Assignment 1: Introduction into" Innovation in the English Language Teaching" Training

Dear Access Instructors,

From the very beginning of the training we will offer you a detailed tutorial on training technological background, and work principles and activities supported by each teaching module. 

Let step together into a new world of education challenges! 

Task 1: Scavenge the "Innovation in the English Language Teaching" Training  blog page, and working in groups of 3 or individually, write a 2-phrase comment to illustrate the following ideas: 

a.  what is the  main goal  of the "Innovation in the English Language Teaching" Training, and 

b. what finalities the training expects  the participants will finally acquire and perform. 

Task 2. The whole instructional process is based on Blended Learning Model. Analyze the following resources: 

•  Making Blended Learning Work in the Classroom 
• Blended Learning and Technology Integration
• Blended Learning Models
• Blended Learning 
• Strategies for Engaging Learners in a Blended Environment  ,

and working in groups of 3 or individually, express your opinion on : 

a. Teachers and students' role and responsibilities while providing Blended Learning method;

b. How could this method be useful for you as a teacher /teacher assistant during Access classes, taking into account your Access students' peculiarities. 

Share your thoughts in the comment space of this page Assignment in not more than 3 phrases. 

Task 3. Developing group cohesion represents one of the major training's  objectives. 
 To initiate this process, you will need to complete the following: 

a. Click on  Participants' page , and  analyze the world's map in order to: 

• find yourself  marked on  this map, and 
• identify 2 participants living geographically close to you. 
• write a short welcoming message to these two people as a comment for the  Assignment 1 Discussion Forum 

Your message will include: 

• a welcoming greeting, and your brief presentation  ( maximum 2 phrases), 
• 1 advantage of using Blended Instruction in your Access classes ( maximum 2 phrases).

!!!While completing this task on Discussion Forum, read carefully the Discussion Forum Tutorial to learn 3 rules of Discussion Forum participation.


Task 4: Online instruction and mentorship will be realized by a team of highly specialized experts through a continuous guidance, and support of the assignments each participant will perform weekly. Complete the following activities to learn about your Trainers and Mentors, while working in groups of 3, or individually: 

4.1.  Scan the Trainers and Mentors page , and  find out who: 

a.  is the META member?
b. is Director of the on-line Master of Arts in Education Program?
c. participated in US exchage programs in 2014?
d. has created her personal blog (an E-portfolio)?
e. has scientific titles ( Doctor, Professor)?
f. works in the institutions/ organizations with identical names?
g. particpated in EFL Blogging School for Regional Teachers? 

Write your answers as a comment to this Assignment. 

4.2. Look through Online Mentorship page  to find out your Mentor's name and the procedures the Online Mentorship will take place. Write a welcoming message to your Mentor using  Ask Your Mentor for Advice... (Online Mentorship Forum).
 Your welcoming message will include: 

• a welcoming greeting and your brief presentation (maximum 2 phrases), 
•  1 challenge that you as the Access instructor might meet in Blended Instruction, asking Mentor's support in overcoming this mentioned issue (maximum 2 phrases).

Task 5.  "My Window, My World!" activity:

• Make a digital photo of what you can see from your window at work or at home,
•  Write your own 4-5 phrase description for this photo, and
• Send them both (photo and description) to access@americancouncils.md . 

Follow the given example:  "My Window, My World!" . 

After receiving your "My Window, My World!" picture and description, we will publish them online in Group Work section.