On September 27, 2012, I had the privilege giving a 20 minute workshop to 26 former online participants in the Access Teacher Development Online Program (ATDOP). This group is comprised of English teachers from countries all over the world who visited the UO as part of their online course from September 24 to October 16, 2012.

I gave a mini-lesson on the pedagogical benefits of video-recorded assessment. I showed two video examples of how this technical practice can be effective and they made some great conclusions during their break-out together about the content of the entire workshop and how they could apply it to their own teaching. Being English teachers, they were active participants during the lesson and also during the break-out session afterwards. I was especially impressed at their level of engagement and enthusiasm in the workshop since many of them had traveled to the USA only a few days prior; if they were jet-lagged, they didn’t show it at all.

The ATDOP participants made the most of their time at the UO and the surrounding areas in Oregon. The weather was very cooperative and beautiful for them; mostly sunny skies and cool temperatures. They traveled to many beautiful locations near Eugene and attended some UO athletic events. They even hosted a few cooking nights in the new Global Scholars Hall to share food from their cultures, which I am very sorry to say that I didn’t have the chance to attend. The food in all of the photos looked delicious!

At the end of their two weeks in Eugene, there was a farewell party for the participants before they went began the next part of their journey to Washington DC. It was great to spend time with and learn the perspectives of these English teachers who are committed to their professions and who are committed to teaching English in a variety of different environments.

Thank you ATDOP Fall 2012 participants for sharing your culture and your zeal for English teaching!