Interactive online learning in high schools

This session was led by Ester Feldman, an experienced English teacher and writer. Unfortunately at the beginning there were a few technical issues which were quite painful to the ears but it was resolved although I still had some problems following audio later.

Ester showed us how she uses technology and online resources in the classroom. She said that if technology makes the teaching better then we should use it. She also pointed out that many of the students use technology outside the classroom, so it makes sense to incorporate this technology into classroom activities when possible. This is a sentiment with which I agree as students are more likely to use tech that they are familiar with rather than teachers having to teach them something new.

 Because the students know that their work may be seen worldwide, they are more likely to do it and redo it until it is perfect. All of this means that they are practising and working on their language a lot more than if we just gave them a speaking activity in class.

In this way the teachers role has changed.

As some students may not have access to technology at home, the school has the computer room open after regular school hours. This overcomes one of the main problems which students have.

The school where Ester works has changed assessment to take account of new technology by making a project a reasonable component of the marking scheme.

She then went on to talk about different projects which have been done in her school. She told us that from her experience students make more effort, are more included and produce better work and results. I made the observation at the time that the students are so engrossed in what they are doing they don't realise that they are learning.

I found this a very interesting webinar.