SFSU, ENG 724: Final Project

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FINAL PROJECT

Last updated: 01/28/01

For your final project of the semester, you have the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in the area of technology-enhanced ESL/EFL teaching and learning. During the last month of the course, you'll lead your peers through an activity or lesson demonstrating this teaching application.

Goals:

Explore a topic of interest in depth
Gain teaching experience using technology
Share teaching ideas and strategies with others in the ESL/EFL teaching community

Assignment: Explore one ESL/EFL teaching application of technology - this can be in-depth exploration of a topic introduced in class, or you can choose a topic beyond the scope of the course.

Tasks:

Conduct research on a topic of your choice.

Publish your research findings, plus a lesson plan for a curriculum unit related to your research topic, on your individual website (which will be linked from the class website)

Present your findings and a short demo/activity for your classmates (including any necessary handouts)

Provide feedback to your peers on their presentations

Report: To report your research findings, you will publish a summary on your website covering:

topic & research question
relevance/importance of topic
research process
findings
recommendations for instructors & students
conclusions
sources

Lesson Plan: To demonstrate your research findings, you will develop a curriculum unit covering:

target audience level
goals
rationale (based on Egbert's "Conditions for Optimal Language Learning Environments," p. 4)
performance objectives (language learning and computer literacy)
expected outcomes
technologies used/materials (hardware, software)
required facilities
procedure (preparation, lesson, student practice, follow up)
alternative plan (if technology fails)
practical considerations/potential problems

Sample Topics: With your instructor's approval, you can choose any topic of interest to you, as long as it is related to the use of technology in teaching ESL/EFL specifically. Below are some examples:

ESL Software/CD-ROMs in language learning
Setting Up an ESL Computer Classroom or Lab
Real-time Communication and Authentic Audience
Writing-Speaking Connection
Impact of classroom setup on interaction between and among students
Using Video in the ESL/EFL Classroom
Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
Using Audio to Teaching Speaking/Listening Skills
Word Processing and the Writing Process
Web Publishing and Writing for an Authentic Audience with Authentic Purpose
Web Course Management Software (WebCT, Blackboard, Etudes, etc.) - comparisons of features, usability

Points/Evaluation: This project is worth a total of 50 points: 25 for your web-published report, 20 for your class presentation, and 5 for your peer feedback. Specific criteria TBD. (I will also provide you with guidelines for both conducting research and developing a curriculum unit.)

Due Date: Final Project Report and Lesson Plan must be uploaded to your website by 6pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2001. Student presentations will take place from April 18 - May 23, 2001. (You will sign up for a presentation date/time when you submit your Final Project Proposal, March 21.)