Webskills - Week 2 Reflection

It is said that "Variety is the spice of life". And this is true for me from what I learned from Week 2 materials and from the empowering discussions with dear Robert and colleagues. The search engines are many in number and in purpose. Sometimes I got a little bit confused because the search engine is the same as the website as in my case with my favourite website: about.com. Deborah's article on searching tips refreshed my mind of the ICDL course I took in 2008 and learned about Boolean operators. I usually use the + sign when searching for something. I tried some others and googled the phrase "search engines" and found a specified list that appeals to every one. I must be eclectic for the ones that meet my information needs like the ones that are provided at Noodletools.

A big advantage of being enrolled in this web skills e-course is sharing. I learn from others, improve my teaching practices and add to my expertise as a teacher and as a teacher trainer. From the very beginning of the year, I give my students a list of websites to improve their language skills. I do the same with my colleagues at school, with student-teachers and with the teachers I train for promotion when they need help with resources to engage students and energize their classrooms.

I liked the PPP at Slideshare. It shows a smooth transition for the lesson planning procedure. In my context, the Ministry of Education sets the aims and goals for teaching English. It's obligatory for students to study English as a first language, but optional to study French or German as a second language. This is true for all Experimental Language Schools, but not for Public schools. I was happy to analyze my learners as I expect to get precious advice from International colleagues who are in the same boat.

The ABCD model is a new experience for me. But I'm used to using the SMART approach in my daily lessons. I create a curriculum map in the form of a scope and sequence and analyze the content. I've these headings: 1. monthly distribution of the syllabus (month, listening, grammar, reading, critical thinking, speaking and writing)
                                 2. learning outcomes/performance indicators
                                 3. teaching and learning strategies
                                 4. learning activities
                                 5. assessment and
                                 6. evidence.
  The "learning objectives" is the basis for making the lesson successful. It's a must to tie objectives with the assessment.

I was curious to read Google blog about the future of search. I was impressed by the idea of personalization. It's expected that in 10 years' time search engines will understand the individual user better and provide him/her with better results.

Thanks Robert for sharing the search engines link on the Wiki. I do appreciate.

Every week, I'll have an attitude of gratitude for everyone who helps me learn something new, apply it , change myself and the others to the best we can be.

Happy web searching

 

Safaa