Thursday, August 24, 2006
  Week 4 reflections
The article called 'Low-tech students' (Shepherd 2005) raises a few important issues. For instance, having technophobic/inexperience students in ESL class with computer-oriented learning. Shepherd suggests that while planning a group activity, it is responsibility of teachers to make sure that more experienced students are mixed with inexperienced ones (so they can work together (productively and collaboratively)). The other issue is introduceing PC and Network technology to the whole class of computer inexperienced learners [it is very common in Russian provinces, where Internet is still a novel know-how – NZ]. A few key points:
- introducing basic terminology to the students before taking them to the lab;
- starting with a simple program (Shepherd suggests ‘Word processor’ or basic functions of Internet browser);
- keeping regular practice;
- still emphasizing on the language so students do not complain about wanting to learn a language, and not IT.

I had all sorts of problems with technology as a student and a teacher in Russia. I'm still having them as a student in Australia :-)). I can relate to my students and understand them NOW better then ever. Doing CLN618 makes me appreciate students' hard work and their efforts to work with computers. Sometimes I think that computers are not out learning aids, but our obstacles on the way of getting knowledge :-(((. I agree with Shepperd that it's mainly teachers' responsibility to make their students feel comfortable with new/not-so-new technology. Teachers’ strategies can be different, but their aim should be the same: maximum comfort and stress free learning process

# posted by net-net2007 @ 6:51 PM
Comments:
Thanks Natalia,
You seem to dissolve in technical articles. How is it going with the WQ?
Have you already finished it? Call me or post a comment.
Jules
# posted by Blogger moscow : 11:06 PM
 
Lots of good reading & reflection, Natalia - how's the WQ going? Progress? Have you been able to apply what you've read in various places to the contruction of your WQ? Or has the creation of your WQ brought some questions to your mind about language learning & IT?
Keep up the good work!
-Debra-
# posted by Blogger dlh : 4:47 PM
 
Debra!!!!! Soooo glad to hear from you!!!! I have lots of questions about my WQ. One of them is how do we populate it?

-Natalia-
# posted by Blogger net-net2007 : 8:26 AM
 
Dear Natalia,
You may have found technology hardgoing, but your WEbQuest is certainly a great piece of work! Congratulations! -Nilly
# posted by Blogger bluecamry : 9:23 PM
 
Wow you really are good at reading. I have so many articles copied but it takes me a long time to read them and then to get to the computer to write up my reflections.
# posted by Blogger kylie : 9:21 AM
 
I like your WQ. It is clearly seen that you have not just mastered the technical part of it ,but the READINGS, too.
# posted by Blogger moscow : 10:28 AM
 
Just wanted to let you know that I thought your webquest was amazing. Your idea re Englishes was original and I really think I could use your webquest! It's great.
# posted by Blogger Annetta : 10:12 PM
 
Hi Natalia!
That is a great topic for a WebQuest!
We always have a lesson in our language school (in Iran) about different Englishes. Thanks for the great activity. It is perfect for my students (age, context,..)so thanks for giving the permission.
# posted by Blogger nilofarnader : 8:18 PM
 
I was so impressed with your WQ Natalia. I thought your idea was superb and it is certainly something I would love to use with my adult EFL class.
# posted by Blogger Helen : 11:26 AM
 
Hi Natalia,
how r u doing with the final assignment??? I hope things r under control, unlike me :(
do u know how to use hot potatos in dreamweaver???
# posted by Blogger basome : 5:31 AM
 
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