Mastering Technology: Realistic Tips & Tricks

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background of International English Language Teaching Conference
3. Preparing for the Conference
   • Apologizing for the delay
   • Introduction to the speaker
   • Topic of the presentation: Getting to grips with technology
   • Importance of sharing ideas and best practices
4. Three Different Periods of Teaching
   • Teaching before the Covid-19 pandemic
   • Teaching during the pandemic
   • Teaching after the pandemic
5. Personal Experience During the Pandemic
   • Feeling insecure and overwhelmed
   • Developing a plan for online teaching
   • Applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs
6. Creating a Toolkit for Online Teaching
   • Introduction to the toolkit
   • Recommended video conference tool: Zoom
   • Alternative video conference tool: Whereby
   • Classroom management tool: ClassDojo
   • Vocabulary and translation tool: Emoji Translate
   • Lesson planning tool: LessonTool
7. Using Online Collaborative Platforms
   • Introduction to the Miro platform
   • Creating collaborative boards
   • Using templates for different activities
   • Incorporating interactive elements
   • Integrating videos and audio files
8. Interactive Activities for Language Teaching
   • Using sticky notes for brainstorming and discussion
   • Matching exercises using Miro's widgets
   • Collaborative reading and comprehension tasks
   • Presenting vocabulary using word clouds
   • Online group work and Peer collaboration
9. Using Miro for Drama and Performance
   • Creating interactive dialogues and role-plays
   • Collaborative writing and editing tasks
   • Integrating drama techniques in virtual classrooms
10. Tips for Using Miro Effectively
    • Undoing mistakes and practicing with the platform
    • Ensuring behavior management and introductory lessons
    • Seeking support from other teachers
11. Conclusion

Getting to Grips with Technology in English Language Teaching

The International English Language Teaching Conference, organized by the Union branch of the Moroccan Association of Teachers of English, is a platform for educators to share ideas, best practices, and expertise. With the rise of technology in education, the conference aims to Delve into practical ideas for incorporating technology in the English language classroom. In this article, we will explore the different periods of teaching, discuss personal experiences during the pandemic, and provide insights on creating a toolkit and utilizing online collaborative platforms for interactive language teaching.

Introduction

The International English Language Teaching Conference is an annual event that brings together educators from around the world. The conference provides a platform for English language teachers to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences. Organized by the Union branch of the Moroccan Association of Teachers of English, this conference aims to explore the use of technology in the English language classroom.

Background of International English Language Teaching Conference

Before we delve into the topic of technology in language teaching, let's take a moment to understand the background of the International English Language Teaching Conference. This conference is organized by the Union branch of the Moroccan Association of Teachers of English, a professional organization dedicated to promoting quality English language education in Morocco. The conference brings together educators, researchers, and experts in the field of English language teaching to exchange knowledge, discuss the latest developments, and explore innovative teaching methods.

Preparing for the Conference

As the conference begins, the organizers apologize for the delay and acknowledge the importance of the attendees' time. They introduce the speaker, Eva, who will be presenting on the topic of "Getting to grips with technology: practical ideas." This presentation aligns with the conference's sub-theme of sharing ideas, best practices, and expertise that can be immediately transferred to classroom teaching. The organizers emphasize the significance of professional development and the need to support teachers with different ideas.

Three Different Periods of Teaching

Eva divides the discussion into three different periods of teaching: before the Covid-19 pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. She reflects on the challenges faced during each period and highlights the role of technology in adapting to the changing educational landscape.

During the pre-pandemic period, there was a debate about whether to embrace new and emerging technologies in education. Teachers had the option to choose whether to incorporate technology into their classrooms or stick to traditional teaching methods.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. Teachers were faced with the sudden need to shift to online teaching and find new ways to engage their students. Eva acknowledges the initial feelings of insecurity and the struggle to navigate the online teaching environment.

Looking towards the future, Eva envisions a period of teaching post-pandemic. She believes that there will be a greater integration of technology in education, although not to the same extent as during the pandemic. This period will bring a balance between traditional teaching methods and the effective use of technology.

Personal Experience During the Pandemic

Eva shares her personal experience during the pandemic, highlighting the initial Sense of unease and uncertainty. Like many other teachers, she felt overwhelmed and unsure about how to adapt to the sudden shift to online teaching. However, she quickly realized the need to step up and Create a plan to teach effectively in the new online environment.

Eva reflects on the challenges faced by both teachers and students during this period. She introduces the concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, emphasizing the importance of addressing students' physiological and safety needs before focusing on higher-level needs such as love, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Creating a Toolkit for Online Teaching

To navigate the challenges of online teaching, Eva emphasizes the importance of having a toolkit of educational applications, platforms, and resources. She shares her own toolkit, which includes video conferencing tools like Zoom and Whereby, classroom management tools like ClassDojo, vocabulary and translation tools like Emoji Translate, and lesson planning tools like LessonTool.

Eva highlights the features and benefits of each tool, providing teachers with practical options to enhance their online teaching experience. She encourages teachers to explore these tools and find the ones that best suit their teaching style and the needs of their students.

Using Online Collaborative Platforms

Collaboration is a key aspect of successful language teaching, and Eva introduces the Miro platform as a tool for online collaboration. She explains how Miro enables teachers and students to create collaborative boards for various activities. The platform offers templates for different types of activities, such as brainstorming Sessions, matching exercises, and reading comprehension tasks.

Eva demonstrates how teachers can incorporate interactive elements, such as sticky notes, widgets, and multimedia files, to engage students and foster collaboration. She also highlights the ability to embed videos and audio files from external sources, allowing for a seamless integration of multimedia content in online lessons.

Interactive Activities for Language Teaching

Building upon the capabilities of the Miro platform, Eva provides examples of interactive activities that can be implemented in language teaching. She showcases how sticky notes can be used for brainstorming and discussion, and how widgets can be utilized for matching exercises and vocabulary games. She also explores collaborative reading and comprehension tasks, as well as presenting vocabulary using word clouds.

Eva emphasizes the flexibility of online group work and peer collaboration, showcasing how students can work together on different boards to complete tasks, discuss ideas, and provide feedback to their peers. She highlights the importance of interactive activities in language teaching, as they promote engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Using Miro for Drama and Performance

Eva demonstrates how the Miro platform can be utilized for drama and performance activities. She explains how teachers can create interactive dialogues and role-plays, allowing students to actively participate and engage in language learning. Collaborative writing and editing tasks are also showcased, providing opportunities for students to work together to create, revise, and perfect their written work.

Eva highlights the versatility of the Miro platform in facilitating drama-Based activities, where students can participate in virtual dramas, improvisations, and performances. She encourages teachers to explore these possibilities and unleash their creativity when incorporating drama techniques in the online language classroom.

Tips for Using Miro Effectively

To make the most out of the Miro platform, Eva offers some practical tips for using it effectively. She advises teachers to familiarize themselves with the undo button, ensuring that they can rectify any mistakes or changes made on the boards. She also stresses the importance of behavior management and introductory lessons, as well as seeking support from other teachers who use the platform.

Eva concludes by highlighting the sense of unity among teachers worldwide, emphasizing that teachers need each other's support and expertise to navigate the challenges of online teaching. She encourages teachers to embrace technology, but also remain open to collaboration and learning from one another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the International English Language Teaching Conference provides a platform for educators to explore the use of technology in language teaching. The conference facilitates the sharing of ideas, best practices, and expertise, empowering teachers to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of education. By creating toolkits, utilizing online collaborative platforms, and incorporating interactive activities, teachers can enhance their online teaching experience and provide engaging and effective language learning opportunities for their students.