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"Cutting
Edge Tools in the ESL/EFL Classroom"
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Please
note: the
cutting edge movie, above is based on the brilliant and great
ideas of both MC
& BG
! (Please note that this is just for F.U.N.)
To watch the movie with the possible ideas, USE this URL:http://users.chariot.net.au/~michaelc/els/movie_maker_sample.wmv
A
"short" feedback report on the presentation,
(with screen shots of some slides),
by
Buthaina
Al-Othman
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1)
Michael Coghlan,
(MC) demonstrated the possibilities
of utilizing the free software
of Photo
Story & Movie Maker for ESL/EFL
learners.
Click the
picture on the right hand side,
showing where Michael first went to school).
(This is to see and hear a possible idea,
by MC.
He
also talked about ways ESL/EFL
teachers could utilize some
interesting free ICTs. He demonstrated
his latest experiments with LiveJournal,
(an interesting blogging tool), and with
Audio
blogs!
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2)
Michael takled the issue of FIREWALLS!
He
emphasized the hard thinking it takes, supporting
Vance
Stevens's concept on the issue!(The picture
on the right hand side). I believe this is a crucial
issue that we all need to collaboratively think hard
on ways to deal with it to solve it. I have personally
been, like most of you, suffering from some colleagues
attacking and criticising some teaching and learning
approaches I use for my EFL classes. I know I'm not
the only one; however..! Thanks, Michael for bringing
this up, again, to the attention of the world!
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3)
Some main factors were stressed as major steps towards the right
direction:
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Michael,
then asked:
"Can digital or multimedia literacy promote development
of traditional literacy?"
The answer to the above question is , "YES...!"
"Nevertheless, a change per se cannot be reached with
the use of technology, only! Officials and eductaors should
take into consideration teachers "quality" as
a main element to reach that goal. CoPs , such as, WiA,
can train teachers and provide essential skills that would
allow Language teachers/or teachers of other subjects, in
general, to step into the 21 Century and participate in
the current , crucial Global change effectively". To
read the full answer, please go to Buth's
Conclusion of her part in the
Weabheads' presentation, at TESOL 2003, Baltimore, USA |
4)
"It got to do with Community building!" (Michael,
stated).
I
strongly agree with Michael. Actually, the fact that we,
Webheads in action are still learning from each other
and sharing knowledge, for three years, now, proves you
are right Michael, that the real cutting edge tool
is Community
building! Actually, I've been trying
to integrate the concept into my EFL/ESP classes, since
I joined the Webheads; (but as you know,
Herding Cats is not an easy job).To see what
I mean, please click HERE
!
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The fact that the cooperation of Daf and Bee by collaborating
in this very event, (despite the fact that they both are
busy, moderating their EVoline 2005 sessions), is concrete
evidence that communities of practice online are, indeed,
cutting edge tools.
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| 5)
Finally, thank you Micheal for inviting us to your
presentation. It really was a new learning experience, and
a cutting edge session, indeed! . Thanks for sharing, :-)
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| MC's
presentation, details, and his follow up report can be viewed
HERE
or HERE! |
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this
time, for ELS Conference 
