Week 3

This week I found a lot of interesting reading materials. I started with the oral / aural web search and found interesting teaching materials. I also realised how important it is to use authentic materials. I'm getting more and more aware of the fact that during my lessons I am too bound to using the textbook. In the past I searched the net find something interesting for my lessons but I got discouraged because it took a lot of time and the results were disappointing. Now I know many websites which provide me with various materials and I have already started using them The students have noticed the difference.

I enjoyed reading the reports of projects from previous courses. I realised the complexity of the project I am going to make but at the same time I know how to think about my project, what goals I would like to achieve, in what direction I want to go.

Unfortunately I have not managed to create my delicious account as I had some problems. I wrote to Donna and hope to solve the problems.

To sum up I like the course as it develops and though there is quite a lot of work, I do enjoy it. I am looking forward to the following weeks.

Week 2

The second week is almost over an I am very satisfied with  my job.

In the beginning of the week I found the instructions about the assignments. I started with reading about objectives and ABCD model. It was quite complicated for me in the beginning so I moved on to  Bloom's Taxonomy and I got lost even more. It was too theoretical and I didn't see the idea behind it. But after continuing reading more and more and looking through more articles I realised it is important to know how learning process develops. This way we can better understand our students and see on which level they are. I printed out a page with the  Bloom's Taxonomy and put it over my desk. 

Next I continued with web searching. I was astonished at the number of various search engines ans websites for teachers and students. I must admit it was difficult in the beginning to find some information or materials but after several attempts I managed many things. I know I am just starting my adventure with proper web searching and it is still a long way for me. I don't feel discouraged though. I feel like in the beginning of a long journey looking for surprises and being aware of some obstacles.I have already used some of the materials  during my lessons and I found them very useful.

Writing the objective was another challenge. I carefully read again the examples on the reading list and Donna's post. Then  I wrote my own. Donna draw my attention to being more specified about rubric evaluation. I hadn't realised I could use rubric to evaluate grammar tasks. But apparently it is necessary to be more specific to my students. I believe I must work on this aspect of my evaluation system.

Finally, I must say that I was very happy to check my grades and see the results. It gives me motivation and strength to continue the course and face new challenges next week,

Week 1 - How did I start

Hi Everyone,

I am very happy and honoured to participate in the course with so many international and experienced colleagues. 

This is my first blog although I have heard of this tool before. Frankly speaking I didn't understand the idea of blogging before I read the articles from the reading list. I believe that having my blog during the course will help me discover the advantages of using blog for my professional puposes.

The begining of the course were pretty stressful for me. I logged in as soon as got the necessary information on my email and I saw a lot of different tasks for the first week. I felt lost and upset but decided to wait till Monday. And then a huge relief. Donna sent her first email with detailed descriptiommn of the first week's activities. I just followed her instructions and everything was obvious.

Now I feel really safe and ready to cope with new challenges. The thing that worries me most is taking part in discuusions. I am not used to debate on things online and I love seeing the person I'm talking to. But on the other hand after the introductions and small talks on line I see how to do it. I must admit that I first read some of your posts and see how to do things. Thanks a lot for your help and support. I find it wonderful that we can learn from each other.

I wish you all a lot of success and joy while working for the course.

All the best,

Ula