Job Discussion Forums

[Guy Courchesne]

This might be better for the Newbie forum, but I thought I'd ask the professionals first.

I have the opportunity to put a webcam into our currently running TEFL training class. Anyone have experience with this? Benefits/drawbacks?

[ChinaMovieMagic]

The Web-cam can be quite useful as a Pre-Post record of the students' progress etc.--especially if it's the same task. Many students do not maintain an awareness of their progress over the course of the course.

Check out:
*Total Physical Response
*Total Physical Response Storytelling www.blaineraytprs.com
*Community Language Learning--the tape recorder is a key element
*Prof. Stempleski's writings on Video and FL pedagogy
*Theatre Games
*The "China Job-Related" page, topic "Improving China's Classrooms?" Folks can have lots of fun doing BRIEF Role Plays based upon movie segments. The Role of the FT can be tranformed from that of "authoritarian teacher" to that of "Movie Director." The Role of the Learners can be transformed from that of "obedient/quiet/passive/uptight student," to that of "member of the performance." With a camera and facial close-ups, the value of EXPRESSION can be cultivated, thus giving the "silent" ones a chance to shine.

Your project and this Forum can/could lay the foundation for an internation Webcam EFL communication network for EFL learners--and even teachers...
*seeing the creative process in action
*having students engage in international competitions, such as doing Role Plays based upon the same movie scenes

[moonraven]

I think it's a very good idea.

When training teachers I have frequently made videotapes of their classes. In all instances they have been useful.

One guy wondered why his students couldn't use the vocabulary which he had presented and written on the board--until he watched himself erasing the list from the board on the videotape!

[dmb]

Guy, go for it. If it is something new and experimental for you then try it. You won't know until you try. I have never tried it but would jump at the opportunity. What sort of activities do you have planned?

[Guy Courchesne]

I think I should clarify. I've long used video in EFL classes with Mexican students. This is the TEFL course that I teach here in Mexico City. The only reason I thought of it was to see if the shroud of secrecy that seems to exist over some courses could perhaps be lifted a touch by bringing a camera in. In this TEFL course, there is only myself as instructor and those studying towards this certificate.

Taking the idea further, which I hadn't really thought of yet, I could see how an online audience could get involved in the class, in order to provide a wider resource to the studying TEFLers. For the moment, I am merely looking at providing a moving window for some of the newbies who post here and in other places to get a feel for what the material is all about.

Anyway, I see some interest, and thank you for your opinions. I will let everyone know if I manage the technical aspect and get the camera up and running.