2012/02/03

Learning by doing

I don't believe that CALL should be about teachers using technology to teach their students.

In Finland, it is safe to assume that students already have the technical skills required, but no idea how to put those skills into good use. Teachers all know how to show a YouTube video in class and can demonstrate anything on the WhiteBoard using a document camera. This is not what I consider computer assisted learning. The world has evolved, Web 2.0 is here, and teaching has to keep up with the pace.

In order to really take computer assisted language learning further at this point, students need to be taught HOW to best use social media and technology to learn a new language and then INVOLVED in the process of creating new content for the web to analyze and comment.

Let me conclude by quoting the ancient Navajo saying: "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."


1 comment:

  1. I really like the Navajo saying, too. Thank you for sharing it. That’s what we need to head for. In addition, I was impressed by what a great circumstances you have in Finland. I really think Japanese teachers and students need to model the situation in Finland. I become tense to realize real technology enhanced efficient teaching style in Japan. I myself should be a leader for that, like you who keep aiming to improve our learning and teaching. Thank you.

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