Enhancing Lessons with Web 2.0
Session Description
The primary goal of this session is to provide participants with opportunities to explore the use of freely available interactive web tools in language lessons. Focusing on their teaching and learning situations, participants will consider how to effectively integrate the use of these tools into powerful lesson plans. During the session, participants will create their own blogs and web 2.0 instructional items, participate in asynchronous and live discussions, complete topic-specific readings, and develop a lesson plan applying web tools to a relevant teaching/learning context. Participants will be members of a friendly group of fellow professionals who will support their investigations.
Session Goals
To develop skills in the analysis and application of web 2.0 tools in interactive lessons.
To design lesson plans incorporating web 2.0 tools that achieve intended learning outcomes.
Objectives
In this session, you will:
• Assess the applicability of certain tools to a variety of teaching and learning contexts;
• Create instructional items using the following tools: Blogger, Voicethread, Chinswing, Slideshare, Bubbleshare, Devolver, etc.;
• Present a lesson plan with clearly defined learning outcomes using a tool/tools considered in the session;
• Find fellow professionals with whom you can continue to explore and learn.
Target Audience
ESL/EFL instructors interested in utilizing online resources and their talents to enhance the student learning experience.
No previous experience with web 2.0 tools necessary.
Interest Section/Other Sponsors
EFL IS and Colorado TESOL (pending)
Weekly Overview
Pre-Session
Preparation (January 1-12)
After having reviewed the syllabus, early birds may browse the Enhancing Lessons wiki and work together or on their own assignments.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• Review syllabus
• Browse the wiki
• Set your own agenda
• Patiently wait until Week 1 for the session to begin
Week 1
Building a Community (January 12-19)
In this week, participants will share information about their teaching and learning situations, and how they lesson-plan for their classes. They will get a clear idea of the organization of the course and participate in the Enhancing Lessons Yahoo! Group. A key reading on netiquette will also be discussed in the Yahoo! Group.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 1, participants will be able to:
1) Identify at least two contexts in which instructors face issues similar to their own.
2) Understand how to access and use the key channels of communication: Yahoo!Group, Enhancing Lessons Wiki, Elluminate and Tapped In.
3) Initiate or further a discussion on a significant aspect of lesson-planning in regard to the weekly readings.
4) Identify aspects of the session to investigate.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• View Navigating the Course Video
• Read Participation Rubric
• Review Syllabus
• Consider Timeline for Assignments
• Post an Introduction in the Yahoo! Group (YG)
• Add a small picture to the YG
• Post in the YG about who your learners are and what you do to plan lessons
• Complete and comment on the short weekly reading: 'Netiquette'.
• View tutorial on opening a Google Account
• Open a Google account
• View tutorials on attending the Elluminate Saturday Live! Session, Skype Session and TappedIn Session
• Join one of the Saturday sessions at 18:00 GMT
• Give feedback on how the week was by answering 3 simple questions
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 1
EXTENSION:
Answer the question: What tools have you used in your lessons and how? YG
Week 2
Blogs: A Home Base for Web 2.0 Lessons (January 20-27)
Participants will discuss two short readings on effective lesson planning and consider how blogs can be used to host online activities. They will review example lesson plans for using blogs in lessons and share their own lesson-planning ideas on their blogs. Participants will also visit each other's blogs and leave comments.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 2, participants will be able to:
1) Discuss lesson-planning in terms of the weekly readings in the Yahoo! Group.
2) Appraise examples of lesson plans from the literature and select or adapt amodel for the lesson-plan presentation.
3) Post a list of at least 3 potential uses of blogs for online activities on their blogs.
4) Assess other participant's blogs and respond to the feedback given to themselves.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• Comment on the short weekly readings: 'What to Consider When Writing a Lesson Plan' and '10 Steps to Developing a Quality Lesson Plan' in the YG.
• View tutorial on setting up your blog
• Set up your blog
• Send your blog URL address to the YG
• Brainstorm ideas on how to use a blog in your lessons in the YG
• View sample lesson plans
• Develop your own lesson plan for using blogs
• Post your lesson plan to your blog
• Join one of the Saturday sessions
• Give feedback on how the week was by answering 3 simple questions
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 2
EXTENSION:
Comment on optional reading, 'Write a Lesson Plan Guide'.
Week 3
Integrating Online Speaking and Listening (January 28-February 4)
With principles of effective lesson planning in mind, participants will explore applications of Voicethread and Chinswing. They will analyze the applicability of the tools using a rubric and will record their ideas on the potential uses of these tools and post them to their blogs. Participants will visit each other's blogs to give supportive feedback.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 3, participants will be able to:
1) Determine the applicability of Voicethread and Chinswing in familiar instructional contexts.
2) Provide a written rationale for the need to determine learning outcomes for lessons.
3) Examine and critique other participants' lesson plans or postings on their potential to achieve their stated learning outcomes.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• Comment on the short weekly reading 'Digital Literacy: Backward Design Process' in the YG.
• View tutorial on Voicethread
• View tutorial on Chinswing
• Apply an evaluation rubric to determine potential usefulness of these tools
• Brainstorm applications of Voicethread and Chinswing in the YG
• View example lesson plans
• Create a voice recording and posted it in your blog
• Visit other participants' blogs and comment on their ideas using Voicethread and Chinswing
• Develop a lesson plan for using Voicethread or Chinswing
• Join one of the Saturday sessions to discuss your lesson plan ideas and connect with group
• Give feedback on how the week was by answering 3 simple questions
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 3
EXTENSION:
Investigate Podomatic
Week 4
Planning to Share Slides (February 4-11)
Participants will investigate both Slideshare and Bubbleshare and determine which tool is best suited to their teaching/learning context or preferences. They will make a brief slideshow considering potential applications. Participants will again visit each other's blogs to comment on the work.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 4, participants will be able to:
1) Provide a rationale for the selection of one of the slidesharing tools.
2) Discuss the potential applications of slideshows on their blogs.
3) Evaluate what has been learned from visiting participants' blogs and commenting on their blogs.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• View Slideshare tutorial
• View Bubbleshare tutorial
• Compare the two tools and post your comments in the YG
• View example lesson plan
• Make a brief slide sharing presentation using one of the tools and comment on its potential applications on their blogs
• Visit other participants' blogs and comment on their presentations
• Develop a lesson plan using a slide sharing tool
• Join one of the Saturday sessions to discuss your lesson plan ideas and connect with group
• Give feedback on how the week was by answering 3 simple questions
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 4 (optional)
EXTENSION:
Investigate Animoto
Discuss the practical limitations of formal lesson-planning in the YG
Week 5
Branching Out: A Selection of Tools (February 12-19)
In this session, participants will consider the applicability and use of a movie animation tool. They will also select one of three other web tools to develop a lesson plan appropriate to their context. Participants will post their lesson plans and example uses of the tools on their blogs for feedback.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 5, participants will be able to:
1) Develop a lesson plan using a movie animation tool or any other web tool explored in the session.
2) Provide strong support for the selection of tools based on the learning outcomes of a lesson.
3) Offer valuable feedback on the potential effectiveness of integrating a web tool in lessons through comments on blogs.
4) Solve issues related to the application of selected tools
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• View Devolver tutorial
• Create an animated movie with Devolver and post to your blog
• View example lesson plans
• Select one of the following tools to investigate: Zimmer Twins, MakeBeliefsComix, Photo Story
• View relevant tutorials
• Comment on the rationale for the selection of your tool and how you plan to integrate it into your lessons in the YG
• Post your example use of the tool on your blog
• Visit other participants' blogs and comment on their work
• Develop a lesson plan using one of the tools if you have not already done so
• Join one of the Saturday sessions to discuss your lesson plan ideas and connect with group
• Give feedback on how the week was by answering 3 simple questions
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 5 (optional)
EXTENSION:
Investigate DigitalFilms
Week 6
Ending and Beginning (February 19-26)
To conclude the session, participants will reflect on their experiences and achievements over the six weeks. On Sunday, we will gather in Elluminate to formally close the session. As fellow teaching professionals, we will look toward fostering our learning through engaging in communities of practice such as Webheads in Action and Learning with Computers.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of Week 6, participants will be able to:
1) Provide an inventory of web 2.0 lesson-planning know-how and demonstrate learning in a reflection on their blog.
2) Discuss how their lesson plans will be applied on future occasions.
3) Investigate what a community of practice is, consider the value of membership and determine whether one is suited to your continued exploration of technology and web tools.
Activities
In this week, participants will:
• Complete your lesson plan on one of the tools highlighted in the session
• Post it to your blog
• Visit other participants' blogs and comment on their lesson plans
• Post your thoughts on how you will apply your lesson plans in your classes to the YG
• Consider joining the Webheads in Action or Learning with Computers Yahoo! Groups
• Join one of the Saturday sessions to discuss your lesson plan ideas and connect with group
• Participate in the Sunday closing session in Elluminate
• Give us feedback on the session by completing the online questionnaire
• Self-check the learning outcomes for Week 6
EXTENSION:
Create a Web 2.0 farewell for your fellow participants
Moderators
Robert Squires
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Robert Squires has been teaching ESL/EFL since 1997 and has taught in Japan, Bolivia, Korea and the U.K. He is responsible for short-term programs at the English Language Institute at The University of Montana, and has presented workshops regionally and nationally on technology use in the classroom. Robert is a proud webhead. robert.squires at mso.umt.edu
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Rita Zeinstejer
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A veteran Webhead, having entered the inspiring community in 2002, I was furnished and enriched with the knowledge, the experience, the wisdom of all and every member --and with the fortune of meeting professionals and friends from all over the world. I have been a mentor in my area, coordinating the CALL SIG for EFL teachers since 2001, have delivered f2f and online seminars both locally and abroad, as a participant in different Conferences and Congresses –LABCI, FAAPI, TESOL, IATEFL, as well as in various projects involving teachers and students from different countries. I have been integrating Internet tools into my f2f classes using blogs, wikis and many different applications with my students, and given presentations on my work. I have also published several articles in Essential Teacher –TESOL magazine-- as well as in the APrIR magazine, a local EFL production. I have organized --and currently coordinate-- the Multimedia Centre at the Asociacion Rosarina de Cultura Inglesa, the private Institute where I am also a Director for Advanced Courses. I am happy to share the moderation of what looks a promising venture, together with Robert Squires and CK Jung -- 'Enhancing Lessons: The Web 2.0 Way'. Yahoo and Skype IDs: ritazeinstejer |
Nina Liakos
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Nina will be co-moderating Enhancing Lessons: The Web 2.0 Way. She has taught ESL in a higher education setting since around 1975 and has been at the Maryland English Institute (U. of Maryland College Park, USA) since 1981. She took Becoming a Webhead 2006, 2007, and 2008 and has been interested in using web tools in life and teaching ever since. Other than helping out during one week at BaW2007, this is her first time moderating a session. The tools she has used most in her nearly 3 years as a webhead include blogs (especially blogger and wordpress), VoIP, wikis (pbwiki and wikispaces), and Tapped In.
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Maru Del Campo
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Hello Everyone!
I'm Maru del Campo from Toluca, Mexico. I have been involved with the EVO's since 2007 as participant, now I feel I know a bit to start giving back to the Webheads wonderful warm community some of what I have recived from them. This is the first time I get involved as moderator. I am part of the great team that Daf and Teresa have put together for BaW09. I will also participate in Enhancing Lessons with Robert Squires, CK Jung, and Rita Zeinstejer as part of a wonderful group. I am kind of a hybrid. I teach English and Spanish as a free lance, I have my private practice as Clinical Psychologist, I started my first free online course last March to enable Digital Literacy for Spanish Speakers with limited resources. I have been member of the teachers crew in several Institutions and I'm currently taking Connectivism and Connective Knowledge Online course for credit at the U. Of Manitoba. I'm very happy to be here and I'll do my best to collaborate as much as my somewhat limited experience and knowledge allows me. Receive a big warm hug from sunny Mexico. Skype ID: mmvmaru YH ID: mmvcentro Second Life: Mmcentro Jewell Maru |
Mary Di Monaco
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I'm an EFL teacher from Argentina. I have been teaching English at my own institute for over 20 years now. |
Minhaaj ur Rehmann
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Minhaaj ur Rehman, is an Educational Consultant from Lahore, Pakistan. He was one of the pioneers of Wikipedia in Pakistan. Minhaaj has long history with FOSS and FLOSS movement in Southeast Asia. He has travelled extensively to train teachers ICT skills and have given numerous lectures on Open Source Softwares, Free culture, Linux, and Instructional Design. He is known in international community through his deep insights on open educational resource creation and international collaboration through projects like Flat Classroom project.
He is a member of WikiEducator’s Advisory Council. He is frequent contributor to ESL journals and reviewer for proposals of numerous conferences. He is associated with local chapters of OLPC, Ubuntu, Creative Commons, ISTE, Asia Commons and Teachers without Borders. He was interviewed by MIT’s Technology Review on Technology in developing world. He lectures at numerous conferences, seminars, workshops and institutions as guest speaker. He has an MBA in Human Resource Management and a Bachelors in English Literature. Minhaaj also teaches online to students from all over the world on Wiziq.com.
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Analia Dobboletta
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I'm an EFL teacher, teacher educator and online instructor from Rosario, Argentina. I hold an MA in ELT & Applied Linguistics and a Dip. in e-learning & DE. Ever since I joined BaW06, I have found in this community the incentive to use new web apps. I'm currently working with Alicia and a team of teachers in the MM project that Rita coordinates at ARCI. My philosophy is 'nobody teaches anybody, we all learn together' so I'm delighted to share my experience as a co-mod of Enhancing Lessons with Web 2.0. Yahoo ID: analia.dobboletta Skype ID: analiad
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Alicia Zuliani
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I am an EFL teacher from Argentina. I teach children, teenagers and adults at private language schools in Rosario. It was Rita Zeinstejer who introduced me to the world of CALL and now I am working with her and the group of teachers she coordinates at the Multimedia Centre at ARCI, Rosario, where we develop materials for our students. We are working mainly with videos and Hot Potatoes. I am willing to share my experience in this area and very excited to be part of this group. Yahoo ID: alicia.zuliani Skype ID: alicia.zuliani
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Communication tools to be used
Yahoo Group! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/enhancinglessons/
Wiki: http://enhancinglessons.pbwiki.com
Skype: Live chat
TappedIn: Live text chat
Elluminate: Live discussions
Twemes: Resources
(Tag: #evo2009, #enhancinglessons)
Blogger: Participant Blogs
(Tag: #evo2009, #enhancinglessons)
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