Overview

Beyond features for sharing texts and basic communication with ESOL students, WhatsApp can enhance ESOL instruction through a number of features: small group video conferencing, voice recording, and sharing links to assignments, videos, or other media directly from the app. This session will delve more deeply into those options, beyond the WhatsApp basics. 

Please note: You will access Zoom and other support materials via Blackboard. You cannot access this online course through the SABES website. You will receive a separate email from Joanne Harrington at Quinsigamond Community College 1-2 days before the course begins with instructions on how to access the Blackboard course and Zoom session. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or email jharrington@qcc.mass.edu.

    Audience

    This professional development activity/course is designed for:

  • Teachers of adult ESOL learners of any level
  • ESOL teachers with novice to intermediate experience using WhatsApp
Description

In this two-hour session, you will explore and practice features within WhatsApp that go beyond basic texting and that will enhance your remote ESOL instruction. Using WhatsApp, you can provide voice feedback on assignments, complete an array of activities such as dictation and reading aloud, meet in small groups via the WhatsApp teleconferencing feature, and share videos and links to other resources. These options within WhatsApp will expand the ways you and students communicate.

While this informative and interactive session takes place on Zoom, it will have you using WhatsApp on your phone, in real-time, so please have your phone handy to allow for maximum participation.

    Learning Objectives

    Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

  • Share assignments, documents, and links via WhatsApp
  • Create small groups for video conferencing
  • Provide and receive voice messages to individuals within your WhatsApp group
Presenter(s) / Facilitator(s)
Prerequisites

By registering for the WhatsApp: Beyond the Basics course, you are acknowledging and understanding of the concepts discussed in the Basics session:

  1. How to set up a WhatsApp account
  2. How to create contacts and create a class group
  3. Basic features of the app
  4. Texting basics
Date
01/21/2022 - 10:00 am to 01/21/2022 - 12:00 pm
Location

United States

PD Center
SABES English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center
Topic Area
Digital Literacy
Distance and Blended Learning
ESOL/English Learners