Week 7: Learner Autonomy and the One-computer Classroom

Hello E-Teachers,

Are you autonomous teachers or you just want learners to be autonomous?

Week 7 brings the issue of learner autonomy and CALL into my focus.

I've read a lot about that and found that they're inter-related. But I can say that with and without technology, I can help my students become autonomous learners: debates, role plays, writings, simulations, problem-solving tasks, games, puzzles, reflections, researches, and collaborative projects.

For me,  "A good teacher doesn't teach all that he knows. He teaches all that the learner needs to know at the time, and all that the learner can accountably learn at the time given."

In my context, there's evidence that students learn deeply when they're engaged with the content. They recall their prior knowledge, develop learning skills and promote self awareness of learning.


My students and I are satisfied with one period a week in the one computer media lab. Though the social interaction is missing, students have autonomous moves and afterwards interact with the authentic, meaningful materials that are relevant to their needs, interests and expectations. To mention but a few:

* review major grammatical structures.
* develop conversational fluency.
* watch videos and listen to podcasts and do assigned tasks.

I see myself as a guide & a facilitator in the process. I find myself establishing classroom climates that build learner's autonomy and responsibility: personalization, involvement, clear and organized tasks, differentiation, and innovative teaching methods.

Text messaging and emails worked well during the phase 2 implementation of my project. The technology tool, Popplet has personalized learning. I'll display samples of students' final products in a separate post, but here's one to keep you curious:

Enjoy and let the learner-centered approach to teaching your "voice & choice"!

All the best for all with their projects,

Safaa