Oct
15
BNC Meeting
October 15, 2007 | Tagged ARICANA, Binational centers, WELL |
On October 11th and 12th the 7th Academic Directors’ Meeting was held at our Binational Center in Rosario. Directors and coordinators from most of the 16 BNCs in Argentina got together to discuss academic issues and to share projects and ideas. On Thursday, Jesica and I had the pleasure of giving a presentation on Web-enhanced Language Learning in which we could share the work we are doing at the Computer Lab and spread the word on the potential of the Web 2.0 in ELT. It was an amazing experience and a special opportunity to invite educators from all over the country to work closer together.
We started by discussing common misconceptions about the use of technology in language learning and reflected on the challenge of bridging the gap between digital natives and digital immigrants as well as on our significant role as educators in this new learning environment. We also explored the endless possibilities of using the Web as a huge source of authentic material and the technical and pedagogical considerations we should take into account when designing web-based activities.
Finally, we moved on to Blogs and Wikis or, most importantly, to the revolutionary concepts behind them: online conversations, social networking and collaborative knowledge, among others. We presented some of the projects we’ve carried out with CTJ, the Binational center in Brasilia. In fact, our dear friend, Carla Arena , left us an inspiring message on our session blog. We couldn’t have done all this wonderful work without the support and collaboration of our Brazilian colleagues!
I’m sure it was a bit overwhelming -the information overload effect- but there was a sense of excitement in the air. We all realized we could go on working together as a real network. Distance is no longer a relevant concept when there’s a common aim and a willing community.
The challenge is on and, of course, we are not alone! We are part of a growing community of educators that is awakening to the possibilities of a technologically-enhanced educational scenario fueled by our genuine desire to interact and to bring the world into our classrooms!
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