Listen to this week’s post as you read!
Hi Everyone
What a busy first week it has been. I hope that you are feeling comfortable with the TESOL course, your new instructors, and the workload.
For the Multimedia Course, I want everyone to feel relaxed and have fun as they learn. I want you all to know that you can ask your instructors questions and share your thoughts about the course at any time. There will be easy moments and challenging moments during our 16 weeks together. I would like to encourage you to talk to us if you are finding the course difficult. Your instructors are here to help you succeed. Together we will be successful!
EXTRA MULTIMEDIA REVISION CLASSES
We would like to offer some extra revision classes for the Multimedia in the EFL Classroom course.
Next week, I will post some signup papers on the notice board in the TESOL hallway. If you would like to participate in a class, write your name under one (or more) of the three days offered. You may sign up to more than one class if you like.
Classes will be held each week at these times, starting in Week 3. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 1pm – 2pm.
Together we can do it!
JAMES’ REFLECTION
This first week at SKK TESOL has been exciting and very satisfying. I have never been in a job where I am so busy, yet so satisfied. I have a strong desire to see the participants succeed and do well.
There is such a range of different participants. Mostly, participants seem very comfortable with technology. I am happy about this as these participants will be able to ‘tutor’ their peers during the course. Of course, there are some participants who have expressed their anxiety towards technology. I want to show empathy towards these people. I know this is where the term ‘equity’ in teaching is important, as these participants deserve/require more contact time than their more able peers.
I recall one portion of my master’s research in which Edmondson (2003) highlights the importance of ‘play’ as a key factor in developing teachers’ confidence towards using technology. I am a little concerned that the Multimedia course may be so ‘busy’ that the ‘fun’ is lost. However, I will keep this in mind and ensure that I implement ‘play’ activities into the content of the course as much as I can.
Thank you everyone for making my first week at SKK enjoyable.
See you next week!
James
Edmondson, A. (2003). What styles of computer training enhance teachers’ competence and confidence to use ICT? British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). Retrieved on December 10, 2008, from http://partners.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/cpd_edmondson.pdf
