This document summarizes a presentation on blending web 2.0 tools in the English language classroom. It discusses challenges in teaching English, benefits students saw from using the internet to learn English, and preferences for group work. It then defines blended learning as a mix of online and in-class instruction and outlines advantages like accommodating learning styles. Khan's Octagonal Framework for blended learning is presented. The presentation shows how a learning management system and other tools were used, and characteristics of project-based learning. Results observed from a student project are shared, concluding that technology-assisted learning can empower students for life.

1. Marrakech 1st International ICT Conference
8-11 Feb 1202
Blending web 2.0 tools in the
English language classroom
Hala Salih Mohammed Nur (MA/PhD)
English Language Institute
University of Khartoum

2. What’s all the fuss about computers?
• Calvin: If I had a computer, I ‘am sure I’d get
better grades on my book reports.
• Dad: But still you have to read the books and
tell the computer what you want to say,…
• Calvin: Man, what’s all the fuss about
computers?? (Watterson, 1995)

3. Digital Immigrants / Digital Natives

4. Challenges facing the teaching of
English language
• Super large classes (100-300)
• Limited time allocated to English language
classes (2 hours/15 weeks)
• Mixed-ability classes.
• No use of English outside the classroom.
• Great need for a more proficient graduates in
the work market.(B)

5. Did you benefit from using the
internet in your study of English?
80%
73%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
27%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No

6. Do you prefer to continue using the
internet to learn English?
90%
80% 79%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
21%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No

7. Do you prefer to work in groups?
70%
64%
60%
50%
40% 36%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No

8. Did you find it difficult to use the
internet to learn English?
70%
60%
60%
50%
40%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No

9. Access to the internet
• Home 21%
• Internet Café 29%
• University Network 45%
• No access 5%

10. What is blended teaching?
Blended Learning refers to a
mixing of different learning
environments. The phrase has
many specific meanings based
upon the context in which it is
used. A blended learning approach
can combine face-to-face
instruction with computer-
mediated instruction.

11. Advantages of Blended Learning
• It can accommodate a range of learning styles.
• It involves interaction between the learner and
instructor.
• It can facilitate extensive learner to learner
interactions
• It can increase the pace of learning because it's on
demand learning - and enables the training of
larger numbers of people in shorter periods of time
than is possible with classroom training.
• It can make learning more relevant by allowing for
learning in context.

12. Khan Octagonal Framework

13. Using the tools
Learning Management System
Moodle
Students’ Blogs

14. Our New Sudan Project

15. Characteristics of PBL
• Builds on previous work;
• Integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills;
• Incorporates collaborative team work, problem solving, negotiating
and other interpersonal skills;
• Requires learners to engage in independent work;
• Challenges learners to use English in new and different contexts
outside the class;
• Involves learners in choosing the focus of the project and in the
planning process;
• Engages learners in acquiring new information that is important to
them;
• Leads to clear outcomes; and
• Incorporates self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and teacher
evaluation.

16. Teams of students working
on the project

17. Class wiki

18. http://mysudan.pbworks.com/w/page/47458783/FrontPage

19. Observed Results
*Increase in students motivation.
*Use of target language outside
classroom.
*Use of target language in meaningful
activities.
*Students take responsibility of their
own learning.
*Improved language proficiency

20. “Give a student a language course, and you teach the
student for a semester. Teach a student to become an
autonomous technology-assisted language
learner, and you teach the student for a lifetime.”
(Gary Cziko, 2005)