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.

Connecting with the Community

The Ted Talks video by Dave Eggers is really effective and educational. The meaning of being a teacher is beyond words because teachers are the root of society.

Tutoring center! It is a big step to be included society because as Dave Eggers’ says “It is a school but it is not a school.” Since homework are mandatory, they can be boring. However, if students want to do their homework intentionally, they can easily realize the enjoyment of learning.

In the light of these words, I imagine such a class for kindergarten and ESL students. It is clear that learning another language is a long way. Students face many difficulties throughout their education i.e. memorizing the words, speaking, writing and listening. So, there should be a place for students to feel better themselves. Students can study at their home but they cannot concentrate easily in a house condition. Television, internet or radio can distract students’ attention. In my class, according to students’ lesson topic, the decoration of class will change. For example, if students learn the fruits name, there will be authentic materials such as fruit hats and fruit models. These activities are saved at the same time. Also, after students go back to their home, they have a chance to reach this class via internet. They can watch their attitudes in the classroom. Students should practice topics in a specific time phrase and they can win extra credit such as sticker or bonus star J At the same time, they can chat with their friends or advisor to improve their writing and they can make a video call to improve their listening and speaking. By the way, students can be social and they want to go this center and website without hesitation.

Copy-Right

I learned so much things about copy-right and I was surprised. I learned these rules before I am a teacher, I think why don't the other teachers apply these rules in their classes. Because I witnessed these rights being broken. However, I think some rules are very strict. Internet is easy way to use pictures,music and videos despite of copy-right and these materials encourage students to participate in class.In my opinion, these materials can be used more conveniently in education.

Learning in Virtual Worlds

People are interested in games in all ages and if it is related to technology, it is more eye-catching. There are several teaching methods and all of them can be part of technology. For example, suggestopedia is based on a modern understanding of how the human brain works and how students learn most effectively.  Learning is a very effective when technology and games are combined. Students also feel very relaxed since they can choose new identity. So, when they make a mistake about their courses, they are not responsible as their own fault. They can think the mistake as if the other character made it. Learning in virtual worlds can be used in all classes. However, when I was a child, I didn’t have this chance. We played standard games such as boom instead of technological games. Think about you are in national geography and you can see wherever you like. It is amazing because you can go to the millions miles away and you can analyze a country according to its geographic, climate and plant cover. Since students have a chance to see everything as a real, they cannot forget easily. It is clear that technological tools give chance to learn in more easy conditions. 

Computers in the Classroom

Technology !! What is it? I heard many things that i have never heard before. I am really excited what they are. The videos we watched in the lesson are really interesting especially teaching in the 21st century. I thought when i was in elementary school, what were their teaching tools? Perhaps, technology is not common in my country's (Turkey) school, however i believe that it will be part of our lesson soon :)