Podcasts are digital media files (audio or video) we can download for free, after a simple free subscription process and use in class for different types of lessons or activities. We can even create our own podcasts. We skimmed through the Russell Stannard’s website. If you want to get tips on the use of technology and videos in ETL click here. 

Software like Audioboo, iTunes   and PodOmatic was explored. We learnt about creating and messaging up to 10 minutes’ private videos by using mailvu. If we want to record any audio material we can also use Vocaroo. Audacity, free software we can record with, was also searched and analysed and we came to the conclusion that it is very professional and interesting.

From the examples of Podcasts it was given emphasis to the BBC Podcasts and the BBC and British Council Audio Bank,  source of both podcasts and downloadable activities which can be very useful and usable.

There were examples of directories for the English language learning like this one.

The final activity involved skimming through some podcasts by students such as this one.

All subjects along this training course were followed by useful bibliography and sitography.

SELF-ASSESSMENT

Along these twelve sessions we came across a great variety of materials, activities, sites, sources of information, which enables us to improve and innovate the teaching- learning process.

The training course was very inspiring, motivating and interesting. We learned a lot and became aware that we still have a long way to go but step-by-step we will go further. The materials are in our hands, so all we have to do is to put some heart in our effort and work hard.

Activities for Different Skills and Learners

This session enabled us to skim  through a huge list of websites grouped into skills. Some of them seem very useful for the level of our students and present very interesting ideas and resources. We knew some of them like the BriTlit  

However, we think we’ll visit soon the sites for writing resources as that is something our students tend to resist and there we may find one with interesting activities for a motivating lesson.This is a simple example of materials we have for planning a unit on writing. Of course it has to be designed for higher level students, but there are many options for different skills, levels and topics.

Resource Directories

We were asked to deal with five different Resource Directories.

1) http://www.teachers.tv

The homepage provides videos, community, classroom resources. Classroom resources  like lesson plans, ideas to use in classroom, and videos to be used, watched in classroom or downloaded for free.

Folders like the community with a discussion place, a forum, but only UK teachers can become an associate.

Free registration for receiving e-mails updates – download videos – post comments.

We find all subjects for primary and secondary level and early years.

For example for secondary there are Drama, Literature, Poetry and other topics.

The homepage is well organised and simple.

2) http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk

The homepage provides several folders.

Folder Try – we have resources with many suggestions to classroom activities, namely(concerning), reading, writing, listening, vocabulary; lesson plans with attachments and worksheets and Britlit.

Folder Think which provides articles about teaching process.

Folder Talk with discuss areas of interest – blogs, foruns, debates etc.

The homepage is simple and interesting.

3) http://www.teachit.co.uk

 There are English teaching resources like worksheets, links, online lessons that we can download, and they are free.

In the homepage we have join us, resource libraries, whizzy things, including, games, anagram, scramble, and special resource collection with plays, poetry, creative approaches, speaking and listening.

We have to log in, but it’s free.

4) http://www.teachitworld.com

ELT resources by topic.

 News – based lesson by date for example Food and Drink . The resources include lesson plan, interactive material, worksheets. We have to log in, but it’s free. Besides these, we have audio resources in which some of the materials are only for the members and the free ones require registration.

5) http://www.byteachers.org.uk/sites.htm

Homepage with teachers in general with different subjects.

We chose English and Media, and we can copy online resources.

It has links to other sites and a list of teachers websites.

Blogging

Creating our own blog was a very enjoyable part of this training course. Led by our trainer, everybody joined the activity with much heart and it was very exciting watching the results. However, we will have to be ready for going on practising and improving our skills.

Any one interested in having a blog can start it here.

I have some problems to name mine, all the names weren't available. I chose this one, because it's the city where I studied,lived and I consider it as a very delightful place.

Designing a Teen Journal

We were very interested in the magazine for teenagers because it gave us ideas for our activity since we work with students of this age. Moreover it is an example of what we can do with all the students’ work that deserves being published.

By using the Microsoft Publisher the trainer showed all the procedures for creating leaflets, newsletters, postcards or websites for and by our students. This software when used in a measured way, like any other tool, may be a motivating and effective tool in the learning process.

Journals and Magazines

Sites for teachers

Within the sites for teachers The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language gives teachers access to much information related to their activity. But if you want another interesting site try here. 

Sites for learners

Two magazines online for teens and kids were chosen:

1- We found the one for teens appealing and rich. The interesting thing is that teenagers write it, which assures us of finding materials that attract this age level.

-The homepage includes links to the twitter, youtube and facebook.

-The archives range from poetry, fiction nonfiction, hot topics, forums, art and photo to a Summer Guide with online enrolment in summer programmes about arts.

-Teens may receive a Print Magazine provided they subscribe.

2- The National Geographic has a magazine for kids, which is worthy of note.

- It’s according the interests of kids.

- It includes a variety of contents: games, videos, animal and pets, photos, countries, fun stuff, community, news, animal jam, little kid.