Dear Sir/Madam,
It seems
unbelievable how our Web Skills Course comes to an end, but it is the reality
and none can deny it! It was a pleasure to get informed that I have been chosen
as a candidate to participate in the online course meant for teachers from the
four corners of the world. As now we are closing, allow me to remind you –without
mentioning all details as you may find them in each weekly reflection- some of
the biggest events which characterized the journey:
The first
week was mainly for: Self-introduction, Creating a Reflective Blog and
Guidelines for Discussions.
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The second
week’s activities were: Describing each one’s class as it is now; Web Searching
using Noodle Tools; and ABCD objective. I have strongly liked this ABCD model!
The third
week asked us to create a Delicious Page, to discuss Oral Skill-building, to
read and discuss a past Sample Project. I was delighted to use Delicious Page
as it allows me to save either links from my own readings or from others and
use them later on.
Through
the fourth week, we discussed Reading/Writing Skill-building, created a
technology-enhanced lesson plan and described some issues. The two weeks
brought me very important resources as a language teacher.
The fifth
week that I liked best was fully innovative: Assessment, rubrics and
Project-based Learning, Describing a Potential Change, Creating a rubric and
Creating a Technology-enhanced Project or WebQuest. This week provided me with
great solutions to some problems I meet in my classes and I chose some of them
that I proposed in my plan report.
The sixth
week was not less innovative as I prepared an interactive PowerPoint (I am glad
to re-look at it) and began to implement the change.
Through
the seventh week, discussions focused on Leaner Autonomy or the One Computer
Classroom, Padlet and it was an occasion to suggest a partner for peer review.
Pablo Garcia (from Argentina) accepted my request and we worked together.
The eighth
week was too busy and had the following activities: Project Draft and Peer
Review, Online Course Site or Exercise, Project Draft and Peer Review due
August 14.
When I received
the message opening the ninth week, I was surprised to see how time has been so
fast! Anyway we discussed Learning Styles, we submitted the Final Report on
August 23 and there was a Course Evaluation.
Last but
not least, the tenth week covered some activities before saying “goodbye!” It
was somehow short in relation to the previous ones because it should end on
Friday, August 30 and we were asked to give Advice to Future Participants and
Assess Technology Integration.
Overall,
“perfect” is the right word to use, just on behalf of the University of Oregon!
During the course, apart from ANVILL that I did not have much time to follow
with the expert Jeff Magoto, the Director of the University of Oregon's Yamada
Language Center, all other topics were successful and useful! I hope to use in
my class what I have gained, especially Web Searching; ABCD objective; Delicious
Page; Developing Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking Skills; using
Technology-enhanced lessons plans; Alternative Assessment and rubrics; WebQuest;
Interactive PPT; Nicenet Class; Learning Styles;…
As a suggestion (if possible), you can train us
on how to use “online blackboard” like the other one we were using to check our
grades and how to use “online survey” like the other one we used while we were
evaluating the course. I liked very much the two items.
Finally, I wholeheartedly thank the course instructor,
Courtney, for her permanent patience and guidance. She is an incomparable trainer!!
I congratulate my classmates on having successfully completed this course,
especially Pablo Garcia who accepted to review my plan report and gave me invaluable
feedback. Thank you, Mariale Romero, for your special collaboration.
What else to say? I can’t find the other words,
but the following images will tell you the rest:
Best,
Sosthene
Rwanda
