Teach Learners “How to E-learn”
Posted by Sandra Pinto Pires | Filed under E Learning, Mobile learning, Moodle, Net Tips
As we all know already, teaching and learning has changed – it’s no longer pen and paper or chalk and blackboard! Technology is here to help us to teach and learn anywhere and anytime.
Today more then ever, adult learners need to bring their IT knowledge up to date in order to improve their skills, progress in their professional lives and grow as citizens.
Our ACL learners are aware that they are expected to be able to use technology to work, they just don’t know how they can learn and study whenever and wherever they want or can.
We tend to think that adult learners are “technophobes”, but most of them have a computer at home or carry technology in their pockets and bags (who hasn’t got a mobile these days?!).
Coping with their lives in a more and more busy world where they must balance demands from home, work and school is not easy. So you just have to show them how easy it is with technology and how they can benefit and learn using it.
I have been going to different classes to show students how they can learn with various technology tools, such as Internet, Moodle, Smartphones, iPods, iPads, Nintendo DS, PSP, Podcasts, audiobooks, Flip cameras, etc.
So far the feedback has been tremendously positive. During this workshop students also have a hands on time where they play with iPods, Flips, etc. At this point, they realize how easy it is to operate with these tools and how often they could be in touch with learning. It is also extremely inspirational for teachers!
We just have to give them all a chance to play and experiment technology!
Here are some teachers’ and students’ opinions after the workshop:
Students’ feedback
“Hi Sandra,
I’m Carlotta from William’s class. I’ve attended your lesson and I found it really interesting because everything was clear, easy to understand and you were really nice.
Personally I knew already about this technology and new ways of learning and I don’t really like it, I prefer the old way but you made me reflect about that and encouraged me to use it more.
Thanks!”
Teachers’ Feedback
“Sandra’s visit was a real kick in the pants, which we all needed! After the presentation we’ve gone back to the world of Moddle, where new learners find it a lot easier to catch up, absent learners make up for what they’ve missed out on and self- study stuff, forums, chats, glossary etc are real fun. Many learners who wouldn’t show the slightest interest in technology are now buying ipods and those who wouldn’t do much self- study are now regular users of English learning websites…This has happened overnight!”
Ewa Rzepko (ESOL teacher)
“The e-learning session was great and many of the group are now accessing Moodle from home for class materials. They have also asked if there is a college budget to help buy i-phones for them – I said I would ask.”
William Mcadoo (IELTS teacher)
Tags: ILT
