Whoops! What a week! Was late for everything! My discussion post, my project plan, my peer comments!
Participated in a discussion on the usefulness of some web tools. I liked the Google Sites and the Nicenet as well as the Easy Test Maker. Also liked the ANVILL toll though could not start a class on it since there seems to be a problem. The 'Create a Course' tab does not appear on my browser at all (I use Google Chrome). I really don't know whether it was a technical error or my system does not support it. However, all the tools (and there have been plenty throughout the course), I felt, were quite useful for all levels of students. For my students, I thought the ANVILL, Easy Test Maker and the Nicenet could be a valuable resource.
I also thought that creating a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) also depends on the context of use and is guided by the Actual Learning Environment (ALE). Therefore, though there are immense amount of tools available on the web, we, as teachers, need to be judicious in their use and examine the context and the students' needs before actually taking a decision.
The best part of the week was to create a course site for my students. I created a Google site (https://sites.google.com/site/mymaeltlearningclub/) for my students where they will practice their academic reading skills. I used the Interactive PowerPoint, Hot Potato, and the Nicenet Discussion thread to create the course. Till now, I have just added 'reading introductions' to research articles but intend to add some more activities in the coming week. It was time-consuming but great fun! Finally, got back to doing what I like doing best - tweaking the web to meet my students' needs.
Also read two great projects by Pradheep and Omar. Was late on commenting on their projects (and still waiting for their comments) but I think the partners I have have done a great deal of thinking on their projects. My project is based on the Google Sites course that I talked about earlier. However, the problem is that we have a mid-term break till the 27th and the students aren't here. So am sure that I will not actually be able to try it out. However, I intend to show them to my students and get their feedback on it so that I can make changes and try it out once they get back after the break.
However, we do not have a break (it is only meant for students) and are working. So hope to do some more work on the course site next week.
Also looking forward to writing my final report by August 19.
Atanu
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you that we have to choose from so many tools we were offered this week what it is best for our students, what is in relationship with their psychological needs. We all have been busy , but each minute, in fact each hour spent on the internet worthed a lot. We have learnt so many things! Good luck with your project!
All the best, Laura- Cristiana
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Thanks for the 'good luck'. Really need it:)
Hi Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI was also late for everything this week! Being on holidays is terrible! :-))))
I believe you're right. There's a whole world out there to explore, but first we must be sure of what is more important for our students.
Celeste
Dear Atanu! You created so great site for your students and posted already so useful information with instruction about Nicenet and the key. I like it! I didn't know where can I do it for my students, so you presented a great example-how can we start the process of work with blogs, and discussions on Nicenet!
ReplyDeleteYou correct, we have to choose what we really need for our lessons. We shall think that "many tools" would be overloaded for students and we have to think what would be appropriate for them.
I am sorry that you couldn't open the course at ANVILL, but I am sure that you will have a chance to do it later. All of our exercises and ANVILL were wonderful resources to explore for a week. Thanks for your always meaningful posts on discussion platform and to my blog! Good luck with your project! With the best regards, Natalia
Dear Atanu,
ReplyDeleteI looked at the wiki you created and I think you did a great job. Regarding ANVILL, I could not create my course either, but I think that it is only a matter of time and practice. I encourage you not to give up, just be patient and keep "playing" with it until you win the game!!!
Regards,
Wilma
Dear Atanu:
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like you, kind of desperate with technology because things do not work as I think. I believe that using Internet is matter of practice that allows you mastering at using any on - line tool.
Greetings
Gabriela
Dear Atanu,
ReplyDeleteIt was a very busy week indeed and I also was late with many tasks.It is amazing how many things you managed to do! Well done!I also think that many of the proposed resources were very valuable.I tried Hot Potatoes and liked it though I read also comments underlining some drawbacks of this application (for example that it may be possible for students to guess the correct answer without knowing the meaning).
Anyway I think that the teacher's creativity is the key-thing that can make the most of all these tools.
Best regards,
Ion
Atanu, I am reading your report and will soon publish my comments on it.
ReplyDelete