Week-10_Reflections & Final Reflection...!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-10 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks, readings and the completion of the project. It was a bit busy, too as we are at the completion of the Course. In fact, it has been a short week, as well due to its deadline on Friday.

1. The very first task was on giving advice to the future participants. It was a bit challenging initially as I had to reflect on the processes that I involved in doing the course. Having reflected on the same, then it was easy and I could give some advice to the future participants.

It was a different type of experience as I have done such task for the first time. I really appreciate the idea of connecting each term participants with such tasks and that too through their learning value and experiences.

2. The second task was on reading the LoTI Freamework and taking the survey. It was interesting to do this task and evaluate oneself through the descriptors given. And writing on Nicenet about where we are and where we will be was a quite reflective exercise. This could help me analyze my teaching context and think about the other ways in which technology can be integrated more through various types of tools.

3. The third task was on writing the final reflection on the blog. 

Here is my final reflection : I think almost all the topics and tools were quite relevant and useful for me and my students. Some of them were new for me and some of them I already used, still the experience of using them has added to my insights. To my mind, considering the objective of this course, we had enough tools and tasks related to it. In fact, I have implemented PBL before this course, but during this course, there was a bit different type of procedure along with the steps involved in it. So, overall it has been an insightful and enriching experience for me. Hope I can use these learnt tools maximum in my class and help students grow. The tools like Webquests, Rubistar, ANVILL, the tools for designing various types of texts and so on will be quite useful to me in the days to come.  

It was interesting to think and reflect for the last ten weeks and share what I learnt and about the tools that I can use in my class, their relevance etc. I could not write everything as we have done so many tasks and used so many tools that can help us in our teaching contexts. However, I could recall some and write about them.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Mohini

Week-9_Reflections...!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-9 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks, readings and the completion of the project. It was a bit busy, too as we are moving towards the completion of our project work and course.

1. The very first task was on finalizing the project report. As the first draft was already reviewed and the comments were shared, so I found it easy to complete it. I reflected on it and added a few things that were needed to write.

The whole exercise of finalizing the report has been very reflective and insightful as it was documenting what I had done.

2. The second task was on readings on Technology and Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. This has been quite informative and insightful as the articles have been very useful in understanding the concept of LS and MI. It was amazing to see the pool of ideas shared by all of us. The discussion on Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences could also make me think and reflect on my teaching context and how I can incorporate these theories in my classroom. To my mind, this knowledge will not only help in planning the teaching sessions but also in providing more enriching learning experiences to the students.

3. The third task was on completing the Evaluation and giving feedback for the course. It was interesting to think and reflect for the last nine weeks and share what I liked along with the suggestions or the comments. I could not write everything as we have done so many tasks and used so many tools that can help us in our teaching contexts. However, based on my experience and observation, I could write a few things and give suggestions, as well. I hope that it may help the course designers for the days to come.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Mohini

Week-8_Reflections..!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-8 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings. It was a bit busy, too as we are moving towards the completion of our project work.

1. The very first task was on drafting the first draft of the project report. I found it initially a bit challenging to start but then could complete it within the stipulated time. As I went ahead, I realized that we were oriented to it step by step from week-3. So, I could connect the details and could record what I did. It was challenging to separate the details from the one question to the other. This, I could observe in the reports of others, too.

2. The second task was on giving the feedback as part of the review of the report to the partners. This was also initially a bit challenging as it reversed the role. Till that moment, we were writers and then we were asked to be readers. I could see the difference between these two roles. I reviewed Aida’s report and had a good experience as a reviewer. I think I could read and review it with my best.

As part of this, we were also to get the review of the reports. This made me a bit worried and conscious while writing the report. But, after I saw the comments, I found it alright and was at ease. I can see that still there is a scope for additions to my report.

These both the tasks made us read, review and reflect the reports. This made us realize not only about others’ reports but also led in a way to self-evaluation which I think will be useful for drafting the final draft of the report.

3. The third task was on readings on Creating Online Tools. This has been informative and insightful as the articles have been very useful in understanding the various online tools available for the teachers. I was amazed to see the options that a teacher has. I saw some of the tools for the first time and I think I will try to use them as and when possible. The discussion on ANVILL has also helped us develop various insights in using it for our classroom. The interaction with Jeff on Nicenet and on the webinar has added more learning value to the whole learning experience. It was amazing to see the pool of ideas shared and the tasks, activities, exercises etc. created by other friends. The discussion on promoting learner autonomy could also make me think and reflect on my teaching context and how I can use these tools in my classroom. To my mind, these tools can be good assistants to the teacher to promote learner autonomy in the classroom, if used with the clear purpose.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Mohini

Week-7 Reflections…!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-7 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings.

1. The very first task was on readings on Learner Autonomy and how to promote it. This has been informative and insightful as the articles have been very useful in understanding and clarifying the various aspects of promoting learner autonomy among the students. The discussion could help me take a pause and ponder over the issues discussed on Learner Autonomy. I could analyze my teaching from various angles and reading others’ ideas have been quite insightful and enriching.

2. The second task was on sharing One-computer Lesson plan. This was also interesting to think and share the plan. This has been the case with me most of the time that one computer is available for me in the class. So, through this I could see the possibility of incorporating the optimum use of it. Reading the shared plans by others was quite enriching. I realized that this is the case with many of my other friends as well. It was amazing to see the pool of ideas that have been shared by other friends.

3. The third task was on describing the implementation of our project. This week, the students searched for the stories related to the theme of the story discussed and made a powerpoint presentation on it in groups. They could get the various types of stories and some of them could share it with the class. Now, my students are working on their own to prepare a newsletter in groups on what they have done and they may add some of their stories as well. I could see the level of involvement and excitement on the part of them while preparing the powerpoint presentations. 

4. The fourth task was to get one of our friends as the Peer Reviewer. This was a bit challenging for me as initially I did not find it alright to ask or invite somebody for the same. Then, I posted a request and waited for somebody to reply. Today, to my surprise, I got now two persons who have responded so I think we can work as a group of three, if it is alright with the other two friends. It was a new type of experience for me.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Mohini

Project Task_Implementation_2

Hello,

1. This week, the students searched for the stories related to the theme of the story discussed and made a powerpoint presentation on it in groups. They could get the various types of stories and some of them could share it with the class.

2. Now, my students are working on their own to prepare a newsletter in groups on what they have done and they may add some of their stories as well.

3. I could see the level of involvement and excitement on the part of them while preparing the powerpoint presentations. I think they found it interesting and enriching to work like this. In the next step, they are going to share their newsletters to the whole class and it will be followed by the discussion and the feedback.

Thanks.

Mohini

Week-6 Reflections…!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-6 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings.

1. The very first task was on readings on how to make interactive powerpoint presentations. This was done through the variety of links available that, in fact, could make me realize the actual potential of powerpoint as the technological tool. This has been informative and insightful as the articles have been very useful in understanding and clarifying the various aspects of using powerpoint presentation. Even, the tips given have been quite helpful. The discussion on engaging our students by interactive powerpoint presentations through a variety of tools that we already use and the tools that we are likely to use, could help me take a pause and ponder over the issues discussed. I could analyze what I do and what I can still do to make my teaching more interactive.

2. Another task was on creating an interactive powerpoint presentation. This, in a way was, for applying the theory into practice. That is, we got quite a lot of information on how to make an interactive powerpoint presentation and then it was time to apply the learnt knowledge. At first, I found it quite challenging because we were asked to include more interactivity tools. But once I started with it, I found it quite interesting and easy to do so. I chose to insert video and it was also a bit challenging as it took time to insert a video due to some technological requirements.

3. Another task was on describing the implementation of our project. I have started with the implementation of my project and I have discussed the story – ‘A Lesson in Life from a Beggar’ with my students followed by the discussions on it. That is, they read the story and discussed it in detail. It was done through the powerpoint presentation and the video on the importance of positivity in Life. Now, my students are working on their own to find out other stories related to the theme of this story and busy in making a presentation on it. I think that they found it interesting to work like this and they are quite involved in completing the project tasks.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Mohini

Project Task_Implementation

Hello,

1. I have started with the implementation of my project and I have discussed the story – ‘A Lesson in Life from a Beggar’ with my students followed by the discussions on it. That is, they read the story and discussed it in detail. It was done through the powerpoint presentation and the video on the importance of positivity in Life.

2. Now, my students are working on their own to find out other stories related to the theme of this story and busy in making a presentation on it.

3. I could see the level of involvement on the part of them in the discussion and in the follow-up task. I think they found it interesting to work like this. In the next step, they are going to share their presentations to the whole class and it will be followed by the discussion and the feedback.

Thanks.

Mohini

Week-5 Reflections...!!!

Greetings..!!!

The week-5 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings.

1. The very first task was on reading alternative assessment and using rubrics for PBL. This has been informative and insightful as the articles have been very useful in understanding and clarifying the concept of alternative assessment. The discussion on using all these for our students could make us think keeping our teaching context in mind. This would help us in finalizing our projects well.

2. Another task was on creating the rubric on rubistar. At first, I could not create the rubric and asked for guidelines, but I could not get any help then I tried again step by step and I could create the rubric. I created a sample rubric for my students keeping their reading task in mind. Creating this rubric seems to be challenging, as we are supposed to describe the descriptors for each category in detail. Hence, I could not create from scratch so I used the guidelines given and created from there.

I would like to create one independently for my other project task.

3. Another task was on describing the technology change that we see in our classroom. Through this, I could analyse what my students are able to do, what they can do and what they will be able to do. Even, I could understand various tools that can be useful in doing so.

4. I liked the idea for extra credit. It is a good incentive for the participants to be more active. In a way, it helps to browse through the various tools and understand their proper uses. I could create the sample webquest for my students and I was very happy to see its implications. I have not used it earlier. I think this can become an important tool for interaction as well as for guided assignments.

5. I appreciate that one of our friends wanted to have an extra platform to discuss and it had been created. I hope this would help us learn better through interaction, if used properly.

Overall, this week I found myself busier with the tasks and the assignments.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.

Week-4_Reflections

Greetings..!!!

The week-4 also has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings.

1. The very first task was on reading various articles on Reading/Writing/Vocabulary Skills and be familiar with the technology-enhanced lesson plans. I think reading these articles has been an insightful experience. Moreover, the suggested links that were given are just wonderful. Some of them I came to know for the first time like - http://fog.ccsf.edu/~lfried/  . I am sure that I can adapt certain activities for my classes and, in fact, ask my students to visit these and solve the exercises, quizzes and puzzles.  

2. Another task was on Designing a technology-enhanced lesson plan. This has been also interesting but a bit challenging. We were asked to plan based on the template given and share our views on how we will integrate technology into our teaching. Sharing from each other has been quite useful to all of us.

This task made me think what I can do for my class and I could also understand what others plan to do for their classes. Sometimes, the teaching contexts are similar or quite different, so the discussion provides a wide spectrum of ideas to be considered.

3. The third task was of sharing the Class Issue as part of the project task. While thinking on these lines, it was challenging for me to prioritize the issue and to express the most related issue. Because, when generally, we are asked about the issues, we have a long list to share. But, here it was only one and that too such issue which can be taken up as a project. But, after a while, I could write one of my major challenges of managing the heterogeneous class.

Overall, this week has given us a mental exercise. So, I think that would help us for the weeks to come.

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.
Mohini

Week-3

Greetings..!!!

The week-3 has been quite insightful and enriching due to the tasks and the readings.

1. The very first task was on reading various articles on Oral/Aural Skills and be familiar with the other useful tools. I think reading these articles can be a great help to the teachers of English to develop certain insights on using these tools for their own classrooms. The features have been discussed in detail that gives a clear idea to the teachers on why the teacher should integrate such tools. I could see the possibility of integrating these in my own teaching.

2. Another task was on creating a Delicious page and adding the links. This has been a different type of experience of creating a reference register for oneself and that can be shared with others. This kind of links can be very meaningful while interacting with the students and giving them references.

3. The third task was of reading the sample project reports. This has been an important task of this week as it has been designed to orient us and make us ready for our own projects. Reading various reports has been enriching and it was a good way of getting the global understanding of what type of projects have been undertaken and how they have been reported. This helps to understand the what, why and how of it. In a way, it also helps us to decide the pre-requisites of our projects. 

The interaction with the friends has, indeed, been quite enriching and useful. Hope the same for all.

Thanks.
Mohini

Week - 2

Greetings..!!!

The week-2 has been quite informative and enriching due to the tasks given.

1. The very first task was on finding out various search engines, that has really been very useful to me as I never tried some before this. The engines like http://www.sweetsearch.com/  and http://education.iseek.com are quite useful resources for the teachers and students of English.


2. Another task that was on Framing objectives based on ABCD model. In fact, as teachers all of us have framed and written objectives many times but I am sure framing or writing objectives for this model has been quite challenging and insightful. This ABCD in a way, describes the ABCD of the whole teaching learning process and hence I think they are learning outcomes that we expect the students to get at the end of the session or the course.

3. The third task was of describing the class as part of the first step towards the project. I think that is a good way of building the background for the next step and that can really help us to plan ahead in a more effective way.

The interaction with the friends have, indeed, been quite enriching and useful for me to know certain details or their views on some topics or the concepts. I am sure that I am going to learn many more things in the days to come.

Thanks.
Mohini

Greetings...!!!

It has been indeed a nice experience to create the blog. In fact, I have already used blogs quite often with my students and teachers for interaction and it was on this site only.

I think that blogs really help the teachers of English in the ways more than one. If the teacher really wants, s/he can use it for developing Language Skills (LSRW), Grammar, Vocabulary and so on. The important aspect for the teachers to use any blog would be to use it with a clear objective or the purpose. The more clear the teacher is, the more effective learning experience it would be for his or her students. Moreover, today's generation has accepted technology as the second nature and hence, we, as the teachers need to integrate technology in teaching with a view to directing our students' thinking. It would definitely help them use technology in the appropriate manner and perhaps with a purpose.

Thanks.