This six-month online professional learning community (PLC) will explore the power of mobile technology to promote language learning in the classroom and beyond. The series includes a self-paced introductory module, six facilitated virtual sessions, and five reflective discussions.
- ESOL educators seeking innovative ways to develop learners’ English and digital-literacy skills through the use of mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.)
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
Six monthly virtual sessions (1.5 hours each) that are connected through ongoing discussions, will introduce a wide range of mobile applications, both popular and less familiar. You will select and share the tools best suited to your learners' needs. You also will learn about a variety of digital modalities that encourage interaction outside the classroom.
The self-paced introductory module (1.5 hours) will introduce participants to a practical framework for effective integration of educational technology and applications in the classroom. The introductory module is designed to lay the foundation for the remaining components of the Going Mobile PLC.
Discussions will address adult learners' unique instructional needs as well as the benefits and challenges of using mobile-app technologies for teaching. Massachusetts educators who have experience using mobile learning applications for ESOL teaching will provide leadership and support.
At each virtual meeting, following an experience-sharing segment, you will learn one or two new mobile apps. During that month, you will explore one new app with your learners, or go deeper with a familiar app. Between-session discussions (one hour total per month) will cover the use of communication and collaboration tools such as Whatsapp, GoSoapBox, and Google Docs.
Though participation in all virtual sessions and related discussions is optimal for continuity and learning potential, latecomers may join the PLC, space permitting.
Please note: Upon registration, you will be enrolled in this course in Blackboard and will receive an email from Joanne Harrington at Quinsigamond Community College with instruction on how to access it. You cannot open it from the SABES website.
The PLC components include:
- Online, self-paced introduction to integration module (1.5 hours)
- Six virtual sessions (9 hours)
- Five online discussions (5 hours)
- Preparation for integration into teaching practice, estimate one hour per month (5.5 hours)
Total PD Hours: 21
PDP Credits:
Participation in all components is required, plus completion of a final project. Examples of final projects include: a blog post about using mobile tools for ESOL instruction; creation of a five-minute video of a mobile tool in action; a lesson plan incorporating mobile tools; a co-presentation at MATSOL or NETWORK. (Note: Though the PLC will permit late joiners, anyone who joins after the third session will not be eligible for PDPs.)
Dates and times of the event:
- January 17, 2019: Course opens with self-paced module
- Virtual session: six Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, and June 20, 2019
- For more information, contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@qcc.mass.edu
- Apply knowledge of mobile technology and the use of specific apps into lesson planning, classroom activities, and out-of-class assignments to reinforce and deepen skills learned in class
- Align use of mobile tools with standards from the CCRSAE and MA ESOL Curriculum Frameworks
- Compare and contrast an array of mobile learning apps, identifying the area of focus of each and how they reinforce ESOL instruction
- Apply selection criteria when researching mobile applications for use with students
- Describe and recommend mobile apps to colleagues
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Online
United States
