The article we have learned the other day is quite informative. It starts with the teachers’ shift from an expert role to a guidance role which actually announces a tall order for language teachers. To meet this order, the article introduces modern technology as an answer and presents a quite detailed description about two specific Internet activities, called Postcards and Talking Heads.
When reading this article, I not only learn the wide usage of technology in USA classes but also feel the urgency to smooth over my own transition from the traditional way of teaching with a board and chalk to be a more empowered guide on the side, equipped with rich resources and extensive skills besides language. As for the two activities introduced in the article, I think Talking Heads appeals more to me, since it can be largely developed and diversified. It’s most effective to improve students’ social skills. The idea of organizing students in groups and designing their own sites is effective and interests students to share regularly their perspective and largely increase chance to use target language.
All in all, the information from this article together with the case study Nikki has explained on this Wednesday refreshes my understanding of modern technology being an indispensible role in education.
Great post! I like your statement about being an "empowered guide on the side." It almost seems counterintuitive that we would become more empowered teachers by moving away from the "sage on the stage" model. Maybe we are empowering ourselves as teachers by first empowering our students to be active language learners. What do you think?
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