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Goal: The purpose of these observations is to provide you with examples of how to use technology in the ESL/EFL classroom. It will be equally valuable for you to witness problems as well as successes.

Assignment: Observe three (3) CALL labs and/or computer-enhanced classrooms. These can be classes in which you are serving already as a TA for 733, 726 or 732. Write a detailed summary of what you saw or experienced. Use the questions below as a guideline. (OK to copy & paste into Word)

NOTE: You may participate in a technology in education conference (online or in-person) in place of one (1) observation. Options include: TESOL 2001 (including the Electronic Village Online), February 12-March 9 & March 7-31; Teaching in the Community Colleges Online Conference, April 17-19; California State CATESOL Conference, April 19-22. Write-up a 1-2 page summary of CALL resources and strategies you discover.

Due:

• Observation #1 due 02/28/01.
  
  
• Observation #2 due 04/18/01.
  
  
• Observation #3 due 05/02/01.

Submit Assignment: To submit these assignments, upload each file to the appropriate folder (Observation #1, Observation #2, Observation #3) in the Files section of our Yahoo! Groups site. Follow the instructions in your documentation booklet.

Points: Each observation is worth 5 points.

1. Describe the way(s) the instructor uses technology to help students learn course content, develop skills or both.
   
   
2. Are the objectives of the lesson clear? What was the focus of the lesson? What percent was focused on computer use, and what percentage on language learning?
   
   
3. How does the instructor prepare students to use technology (e.g. terminology review or preview)?
   
   
4. How does the instructor help students who are having difficulty keeping up? What instructions and organizational tips does the teacher provide to make learning successful?
   
   
5. Was there any group/cooperative learning? Did the use of technology help or hinder interaction among students?
   
   
6. How does the instructor handle technical glitches? What effect does this have on the students?
   
   
7. Describe the teaching and learning environment. Is this lesson taking place in a classroom or a lab? What hardware and software is available? Is the instructor able to adjust the lighting? Does the environment enhance or hinder learning?
   
   
8. How visible is the technology in this classroom, i.e. how well is it integrated into the lesson or activities? What is the balance between technology and language learning?
   
   
9. If you were teaching this lesson, what would you replicate from this instructor’s approach? What would you change or improve? Why?
   
   
10. How effective was the instructor in leading students to achieve the lesson objectives? Describe the outcomes of the lesson.