LABCI_2013 Redefining Mobile Learning


I had the privilege to both attend and speak at LABCI (Latin American British Cultural Institutes) this year.
It took place in Lima, Peru from the 11th -13th June
http://www.labci.com.pe/     

There were a variety of themes throughout the plenaries and workshops, but one was especially recurrent:
The latest developments in the field of ELT , in the words of Juan A. Lira V. , President of the Board Directors of the British Peruvian Cultural Association.





Below the major points of the Plenaries:

Michael Carrier - Handheld devices & Apps



Education 3.0 = 21st century skills
There's a demand for a new vision of learning
New learning style for new generations
OLPC stands for:  one lap top per child
Extra Info can be found on http://www.olpcnews.com/about.html
Democratic access to education comes from using tech

Pete Sharma - Apps & Apptivities

Think of purpose , pedagogical purpose for using any App

Jonh Hughes - Critical thinking

Content reach material
Characteristics of screenagers:  Visual , Info-addict,  Multi-taskers,  Team workers
"Choices matter when we multiply each by 7 million"
Dilemma : screeners read shorter texts texts in a different way.
Students usually assume that info on FB and Twitter are facts.
"I'm not convinced students don't have an opinion, they probably don't have the language to express what they mean"
To develop a critical mindset: Teach the language of critical thinking.
We have to express the expectation to develop critical thinking by providing necessary vocabulary and language through matching exercises, giving prompts ...
Closed questions (yes / no) are not good for critical thinking as oposed to Open questions.
Students need to think beyond yes no questions.

Critical thinking is good for the brain.
When you read, information goes to the back of the brain. Critical thinking forces students to start reflecting, being creative and using other parts of the brain, pushing things to the front of the brain.
CT really kicks with listening & reading activities
Benefits of CT: * better use of the brain
                        * better use of the language
                        * better use of the lesson
       
Eric Baber - Development for teachers

CPD = Continuous Professional Development
Teachers need to repace. As new research comes out we need to be familiar with it.
Blended learning = approach combines face to face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities
Cambridge English researches on teacher development
http://www.cambridgeenglishteacher.org/
He mentioned the importance of teachers engaging in CPD, on-line continuous development and
social Networks

Concurrent sessions:

http://www.labci.com.pe/pagina/Programme/2

Tech Resources for the EFL classes

I presented a workshop on Tech resources for the EFL classes and Teacher Development
The major goal was to share the apps I have been using in my classes for the past year.




During the workshop the participants had the chance to scan the QR Code activities I use with my students
http://www.labci.com.pe/pagina/Programme/2

http://informedteachers.blogspot.com.br/2012/07/qr-in-education-innovative-way.html


In order to measure students appreciation of having apps integrated to classroom practice , I previously conducted a on-line survey with them using http://www.polleverywhere.com/
That showed that a massive number of students approve and agree apps enhance their learning experience.

Teacher Development

Teachers every where have a hectic life and even though they know keeping up is an order, it is a challenge to have time to attend and afford courses.  
I shared with the present audience high-quality and free on-line resources that can be an ally in their career development.





Links for the web resources mentioned:

http://elt.oup.com/feature/global/webinars/?cc=global&selLanguage=en
http://www.cambridgeenglishteacher.org/webinar-resources
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/webinars/

http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/webinars
http://informedteachers.blogspot.com.br/2013/02/webinars-faqs-and-considerations.html












                                                         

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