We are now half way through the journey and there is still a lot in store for us to learn. This week, we discussed the value of Project-Based Learning (or PBL) in promoting learners’ autonomy, in empowering them to take responsibility of their learning process, and in reducing teachers’ teaching by increasing learners’ learning.
I also discovered this precious tool that is Rubistar . Rubistar, the time-saver, allows you to create rubrics within minutes; that was impressive. I am used to assessing students using rubrics and it is true that letting them know what is expected of them helps them pay particular attention to what is important and what is not. I am then very happy to have such a tool at my disposal and at the service of my students.
Creating a webquest was the second new experience. To create one, I decided to use the zunal template for the sake of practicality; it is indeed very user-friendly. Even if I have heard and already used some ready-made webquests at some time of my career as an EFL teacher, this was the very first time I created my own. I have to admit that it took me an eternity to complete it, yet, I am really proud of my webquest; I even intend to improve it for my final project. I particularly liked the fact of resorting to an old tool which is teachnology after many negative attempts at using Educaplay.
I can therefore conclude that this week was another fruitful week which brought its share of challenges and satisfaction.
Dear Colomba,
ReplyDeleteI also find Rubistar very precious and time-saving. I am sure it will help greatly in assessing our students' work from different points of view. It is also very beneficial for the students. When we provide them with a rubric according to which their work is going to be assessed, they will know what is required from them and see what things they have to take into account while preparing their assignment.
Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to create a webquest and participate in an extra task. I hope we will have an additional task next week.
Have a great week!
Tania :)
Hi Tania,
DeleteI'm sorry that you didn't have time for the Webquest but I guess you can still create some, it's not too late, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
All the best,
Colomba
Hi, Colomba
ReplyDeleteI took a look at your WebQuest, and I liked it a lot! I admire your effort to put all the resources together and organized them in a way that students can deepen their understanding of the issue. I like materials that forces students to really think. I have never taught about human trafficking, but I might want to borrow some of you ideas in the future.
Look forward to another week of learning together!
Sam
Thank you, Sam, for your encouraging words. Yes, we will have a wealth of valuable materials after this training, I'm sure. Everyone has such brilliant ideas.
DeleteI'm glad to be part of this group.
keep up the good work!
Colomba
Colomba- Indeed we are half way through the course. The time really flies by. I think you are doing a great job so far, and it appears from your blog you are discovering new things each week still. -Robert
ReplyDeleteYes, Robert, it's really great to still having something new to learn; I expected it to be so when I registered for this course but I was far from suspecting that there is so much to learn in terms of technology. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
DeleteColomba