WEEK 08 (23 – 29 November 2009)

One-computer Classroom; Learner Autonomy

Learning Objectives
Learner Autonomy
Condition: After reading about learner autonomy and reflecting on what they do in their own classes
Audience: Participants in the course
Behavior: Will share specific ideas about what they currently do and what else they could do to encourage greater learner autonomy in their classes
Degree: In at least one post on Nicenet that includes concrete suggestions and possibly a lesson plan

One-computer classroom or self-access center
Condition: After reading about and reflecting on ways to use a one-computer classroom OR a self-access center
Audience: Participants in the course
Behavior: Will share specific ideas about what they currently do and plans for additional activities
Degree: In at least one post on Nicenet that includes concrete suggestions

READINGS

TASKS

Readings are required! Go carefully through them and use them to help form a basis for your postings in the weekly discussions. We have three related topics this week. Please read and comment about learner autonomy, then choose to read and comment about either the one-computer classroom or about using a computer lab for language learning.

Readings

Learner Autonomy

One-computer Classroom (choose this topic or Setting up a lab)

Setting up a Lab (choose this topic or One-computer classroom)

Additional Resources

Weekly Requests and Reminders:

Start working on your Final Project/Action Plan this week – what can you do to apply some of the things we’re talked about in this course to your own classes? Use the Final Project/Action Plan checklist to help you with this. Your action plans will be due on December 6.

Continue your blog at www.blogger.com. Post a reflective comment on this week’s work, where you talk about what you did, what you learned, and how you might apply that information in your teaching. Post at least one comment on another participant’s blog. Add good sites to your Delicious.com page. Remember to have tags and notes for each site you add.

Discussions: Go to Nicenet, log in, and participate in this week’s topics. Read and comment on about learner autonomy, then read and comment on either the one-computer classroom or using a lab for language learning.

  1. Read about learner autonomy (Thanasoulas, Sheu, Interconnections). Effective self-directed learning starts with learner autonomy. What could you do to encourage greater autonomy in students, with and without technology?
  2. Most people don’t have a computer lab all to themselves, and many do not have a lab in their school at all. A one-computer classroom is a way to start. Read about activities for the one-computer classroom and some strategies and applications. If you use one computer in your classroom (perhaps your own laptop and data show), what do you do with it? What else could you do with it? If you don’t have one computer, what would be the easiest way for you to start?
  3. Some of you may have set up English Corners or English resource rooms for students in your schools. Please share your experience with getting an English Corner or resource room started – what tips do you have for others who may be interested? If you have technology, what do you use? If you don’t have technology, what would be useful?

Make sure you save good sites on your Delicious.com page!