Time to say goodbye to WEEK SEVEN

    This week's topic was what I had been expecting from the start of the course. It certainly met my expectation because I have learned how to survive and manage the class if only one computer is available. All the articles I have read discussed how one computer can be used by a teacher to create technology enhanced lesson plans which foster learner autonomy. From the learners' point of view, one computer can cater to their needs as a resource station. However, I have learned one important aspect of handling it with care so as all the students will have the chance to engage in class activities. Or else it can affect the students' motivation level which in turn can make them feel insecure and the worst case scenario is that they may even lose interest in learning. As a result, they don't have a sense of control over their learning process and achieving learner autonomy would be out of the question. I also have learned that although a teacher's role is just a facilitator in an autonomous classroom, to make it happen, he or she needs to be well prepared about what he or she has to do with the class, lessons, activities, group work, pair work either with the presence or absence of technology. 

  

After doing all the readings concerning learner autonomy, one computer classroom and mobile devices, my confidence has been restored even if I can only afford to use one computer in my classroom. If I can't make that happen, I am still left with a chance to develop learner autonomy without technology as long as I can establish meaningful learning objectives and the contents, methods and techniques can address different learning styles. Besides, rubrics can be used to evaluate the performance of the students. Then I can be on the right track to let students achieve a certain degree of independence. I totally agree with the fact that it won't happen overnight. It will definitely take time but it is worthwhile to witness change and be the change and change with change. 

Participating and sharing ideas on Nicenet have been an incredible experience as always. And Padlet ( Wallwisher ) is an easy tool but effective to encourage students to be engaged. 

Planning for the final project and actually putting the plans into practice is both challenging and exciting. My students and I have been on the second week of our journey to familiarize with change, adapt to it and make the most out of it. The second assignment for them is to chat with online Tutor Mike  and the detailed instruction was sent to their emails. Some of them like chatting with him owing to the fact that they all can practice English and what they like most is whenever they make a grammar mistake or a spelling error, it is corrected by him and therefore they can learn from their mistakes. I was surprised because they were open minded and brave enough to accept their mistakes by not letting this interfere with their enthusiasm in learning. There are a few students who are not satisfied with Tutor Mike because he couldn't explain or discuss on their chosen topic even though they understand he just responds to what he has been programmed to do. However, according to their blog posts, they all agree on the point that they can learn from him and they even plan to chat with him from time to time. Although their blog posts were not without grammar mistakes, they did their best to express themselves, approach the topic in a creative way and everyone actively took part in the classroom discussion about their experience with Tutor Mike and I am very pleased that they are engaged at last. 

After all, it has been quite a roller coaster ride for me to take this course. However, I am enjoying the ride! :))

Best,

Kyi Tha Wai