Training - Face-to-Face Sessions and Workshops [ page 2 ]

[ introduction | workshops page 1 | f2f trainers | publications ]

	Blogs in the language classroom This workshop looks at the use of ‘blogs’ (online journals) with language students. Blogs are an example of social software – computer tools which allow people to connect, to communicate and to collaborate online. In this practical workshop we explore: free software for blogs  (what it looks like, how it works, where to get it) and real examples of projects which use blogs , set up by English language teachers from around the world. Finally we consider how participants might use blogs with their own learners.
	The Chattering classes: Using online chat in the classroom This workshop looks at how online voice and text chat works, how they can help students learn, and what teacher needs to know and do to run successful online voice or text chats with students. In this practical workshop we explore: free software for chat (what it looks like, how it works, where to get it) and real examples of projects which use chat tools, set up by English language teachers from around the world. Finally we consider how participants might use chat with their own learners.
	Email and the language classroom Easy to access and easy to use, most learners and teachers already use email extensively in their daily lives. This workshop considers how to bring email into the classroom, as well as how to use email out of class time. We also look closely at how to set up and run successful email projects with other classes around the world (keypal projects), and how to set up data collection projects.
	ePortfolios Electronic portfolios, or ‘ePortfolios’, are increasingly being used to present learners’ work in electronic format, in many disciplines. ePortfolios are more flexible than paper-based portfolios, allowing for a range of digital media to be included (video, audio, blogs, websites etc.). In this workshop we consider how and why ePortfolios can be used to showcase language learners’ (or teacher trainees’) work.
	RSS – the what and how of RSS With the wealth of data available on the Internet, we are increasingly in danger of suffering from information overload. RSS is a way of keeping up to date with what’s happening on blogs, podcasts, the news etc. that is easy to handle and allows us to browse large amounts of information in a short time. We look at how RSS readers can help the language teacher keep more easily abreast of developments in the profession, and also at how language learners can use RSS to sample and choose from a wide range of information in the target language that relates directly to their own personal needs and interests.
	eNetworks: Social networking tools Part of the Web 2.0 phenomena includes so called ‘social networking’ sites such as MySpace, Facebook or LinkedIn, and social bookmarking tools such as Delicious. We also have ‘social media’ sites such as YouTube and Flickr. This workshop looks at a number of social networking sites and tools, and considers how they can be used in the language classroom.
	eNetworks: Online events and conferences This workshop is for educators interested in exploring how to set up online training events or conferences, from short one-hour synchronous events, to longer asynchronous events which can last days or weeks. We examine various free web-based tools that can be used to run online events, and consider the practicalities and pitfalls involved.
	Look it up: Online reference tools Thesauri, dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordancers, translators... These are all examples of online reference tools that can be used for language work in the classroom – exactly how to use these tools with learners, in a range of activity types, is explored in this workshop.
	eMaterials: Authoring tools and producing electronic materials An authoring program allows you to create materials in electronic format for your learners. In this workshop we examine several free authoring tools, which do not need any technical expertise or specialist knowledge, and enable the teacher to make attractive tailor-made electronic materials, from simple quizzes and tests to more complex activites such as reading mazes or interactive stories.
	Word processors for the classroom This workshop takes a look at a range of activity types which use word processing programs (eg Microsoft Word). We look at how teachers can create materials, templates, forms and attractive worksheets, as well at features which can make correcting learner work more effective, such as TrackChanges. We also look at how learners can work with word processors, for creative writing, language work and presentation of work.
	The Wired Teacher: Skills for the Online Tutor As the trend towards learning via the Internet increases, larger numbers of EFL teachers are becoming involved in tutoring online language courses. This workshop looks at the skills that the online teacher needs, and is aimed at participants who are either currently working in online teaching, or may be moving into this growing fi eld in the future. We look at online teaching and learning – that is, teaching via a learning platform, or VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). We examine the skills that the online teacher needs, and the differences between f2f (face-to-face) and online teaching.
	The DoS, the Trainer, the Teacher and Technology How have the roles of directors, trainers and teachers changed since access to technology has become more widespread? This workshop looks at how directors, trainers and teachers can integrate technology usage into their working lives - not only for personal and professional development, but as part of a CPD (Continual Professional Development) package for teaching staff, enabling everyone to make the most of ICT (Internet and Communication Technology) in the classroom. Participants will be exposed to a range of current ICT tools, helped to identify their own ICT needs, as well as to outline possible ICT training options for their own staff or trainees, where relevant.
	Young Learners and Computers Are you a digital native or a digital immigrant? Were you born into technology (a digital native) or have you come to technology later in life, if at all (a digital immigrant)? Many of our younger learners are far more tech-savvy than their teachers, and are blogging, chatting and downloading podcasts to their mp3 players on a regular basis in their personal lives. In this workshop we consider how to use the Internet as a resource with young learners (aged approx 11 – 16). Blogs, podcasts, text and audio chat will be examined, with participants learning about (and how to use – in longer workshops) these tools themselves. Issues of appropriate materials, security and classroom management will be addressed, and participants will leave the workshop with several practical ideas to use with their own young learner classes
	WebQuests WebQuests are examples of project work which use the Internet as a primary resource. This workshop looks briefl y at what WebQuests are, and then more closely at how they can be used in the classroom. We will examine both short-term (e.g one class) and extended WebQuests, their structure, how to plan and design them, and how to put them into practice. Participants will be recommended both short-term and longer-term sample WebQuests to implement with their own classes.
[ introduction | workshops page 1 | f2f trainers | publications ]