Languages, ICT, education

Social Media has given educators the opportunity for self-directed, collaborative and connected learning. Network literacy, according to Eric Hellweg, requires a basic understanding of network technology, intelligence, capabilities and the ability of crafting one’s own network identity.

So, how do you bring the benefits of social media to a conference without making the conference ABOUT social media or technology? How do you share the basics of connecting and learning collaboratively with attendees who are newbies? ...

Here's an hour and a half in the life of Ms. Potts the English teacher. The question is: Does she use the time well? Just a bit of background information for you. Ms. Potts teaches in a private lan...

Edited by David Hayes

With thirteen stimulating papers covering a wide range of geographical areas and educational contexts, this publication will interest anyone involved in the continuing professional development of English language teachers wishing to reflect on and refresh their practice.

You can download this publication in pdf format.

During the summer, you'll want to improve your teaching and lessons, but how do you decide where to start? Your students! 

Some advice on how teachers can build and sustain positive relationships with parents -- as well as appropriately handle difficult circumstances. 

Educators are doing amazing things with their learners in spite of the standards-based and accountability-driven movements. If all educators publicized the accomplishments they had in their classrooms using technology, hands-on activities, global collaborations, project-based learning; then an informal qualitative research project would result.  ...

Edutopia blogger Vicki Davis asks her students for professional development help, ending the year with in-class focus groups, a survey, and a call for anonymous notes that will guide her in improving her practice next year.

From the abacus to the calculator, the chalkboard to SMARTBoards, technology has had an immense impact on education and how students learn. However, technology is only one piece of the puzzle. Bill Gates said it best: “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.”
But how are teachers using technology? And how are teachers maintaining expertise in the areas of teaching and new technology?

English language teaching can be a challenging and difficult process, especially if you are seeking for new ideas and thoughts on improving your day-to-day teaching.  Much of the challenge is learn...

The initiative of implementing digital teaching portfolios at the Hong Kong Institute of Education began in the year of 2011. At an individual level, digital teaching portfolio offers a context for articulating one’s teaching philosophy, reflecting upon one’s teaching, documenting evidence of teaching accomplishments for present and future employers, and through which, one’s pride and esteem for teaching, as well as teaching practices could be enhanced (De Rijdt et al., 2006; Wright et al., 1999). At a community level, teaching portfolio encourages inquiry-based dialogues on teaching, facilitates the process of mentoring junior teaching staff and offers resources which helps develop effective criteria for teaching in a tertiary institution (Quinlan, 2002; Wright et al., 1999).