The document discusses various educational methodologies and the importance of being adaptable as a teacher, highlighting the role of technology in language instruction. It includes tips for using digital tools for asynchronous communication and feedback, emphasizing experimentation and support for students in using technology. The whimsical narrative about a teacher suggests that clear direction and mentoring are essential for guiding students effectively.

1. Gladys Baya
gladysbaya@gmail.com
27 Oct 2012

2. There once was a teacher
Whose principal feature
Was hidden in quite an odd way.
Students by millions,
Or possibly zillions
Surrounded her all of the day.
Adapted from: Mager, Robert (1984); “The teacher”(?)

3. In favour of
pragmatism in methodology
An approach or a predetermined method,
with its associated activities, principles,
and techniques, maybe an essential
starting point for an inexperienced teacher,
but it should be seen only as that.
Richards, Jack (2001:250-1); Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching

4. Image source: Scrivener, Jim; Learning Teaching (2005)

5. INFORMATION
INFORMATION
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
ASYNCHRONOUS
ASYNCHRONOUS GIVING FEEDBACK
GIVING FEEDBACK
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION
(oral)
(oral)
ICT
ICT
ASYNCHRONOUS
ASYNCHRONOUS INFORMATION
INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION SHARING
SHARING
(written)
(written)

6. INFORMATION
RESEARCH:
Directions
One of your English-speaking keypals has just
arrived in BA. He’s staying at a hotel located at the
corner of Hipólito Irigoyen and Bolivar streets. Next
Monday, he’d like to meet you as you leave school.
Find directions from Google maps for him to walk
from his hotel to our school.
Write an email giving him directions so he can meet
you at the school door. Don’t forget to tell him at
what time you’ll be there!
Inspired by: http://iteslj.org/th/1/sg-begin.html

7. GIVING FEEDBACK: Word mark-ups

8. GIVING FEEDBACK: Edmodo badges

9. INFORMATION SHARING: E-zines

10. ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION
(written): Edmodo

11. ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION
(oral): Videomails

12. ASYNCHRONOUS
COMMUNICATION
(oral): Video
interviews

13. ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION
(oral): Voice forums

14. Some tips
Think big, start little.
Get ready to teach computer/Internet skills as
well as language (or better, appoint computer
whizzes in your class as mentors).
Keep a “parallel” system in case technology
“just fails”, as well as for students who cannot
have access to ICT, or just do not feel
comfortable using them.
Allot time for the “learning process”… the
students’ and your own!
Experiment, try, ask… and re-experiment, ask
again, re-try!

15. INFORMATION
INFORMATION
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
Scavenger hunts with
Scavenger hunts with
Google maps.
Google maps.
ASYNCHRONOUS
ASYNCHRONOUS GIVING FEEDBACK
GIVING FEEDBACK
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION
(oral)
(oral) Edmodo badges
Edmodo badges
Voice forums atat Voxopop
Voice forums Voxopop Customised mark-ups inin
Customised mark-ups
Interviews published atat
Interviews published Word (saved asas pdf)
Word (saved pdf)
YouTube
YouTube
ICT
ICT
Video mail with Eyejot.
Video mail with Eyejot.
ASYNCHRONOUS
ASYNCHRONOUS INFORMATION
INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION SHARING
SHARING
(written)
(written) E-zines with Issuu and
E-zines with Issuu and
Edmodo. Calameo
Calameo
Edmodo.

16. There once was a teacher
Whose principal feature
Was hidden in quite an odd way.
Students by millions
Or possibly zillions
Surrounded him all of the day.
When finally seen
By his scholarly dean
And asked how he managed the deed,
He lifted three fingers
And said, "All you swingers
Need only to follow my lead."
"To rise from a zero
To Big Campus Hero,
To answer these questions you 'Il strive:
Where am I going,
How shall I get there, and
How will I know I've arrived?"
Mager, Robert (1984); “The teacher”(?)