Computers in Classroom

In the beginning of the classroom, I had no idea about software and different programs. I learned several things about technology and programs. I hope I do not forget all of them. I need to practice to improve myself but unfortunately, I am sure that I will not use much of them. Because I hope I will be an English teacher and using authentic material is important in my department. However, I think that the programs which I learned are beneficial for listening and writing activities. I am sure that these activities will increase students’ motivation and concentration.

Some students seem naturally enthusiastic about learning and so, they have a great performance in group work or pair work. However, there are some students who are not good about group work. Teacher should motivate these students and teacher can work from students’ strengths and interests. I think my group is great and we tried to do our best for unit plans. In future, after I become a teacher, I will use the group work according to the technological devices. For example, while students are trying to do an activity, they can meet with Skype and they can meet face to face next time. When I consider the assessment part, I think that peer review is good because students can give their friends the positive feedback and they can check or control their projects according to these feedbacks. Active and passive students should be in the same group so that each student has his or her own responsibilities.

Unit Plan

As an individual, creating a lesson plan is much easier because you are sure what you are gonna to do. However, I like the group work. At first I don’t have any idea about what I am going to do. My group members are American and they are really good about organizing the lesson. The only unclear thing is about ESL students. Their language ability is not same like Americans. So, they can be curious about the unknown words. Also, I thought that I was not good at about technology but now I feel better. Smart board, multimedia player, google docs and voice thread etc. are really good way to teach something.  

The Class in Elluminate

It was the first time that I was in online class and it was fun. I wore my pajamas and I joined the class when I was at home. I felt really relaxed. However, sometimes I faced with some troubles. Since I am not good at about technology, I could not solve it easily. So, I missed some part of classroom activities. Hopefully, you gave information not only by speaking but also by writing. Also, we have a chance to write each other. Smiling face, raising hand etc. are really good way to get students’ concentration. During the class, I had never missed my concentration because I had to listen all direction carefully. If I miss one part, I may not understand the rest. Perhaps, since English is not my native language, I looked carefully what you were doing. I hope I have a chance to use this elluminate session in future. I am sure that it will be a different experience for Turkish students.

Let Kids Rule the School By SUSAN ENGEL

While I was taking ESL courses, I learned that if the teaching is based on teacher-centered, students may not be interested in course. Most students want to create their own teaching and learning environment. When I was a young (I am not old though), I wish I could choose the concept of courses. However, what I am thinking now is how students can choose the best curriculum for themselves because students do not have enough idea about what they will learn. Actually, they can tell their idea about teaching methods or they can create an activity for themselves and it means that the lesson should be student-centered. While I was reading this article, I thought that it is a kind of game because if you are a leader in the game, you are really eager to do everything since you direct the game. Hence, if you are a part of Independent Project, you can control what you are doing and you can think about how to improve yourself. Therefore, students should have a right to say something about their education in order not be regretful later.

LeSsOn LeSsOn LeSsOn

Since students have an idea about Industrial Revolution in lesson 1, they can be eager to participate class activities in lesson 2. Our second lesson will be based on the cause-effect and the negative-positive effect of technology. Since they will think about the past, they have to use their creativity. Our first lesson is based on ESL students.  It is good for me because English is not my native language and I can guess the difficulties for ESL students. Also, I felt really good because of the help of my group friends and they are really good about creativity when preparing exercises. Our second unit plan is totally for American students and they will learn their history. I am not sure how it can be easier for American students but since topic is related to technology, it will be better for them and they feel closer to topic. 

The Industrial Revolution - Community

Our unit will be on The Industrial Revolution and it combines history and English as a second language. I think it can be enjoyable for students because they are supposed to learn not only history but also English words about history. Students can learn the relationship between technology and culture. So, students can realize the effects of technology. My part is related to English so that the lesson will include reading, listening, writing and speaking. First of all, students will read their article which is related to the Industrial Revolution and there will be some blanks in the article so that students can try to fill in the blanks. Then, students will listen this article and they will check their blanks whether they are true or not. The words in the blanks will be key words for students. I would want to share or write their ideas about technology. The speaking part will be very important for students because they will pay attention to pronunciation and grammar when they are speaking. For example, students can introduce a technological telephone or laptop etc. as if they are presenting advertisement. Also, students can talk about the invention that they like the most. Also, there should be a presentation about the inventions so that if students want, they can choose one of them.