Reading Prompt #4
Communication and collaboration facilitates language learning. Communication conveys knowledge, and collaboration creates the route for it via social interaction.
What I really like about this chapter and about the Egbert book in general is that it gives very good examples. It not only talks about the importance of using technology in the classroom, but also shows how to apply it in real classroom situations.
I find it very important, as Egbert points out, to engage students by assigning specific roles to each one of them, so that everybody gets involved in the classroom work. I also like the idea of students presenting their work for the class. If the class is involved in a presentation through various tasks and/or activities, it will give added value to the presentation for both the presenter and the class.
I must admit, I have never used computers in my ESL classrooms other than my laptop for testing. I know it’s sad, but I simply do not have access to a computer that I could utilize. But reading about these methods and activities that Egbert brings up, I constantly catch myself planning all kinds of computer-based activities that I would like to use with my class – one day.
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2 comments:
Hello, Rita. Some day (sigh) you'll have the resources you want for all kinds of snazzy--but useful--lessons. I still want to come and observe your class! In the meantime, getting students to work together is such a good thing to do. I agree that it helps to give them roles or tasks, especially when you first start working with a group. In the best situation, they will then jump in and start taking on responsibilities for themselves. It is fun to see where they take it.
My students used to quickly learn that everyone participates in class. Yes, that's right, I make them speak and interact, although I give them chances to participate in other ways, too. I love the Egbert book, too, and the actual examples are helpful. Thanks for the comment--wine may or may not have helped!
Hi, Rita
Thanks for the comment on my reading prompt. When I saw the words “communication” and “collaboration”, Vygotsgy’s name automatically popped up in my mind. As Dr. Wright said, Vygotsky probably did not envision computers being used to support collaboration and communication in a classroom, but I am sure that he would be amazed to know that in this century technologies have become great tools to support activities designed based on his learning theory. Another issue I want to mention here is the access to technologies in a classroom. Your teaching experiences show that even though teachers may understand the usefulness of technologies in a classroom, due to limited funding and administrative reasons, getting technology equipment in a classroom seems to be a difficult task. I think ultimately education administrators and legislators should be fully informed about the benefits of using technologies as learning tools in a classroom.
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