This week we have been introduced to an amazing technology tool: ANVILL. The idea is unique and the options are unlimited, however, I saw a number of limitations that may make it difficult for me to use it in class. Some Ss may find it complicated for them. Some don't like to use voice chat and videos. They may be afraid of being misused. This is related to conservative culture in some places in Egypt.
This week two of my students gave their presentations , that's the project I am doing for the course. They were really good. I am so happy and proud of them. The class loved the idea of using rubrics and they are getting more familiar with them now. They did the writing task successfully today after exploring the wrting rubrics as well. They just like evaluating themselves and evaluating each other. I have submitted my project draft and didn't get any feedback yet. it was challengiung but working on a part of the project every week made it easy to compile the work with some modifications.
Hala
Hi Hala,
ReplyDeleteYou’re right that ANVILL is an amazing online tool for teaching aural/oral skills. Therefore, like you we should take best advantage of this tool in English teaching as much as possible. One of your concerns is that your students aren’t really interested in voice chat and videos because they find it difficult to make it. As a teacher you can make them get familiar with the computer use at the first time and introduce the benefits of computer and Internet tools. Gradually, you can lead them to have access to online resources and weblinks for their learning, make good instructions and give constructive advice to make them feel they’re using the Internet for your learning and exploring, not taking risks.
I think voice chat and videos are good to encourage students, especially shy and unmotivated students to express themselves without feeling afraid of making mistakes, get more interested in the lessons. Overcome this constraint and try it. Hopefully, using voice chat and videos can change the way your students learn somewhat.
Hope this helps.
PS. It’s very nice to see your technology application to teaching comes to a success. Keep going!
Phuong-Mai
Hi Hala
ReplyDeleteI really loved to read about when people integrate new things from our class into their classes. Very exciting to read about! I am living vicariously through all of you.
Robert