Redefining Roles in an Increasingly Tech World

Redefining Roles in an Increasingly Tech WorldMaggie Sokolik, Ph.D.UC Berkeley sokolik@berkeley.edu

Sokolik - TESOL 121Handouts and ContactHandouts can be found:

http://thesokolik.net/TESOL12/

Contact me:Maggie Sokolik, Ph.D.College Writing Programs112 Wheeler Hall MC 2500UC BerkeleyBerkeley, CA 94720-2500 USAsokolik@berkeley.eduhttp://writing.berkeley.edu

Sokolik - TESOL 122From tesol 2011The classroom is no longer a place where the textbook is king.Supplements, online resources, etc. are now more than ancillaries.But, how do we deal with these changing rolesthe roles of materials, teachers, and writers?Sokolik - TESOL 123Potential call componentsFull/Custom eBookInstructors manualOnline workbookMP3 audio listening filesOnline lesson plannerAssessment toolbox/creatorAncillary videos/Youtube channelDigital gradebookOnline portfolio systemPresentation tools (slideware)Linked concordancing softwareLinked dictionary/glossaryLMS/CMS (integrated or stand-alone)Text-to-speech readerPodcastsSmartphone appsDiscussion boardsAudio-recording appsWikiAnd more to come!

Sokolik - TESOL 124to further complicate itProprietary tools (i.e., developed for each publisher)Individual companion websitesStudent access to different technologiesEntry codes, registrations, pay, dont payChanging technology

Sokolik - TESOL 125But wait, theres more

Sokolik - TESOL 126Decision makingSokolik - TESOL 127Instructor checklistSee the handout

Sokolik - TESOL 128Sokolik - TESOL 129

For writers & publishersSee the handoutSokolik - TESOL 1210The challenge to writers & PublishersRother (2004) surveyed 1,012 teachers in the US to evaluate the role of technology in their classrooms. The top three wishlist items were:1. More training for themselves2. More computer access for their students3. Technology thats appropriate for their classroomsOther studies continue to corroborate these findings.(Chris Rother, Evaluating Technology's Role in the Classroom: Second Annual 'Teachers Talk Tech' Survey Examines the Long-Term Impact of Technology on Learning. T H E Journal, Vol. 32, 2004.)

Sokolik - TESOL 1211The problem here is that writers and publishers cant control the first two items. So, how can we obviate their need?11Teacher Training: Everyone needs it, few have time for it. Sokolik - TESOL 1212Given that..KISS! Interfaces should be obvious. Visual cues should be consistent and clear. Instructions are like packing for a trip: Include what you think you need, then remove at least half.Provide short, clear, video instructions to support written instructions.

We cant do much about access. Given that..Sokolik - TESOL 1213Understand what your audiences installed base is.What is the most common means of access of your audience (both devices and speeds)? Whats your audiences most commonly used OS?Whats the most common browser?What screen sizes are most popular? Create cross-platform products.Create products that look good on different screens.Create products that dont need special plug-in installation.

Whats appropriate in one situation isnt in another. Given thatSokolik - TESOL 1214Visit other schools to see what technology exists and how its used.Understand local, state/provincial, and national standards.Understand local or national restrictions on access.Realize that your competition is not the other publisher its free online resources. How can you make yours more appropriate than whats freely available?QuestionsPlease take a moment to note any questions you have. Question session to come.

Thank you!Sokolik - TESOL 1215QuestionsPlease take a moment to note any questions you have. Question session to come.

Thank you!Sokolik - TESOL 1216Supplement type MP3 filesLesson planner

1. Is it required?

NoNo

2. How well do I know it already?Well same as iPod filesNot at all

3. What is student access?Most have players or laptops, know how to use them N/A

4. Am I motivated? Yesstudents need extra audio supportNot really. My paper-and-pencil lesson planning works efficiently.

5. Are students motivated?Motivated enough most will listenN/A

6. What task could it replace?I could cut down the amount of time I play audio files in classPaper-and-pencil planning

7. How long do I need to learn it? NoneUnknown; probably an hour or more

8. How standard are the technical requirements?Plays on all computers or music playersNot compatible with Firefox, my preferred browser

9. How disruptive will it be to current practices?Not disruptive; I already play audio files for studentsFairly disruptive; change of medium as well as method

10. How likely is it to be replaced soon by new technology?Not very likelyLikely or it will disappear altogether. Seems uncertain

11. Should I make the investment?YesNo