How it all started...
Why did I decide to choose the MA in Digital Technologies in Language Teaching? Well, I teach English and I am fascinated by how technology can augment the learning process. I am a digital immigrant, and I do remember times without computers and mobile phones. Yes, we survived. Yes, we managed to master a foreign language using the old "drill and kill" method using these: 
But our students, who are digital natives - or in case of my students mobile natives - perceive the world differently. To get through to them we need to alter our ways of teaching.
I am lucky enough to teach the subject called Educational Technology using IT, and I teach it as part of the ELT programme in the college where I work. Before I got into it, I was exploring bits and pieces that I found on the internet through random search. I started with good old Google Drive and its apps. It seemed amazing how powerful cloud storage/sharing/online collaboration can be! It opened so many new possibilities to teach classes of IT majors without using so much as scrap of paper and still bring out a lot of creativity from my students! Was it easy to implement? No, but then changes to the old routine are never easy. But the true revelation came with the second batch of my lovely ELT students. They were my true inspiration! They challenged me every day and never stopped surprising me with ideas. So, I thought to myself: I have these bits and pieces of knowledge worked out on the need to know basis because this is how my mind works: I look for answers to specific problems. But I felt I lack the holistic approach to the digital world and theoretical framework, and with each new thing I discovered, I was drawn more and more into the digital abyss knowing there is still so much to learn!
And this is when I came across the programme run by Nottingham University. I already tried studying online with Coursera, but I thought this time I need a real commitment, the kind I always expect from my students. So, I dedicate this to students from sections 210 and 220 of Rustaq College of Education: Nawal, Alhareth, Eman, Ikhlas, Enas, Nasr, Abdulrahman, Muntaser, Turki, Salim, both Ahmeds, Mohammed, Mariam, both Afrahs, and the remaining 40 something students who stuck with me for 15 weeks letting me try and test new things, supporting me in every way they could, and taking it all with a smile despite heavy study plans. You guys are the best and make me proud to be a teacher!
But our students, who are digital natives - or in case of my students mobile natives - perceive the world differently. To get through to them we need to alter our ways of teaching.
I am lucky enough to teach the subject called Educational Technology using IT, and I teach it as part of the ELT programme in the college where I work. Before I got into it, I was exploring bits and pieces that I found on the internet through random search. I started with good old Google Drive and its apps. It seemed amazing how powerful cloud storage/sharing/online collaboration can be! It opened so many new possibilities to teach classes of IT majors without using so much as scrap of paper and still bring out a lot of creativity from my students! Was it easy to implement? No, but then changes to the old routine are never easy. But the true revelation came with the second batch of my lovely ELT students. They were my true inspiration! They challenged me every day and never stopped surprising me with ideas. So, I thought to myself: I have these bits and pieces of knowledge worked out on the need to know basis because this is how my mind works: I look for answers to specific problems. But I felt I lack the holistic approach to the digital world and theoretical framework, and with each new thing I discovered, I was drawn more and more into the digital abyss knowing there is still so much to learn!
And this is when I came across the programme run by Nottingham University. I already tried studying online with Coursera, but I thought this time I need a real commitment, the kind I always expect from my students. So, I dedicate this to students from sections 210 and 220 of Rustaq College of Education: Nawal, Alhareth, Eman, Ikhlas, Enas, Nasr, Abdulrahman, Muntaser, Turki, Salim, both Ahmeds, Mohammed, Mariam, both Afrahs, and the remaining 40 something students who stuck with me for 15 weeks letting me try and test new things, supporting me in every way they could, and taking it all with a smile despite heavy study plans. You guys are the best and make me proud to be a teacher!
Because of you we learned a lot of things that can help us in our lives . And you made learning more enjoyable. Also, we were looking forward to your lecture in order to learn new things about the world of technology and how we can use technologies for educational purposes. You were the teacher who always thinks about her students and their interests and hobbies. You are the best teacher honestly ��
ReplyDeleteAl-hareth,
It has been such a joy to have you in my class! You are an outstanding student with amazing personality! Your passion for learning, trying new things and sharing that knowledge with others is admirable! You are one in a million kind of a person!
DeleteThese golden words really adds something different to me this moment and especially this morning! I was reading and every moment of that lovely course comes to my mind! I remember how enjoyable that course was and that was because of you, my great teacher. You were the source of enjoyable! You provided a wonderful atmosphere for us where we were working hard to make our works as a piece of cake with wide simle was drawn on our faces! Despite all heavy work, I was always waiting for your lecture and what comes next! This is exactly what does studying mean. You are the best teacher ever! I wish for you all the best in your MA. You will be the best! Keep going!
ReplyDeleteNawal,
Nawal (Precious Pearl),
DeleteYour constant hunger for knowledge, undying energy and passion plus your adorable smile make me look forward to classes with you! You spread the light and warmth around you! People like you are the reason I am still in this profession! ❤
Your words really make a day!
DeleteThank u from the bottom of my heart!
The best teacher we have ever had 💜💜
ReplyDeleteWhat I have just read is not something normal. It is a great thing that I really live with each word. That course was awesome because of you,and every moment we live together is stuck in our mind.
Afrah,
DeleteThank you for these kind words. I am so happy that I left a small imprint in your life! 💗
It's a great thing to read at the beginning of my day something is not normal from the best teacher I have had♥️♥️. Your words have a great impact in my ambition to be a good teacher as you! That course was enjoyable and I benefit a lot from you.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Afrah
Afrah,
DeleteYou WILL BE a GREAT teacher! I know that because I can see it in your eyes. Keep shining, girl! ☀️☀️
Very kind and heartwarming words ❤️
ReplyDeleteYou too, have been a source of inspiration to all of us. We learned much from you as tech-users, and more importantly, as teachers. You pushed our efforts to the limits and, at the same time, you displayed care and consideration. It was a truly enjoyable experience. Hope it happens again.
I wish you all the best in your university program.
Kindest Regards.
Enas.
Enas,
DeleteYour amazing creativity and artistic soul makes you so special! Thank you for the effort you put in everything you did, and the great quality of everything you created! 💜
Great teacher deserves good learners. You did many things that would be a moral lesson for us. You were taught us in a way that let you love attending your classes even if your classes at 2 o’clock ��.
ReplyDeleteGood luck miss in your studying and be strong ������
Ahmed
Ahmed,
DeleteHaving you in my class was (and is!) such a pleasure! Knowing I will see your smile and laugh at your funny jokes helps me get by when days are tough! Thank you for stepping into my life and hanging around for a bit. You ALWAYS make my day!💙💜😀