Lots of digital ideas this week
Good morning!
It's so nice to be back here in Sydney. If you've never been here, put it on your list of 'places to go' for sure! Maybe it's just about being home, though, and being back in our own bed!
I've got lots for you today, with a bit of a theme of 'all things digital'; Some ideas for digital activities I like, a video about one I hate, a free webinar about Digital Literacy and an offer that will be right up your street if you've already got (or you're setting up) an online biz. Sounds good? Read on....
Something old
Although you might think that I'm a big fan of technology (and I am!), my feeling is that often it's best used OUTSIDE class time and not during it. One of the big exceptions to this (in my humble opinion) is the way that judicious use of mobiles can bring learners' lives into lessons in really meaningful ways and provide contexts for authentic communication.
This video that I made a couple of years ago has three great ideas for low prep/ high output speaking activities that depend only on pictures that learners choose to share with each other on their phones. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Something new
From one use of tech that I love to one that I'm not so keen on at all - and this might be one of those moments where you start thinking 'Jo, what are you talking about?!'...... but my confession is this: I hate Kahoot!
Well, 'hate' is maybe too strong a word and I know I'm in a minority here, but I do think it has serious limitations and if you're interested in what they are, watch the video!
BTW if this rings any bells with you, it's based on an article I wrote for the English Teacher Professional magazine a few years ago.
Something borrowed
To continue the digital theme, how about a free webinar on the subject this week? It's on Tuesday (12th) at 12:00 (UK time) and it's hosted by the tech-guru himself Gavin Dudeney in discussion with Obaje Chogu Ekele. It's entitled Digital literacy: How can we help teachers develop their understanding, approach and skills? and it looks good! You can sign up for it here.
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There's even some recommended pre-reading you can access here.
Special offer
Finally, I've got a bit of a bonus for you if you've got any kind of teaching business. It's from one of my VoiCE alumni, Genevieve White (you may have seen her magnificent rap testimonial on the socials this week. See here i f you missed it!).
Genny's business is copywriting training and if you feel that your marketing could do with some polish, this is definitely for you. Until the 15th January, she's offering a special beta price on hour-long 'copy clinics' where she'll help you to make your website, blog or media posts shine! I'd highly recommend her services - this is a fantastic way to learn the SKILLS you need to market yourself (often the part that teachers struggle with). Find out more here.
OK - that's it for today. I'll be back next week with more delights - have a good one.
Best
PS. If you haven't checked out my new AI-Powered Language Teaching course , what are you waiting for?! Let me show you how to use ChatGPT and Bard to easily generate unlimited lessons that are personalised to YOUR learners.
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