No one can underestimate the benefits of team work. Team or group work has its personal and group advantages. Group work teaches self-discipline, commitment, and respect. In addition, group work breaks complex tasks, allows diverse views, and establishes a shared identity between students. We are asked today to describe our experience in working with our group in this course, and how to assess group work and group members in a distance learning environment.
We were asked to record a voice thread for our group activity. We had to come up with an activity that serves a specific communication mode and then take turns in recording it using voice thread. One of the challenges that we faced as a group is getting everybody together at the specified time. Once most of us were there, another problem was being able t stay there due to poor internet connections. I liked how each member was assigned to do one part of the project which made it easier. The challenges were basically around having everyone present so we can assign the roles. We over come this problem by assigning roles any way and sending an email to participants with the roles of each one.
When considering developing group activities in distance learning environments we have to put in mind assigning different types of activities in order to cover the three modes of communication. When assessing the group activity: First, if the work is done on time, then that's a plus. Second, if every group member participated in the activity. Third, if the content was correct. It is also beneficial to encourage peer help between members of each group. This will help with assessing the group work.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Communication Modes And Assessments 06/08/2013 Day 7
The communication mode that I would like to give more attention to with my students is the interpersonal mode of communication. I have chosen this mode because in my class students learn the vocabulary, read or watch something and answer questions to test understanding, and present what they have learned to the rest of the students. In my class, we are missing the interpersonal mode of communication where students engage and share ideas with other fellow students.
I have chosen group 6 because they have addressed the interpersonal communication mode. Their target language was Spanish and Arabic and their performance range was novice high and intermediate low. Their activity was a blogging activity, asynchronous, and they used edmodo.com. Their learning objectives were for their students to be able to share some personal information, then write it and communicate it in the blog. Students are required to describe and introduce themselves, are also required to list their likes and dislikes, and should be able to respond to other students by asking questions and seeking additional information.
I think that the method that group 6 has chosen is very effective, but as they mentioned, needs certain skills on behalf of the students. Students need to be able to form simple but complete sentences, have writing skills, and have enough vocabulary to describe oneself and ask questions. In order for this activity to fit my classroom, I would start with a synchronous activity in class to have the students feel comfortable with asking questions and forming sentences. Following that, I would ask them to post a blog entry.
In order to assess the students, the teacher needs to monitor the blog entry, give feedback both individually and for the whole group, and make sure that all students have a chance to participate equally in order to be able to assess them accordingly. The challenge that might face the teacher is trying to be on top of the conversations going on in the blog. In spite of that, the teacher needs to balance between correcting some vital mistakes and letting others pass so students wouldn't feel discouraged to write.
Take care
I have chosen group 6 because they have addressed the interpersonal communication mode. Their target language was Spanish and Arabic and their performance range was novice high and intermediate low. Their activity was a blogging activity, asynchronous, and they used edmodo.com. Their learning objectives were for their students to be able to share some personal information, then write it and communicate it in the blog. Students are required to describe and introduce themselves, are also required to list their likes and dislikes, and should be able to respond to other students by asking questions and seeking additional information.
I think that the method that group 6 has chosen is very effective, but as they mentioned, needs certain skills on behalf of the students. Students need to be able to form simple but complete sentences, have writing skills, and have enough vocabulary to describe oneself and ask questions. In order for this activity to fit my classroom, I would start with a synchronous activity in class to have the students feel comfortable with asking questions and forming sentences. Following that, I would ask them to post a blog entry.
In order to assess the students, the teacher needs to monitor the blog entry, give feedback both individually and for the whole group, and make sure that all students have a chance to participate equally in order to be able to assess them accordingly. The challenge that might face the teacher is trying to be on top of the conversations going on in the blog. In spite of that, the teacher needs to balance between correcting some vital mistakes and letting others pass so students wouldn't feel discouraged to write.
Take care
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Modes Of Communication 06/05/2013
It is interesting how you could be doing things in your teaching practice by instinct, then you discover that these things actually have a name..Although, the term "Modes of Communication" is new to me, I've been practicing those modes in my profession without realizing that I've been doing the right thing. In this blog entry, I'll be talking about the three modes of communication and their importance, how are my previous sessions integrating them, how I would like to apply them professionally in my Arabic sessions, how would a distance learning environment impact my practice.
The three modes of communication are the Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. The interpretive communication mode is when students listen, view, or read an authentic text and answer questions to assess their comprehension. The interpersonal mode is when students engage in communication about a particular topic which relates to the interpretive text. In the presentational mode students share their research, ideas, and opinions with an audience through speeches, drama, skits, videos, posters, radio broadcasts, etc.
As educators, we always want the best for our students. It is our duty not to just give our students information, vocabulary, and grammar tools but to engage them in the culture of the language. Deepening their understanding beyond speaking, listening, reading, and writing is what makes us unique educators. In addition, creating life long learners who take their new language beyond the classroom and into the world and using it for personal enjoyment and enrichment is what differentiates a teacher from a connected teacher.
In my institute, we offer a variety of classes. I will demonstrate on a class called "My Life". This class has two sections, themes and media. In our themes section, students are given vocabulary words that are related to the theme, a paragraph, and some questions (Interpretive communication). After going through the materials, students try to form sentences using the vocabulary that they have learned (Interpersonal communication). They are asked after that to present what they have learned to the rest of the groups (Presentational communication). In the media section, students watch a youtube video and learn the vocabulary presented in it (Interpretive), form their own sentences (Interpersonal), and present them in some sort of presentation form to the rest of the groups (Presentational).
After learning about this topic in the ClassRoad course, I now have a solid ground to plan and structure the lessons in a professional manner. I would also like to balance between the three modes and give the students enough time to practice each one. In addition, I would like to connect the students more to the culture of the language and to its communities. I would like my students to make comparisons and connections with their environment and their own cultures. Furthermore, I want my classes to become more effective by adding the human-to-human interaction which is encompassed in ten words "Knowing how, when, and why to say what to whom."
The only issue with the distance learning environment is missing the human connection. But with Skype and google hangouts and other social media, I think that this is no longer a huge issue. We can easily integrate the three modes of communication in our distance learning environments without any limitations.
The three modes of communication are the Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. The interpretive communication mode is when students listen, view, or read an authentic text and answer questions to assess their comprehension. The interpersonal mode is when students engage in communication about a particular topic which relates to the interpretive text. In the presentational mode students share their research, ideas, and opinions with an audience through speeches, drama, skits, videos, posters, radio broadcasts, etc.
As educators, we always want the best for our students. It is our duty not to just give our students information, vocabulary, and grammar tools but to engage them in the culture of the language. Deepening their understanding beyond speaking, listening, reading, and writing is what makes us unique educators. In addition, creating life long learners who take their new language beyond the classroom and into the world and using it for personal enjoyment and enrichment is what differentiates a teacher from a connected teacher.
In my institute, we offer a variety of classes. I will demonstrate on a class called "My Life". This class has two sections, themes and media. In our themes section, students are given vocabulary words that are related to the theme, a paragraph, and some questions (Interpretive communication). After going through the materials, students try to form sentences using the vocabulary that they have learned (Interpersonal communication). They are asked after that to present what they have learned to the rest of the groups (Presentational communication). In the media section, students watch a youtube video and learn the vocabulary presented in it (Interpretive), form their own sentences (Interpersonal), and present them in some sort of presentation form to the rest of the groups (Presentational).
After learning about this topic in the ClassRoad course, I now have a solid ground to plan and structure the lessons in a professional manner. I would also like to balance between the three modes and give the students enough time to practice each one. In addition, I would like to connect the students more to the culture of the language and to its communities. I would like my students to make comparisons and connections with their environment and their own cultures. Furthermore, I want my classes to become more effective by adding the human-to-human interaction which is encompassed in ten words "Knowing how, when, and why to say what to whom."
The only issue with the distance learning environment is missing the human connection. But with Skype and google hangouts and other social media, I think that this is no longer a huge issue. We can easily integrate the three modes of communication in our distance learning environments without any limitations.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Connected Teaching 06/03/2013
A connected teacher is a teacher who is curious about the world, who has the desire to connect with people around the globe, and who is willing to change the way he/she teaches in order to meet the needs of the connected learner.
The benefits of using the various social media networks as a connected language teacher have amazed me. I had never thought that using these sites could add value to the learning experience. Using twitter, for example, as a way to practice the language with native speakers was a wonderful idea. I had been always seeking to find ways for my students to practice their conversational skills, but had never thought of using twitter as a tool to serve this purpose. Additionally, taking a look at all the files shared in the Arabic Language field, for example, through Diigo is a tool worth using. Facebook, of course, is the mother of all social media. I feel that it is cozy and welcoming. Continuing to use Facebook and advancing the way I'm using it to serve the learning needs of my students is vital.
The value of connecting with other teachers in social media networks would increase my knowledge on what is happening in classrooms around the world. Additionally, having the opportunity to ask questions and generating answers from different individuals from different societies is beneficial. It also increases my curiosity and empowers my professional development. Another important aspect, is bringing certain topics into consideration and really teasing my brain. The wonderful part is that you would get feedback, ideas, and update your information almost instantly.
I am using Facebook at the time being. Hence, I really need to work on advancing the way I use it. I would also try to connect with language groups that share the same interest. Taking a close look at my students' needs and what I want them to achieve, I would choose twitter as a platform that would best fit their needs and my expectations. I loved the idea of experiencing the culture of the language, in addition to practicing speaking the language with native speakers through twitter. A nice aspect of that is that twitter will limit them to 140 characters which is not too much. This would encourage the students to participate as they would not be required to write much.
I have requested to join a group on Facebook called Learning Languages https://www.facebook.com/groups/298076033554629/
I would like to join this group as they seem active and have great ideas that I can implement on my page.
I am looking forward to become a professional connected teacher as well as a connected learner.
Thank you for feeling my read..
The benefits of using the various social media networks as a connected language teacher have amazed me. I had never thought that using these sites could add value to the learning experience. Using twitter, for example, as a way to practice the language with native speakers was a wonderful idea. I had been always seeking to find ways for my students to practice their conversational skills, but had never thought of using twitter as a tool to serve this purpose. Additionally, taking a look at all the files shared in the Arabic Language field, for example, through Diigo is a tool worth using. Facebook, of course, is the mother of all social media. I feel that it is cozy and welcoming. Continuing to use Facebook and advancing the way I'm using it to serve the learning needs of my students is vital.
The value of connecting with other teachers in social media networks would increase my knowledge on what is happening in classrooms around the world. Additionally, having the opportunity to ask questions and generating answers from different individuals from different societies is beneficial. It also increases my curiosity and empowers my professional development. Another important aspect, is bringing certain topics into consideration and really teasing my brain. The wonderful part is that you would get feedback, ideas, and update your information almost instantly.
I am using Facebook at the time being. Hence, I really need to work on advancing the way I use it. I would also try to connect with language groups that share the same interest. Taking a close look at my students' needs and what I want them to achieve, I would choose twitter as a platform that would best fit their needs and my expectations. I loved the idea of experiencing the culture of the language, in addition to practicing speaking the language with native speakers through twitter. A nice aspect of that is that twitter will limit them to 140 characters which is not too much. This would encourage the students to participate as they would not be required to write much.
I have requested to join a group on Facebook called Learning Languages https://www.facebook.com/groups/298076033554629/
I would like to join this group as they seem active and have great ideas that I can implement on my page.
I am looking forward to become a professional connected teacher as well as a connected learner.
Thank you for feeling my read..
Sunday, June 2, 2013
First Learning Impression 06/02
It has been a crazy day! I guess June will be full of adventure!
Today, I had two appointments, one for me and one for my daughter, a dinner gathering at my house, and the webinar! With all this commotion going on around me, I had no clue about the hangout!
I had received an email from one of my assigned teammates 3 hours before the webinar asking if we were supposed to meet. I answered innocently-probably naively-that we'll be meeting in three hours. Of course, I had no idea that he was referring to the hangout. Anyway, I got an email a bit later from my other teammate indicating that they have had a chance to "hangout", and that there was an assignment for us to do! She had also, generously, provided a link to the assignment which I could not open! I, honestly, was freaking out, as I did not know where to go, had no idea what the assignment was, and I had missed out the hangout!
My learning impressions for my first day were as follows:
1- Although I did not meet my colleagues through Google Hangout, I did meet them through email. I truly felt a rush of caring when my colleagues (teammates) were updating me on what they have done. I think this "bonding" is an important aspect that we need to consider in our classroom environments whether they were face to face or virtual.
2- I have learned that I need to keep checking the course's topics regularly to make sure that I have understood, covered, and acted upon everything required. This is especially important in order not to miss any synchronous activities.
3- An interesting thing that I have learned from my teammates is that communication is vital. It is important to ask when in doubt, request information, and seek advice. Having a culture that is inviting, open, and nonjudgmental allows students to ask with no fear. In order to achieve that, I have to start feeling at ease with doing more inquiring :)
It's always a pleasure to speak your mind..
Take care,
Hadeel
How did you feel about connecting with new colleagues in this kind of online format (Google Hangout)?
* What challenges, if any, did you face in meeting with your group?
* Share at least one interesting thing you learned from a colleague and/or in the process.
* If you were unable to connect in the Google Hangout, describe your experience trying and how you intend to remedy this in the future so as to be able to participate in synchronous group activities.
Today, I had two appointments, one for me and one for my daughter, a dinner gathering at my house, and the webinar! With all this commotion going on around me, I had no clue about the hangout!
I had received an email from one of my assigned teammates 3 hours before the webinar asking if we were supposed to meet. I answered innocently-probably naively-that we'll be meeting in three hours. Of course, I had no idea that he was referring to the hangout. Anyway, I got an email a bit later from my other teammate indicating that they have had a chance to "hangout", and that there was an assignment for us to do! She had also, generously, provided a link to the assignment which I could not open! I, honestly, was freaking out, as I did not know where to go, had no idea what the assignment was, and I had missed out the hangout!
My learning impressions for my first day were as follows:
1- Although I did not meet my colleagues through Google Hangout, I did meet them through email. I truly felt a rush of caring when my colleagues (teammates) were updating me on what they have done. I think this "bonding" is an important aspect that we need to consider in our classroom environments whether they were face to face or virtual.
2- I have learned that I need to keep checking the course's topics regularly to make sure that I have understood, covered, and acted upon everything required. This is especially important in order not to miss any synchronous activities.
3- An interesting thing that I have learned from my teammates is that communication is vital. It is important to ask when in doubt, request information, and seek advice. Having a culture that is inviting, open, and nonjudgmental allows students to ask with no fear. In order to achieve that, I have to start feeling at ease with doing more inquiring :)
It's always a pleasure to speak your mind..
Take care,
Hadeel
 |
| Dinner at my house |
How did you feel about connecting with new colleagues in this kind of online format (Google Hangout)?
* What challenges, if any, did you face in meeting with your group?
* Share at least one interesting thing you learned from a colleague and/or in the process.
* If you were unable to connect in the Google Hangout, describe your experience trying and how you intend to remedy this in the future so as to be able to participate in synchronous group activities.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Why Do We Need Someone To Talk To?
Why do we need someone to talk to?
Is it because we're human, and humans need to communicate? But animals communicate with each other too..Is it because people need to always express their feelings, and if they don't they'd explode? But I know people who simply have no need and don't know how to express their feelings..Is it because life sometimes sucks and we need to let go of all our negative emotions or we might blow up? But again, we can let go of our unwanted emotions through exercise, eating, or even screaming..no need there for talking!
Let's say we all need to talk to someone because this is how it is..this is how we function as humans. This leads me to the next question..What are the characteristics of the person who we would like to talk to?
We would like to talk to a person who would not judge us, not even deep down inside him/her self. A deep listener, a person who would cry when we do, laugh at our stupid jokes, be crazy when we feel like being crazy. A person who would give us a hug when we need one, a kiss? Well, depends lol
Any way, if we happen to have someone like that in our life we need to go and tell him or her that we appreciate their "all ears" attitude because hell, we'll be eating ourselves up without them!
Love all the deep listeners out there, cheers to u :)
Is it because we're human, and humans need to communicate? But animals communicate with each other too..Is it because people need to always express their feelings, and if they don't they'd explode? But I know people who simply have no need and don't know how to express their feelings..Is it because life sometimes sucks and we need to let go of all our negative emotions or we might blow up? But again, we can let go of our unwanted emotions through exercise, eating, or even screaming..no need there for talking!
Let's say we all need to talk to someone because this is how it is..this is how we function as humans. This leads me to the next question..What are the characteristics of the person who we would like to talk to?
We would like to talk to a person who would not judge us, not even deep down inside him/her self. A deep listener, a person who would cry when we do, laugh at our stupid jokes, be crazy when we feel like being crazy. A person who would give us a hug when we need one, a kiss? Well, depends lol
Any way, if we happen to have someone like that in our life we need to go and tell him or her that we appreciate their "all ears" attitude because hell, we'll be eating ourselves up without them!
Love all the deep listeners out there, cheers to u :)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
My Heart is Tweeting
I can't help it. My heart is tweeting so hard I can't stop it. Enayat told me that a leader is a person who has admirers and therefore would follow him or her. I am feeling a huge responsibility. Do you remember anyone mentioning the tweeting?? I certainly do not! No one told us that being a leader would make your heart pounding, your mind racing, and your soul souring. I do remind myself to enjoy it and live every moment of it while it lasts. But still, it's driving me crazy.
Hadeel
Hadeel
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