Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tesol-technology
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, educators are constantly seeking ways to enhance their teaching methods and engage students more effectively. The Coursera course, ‘Teach English Now! Technology Enriched Teaching,’ offers a comprehensive and practical approach to integrating technology into the English language classroom without letting it overshadow the core learning objectives. This course is an absolute must for any teacher looking to embrace the future of education.
From the outset, the course tackles a common hurdle: the fear of using technology. Module 1 introduces us to a relatable young teacher who is hesitant to adopt new tools. Through his journey, the course provides actionable strategies to overcome technological difficulties, emphasizing alignment with learning goals, learner control, and an outcomes-driven approach. It’s incredibly reassuring to see these common anxieties addressed head-on.
Module 2 delves into the practicalities of lesson planning, introducing the concept of a Learning Management System (LMS) and categorizing various technologies. The framework of the ‘six events of instruction’ is particularly useful, helping teachers critically assess how different technologies can best serve their lesson objectives. This module moves beyond simply listing tools to providing a strategic approach to their implementation.
Student engagement is the focus of Module 3, which explores the concept of ‘digital nativity.’ The course offers valuable insights and strategies for engaging both digital natives and those who are less familiar with technology, ensuring that no student is left behind. This is crucial for creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Module 4 introduces two powerful frameworks: TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition). These acronyms provide a structured way to understand the interplay between teaching, content, and technology, and to evaluate whether technology is merely a replacement or a true transformer of the learning process. This section is a game-changer for rethinking lesson design.
Finally, Module 5 offers practical advice on navigating the overwhelming world of educational technology. It equips teachers with the skills to critically evaluate new tools and focus on those that genuinely benefit students, rather than succumbing to marketing hype. The course concludes with a final review in Module 6, reinforcing the key concepts and ensuring learners have a solid grasp of the material through a quiz and peer review assignment.
Overall, ‘Teach English Now! Technology Enriched Teaching’ is an outstanding course. It’s well-structured, engaging, and provides practical, immediately applicable strategies for educators. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this course will empower you to leverage technology to create more dynamic, effective, and inclusive learning experiences. I highly recommend it!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tesol-technology