Blog #1

PBL #1

in the first PBL task, we were given a set of problems and asked to create activities using technology. In this activity, I was part of a three members group, me, Haneen and Bahaa, my task was to create a post-reading activity using voki website which is related to the theme of the unit which is "The Amazon".  the aim of the activity was to engage the students in writing and speaking task without making them feel bored, Students usually do not like to write, and feel uncomfortable to speak and present in front of their classmates using voki website helps to motivate the students and make them feel more comfortable. 

preparing for this activity wasn't hard because the website that i chose for my activity was very easy to use which is voki. 

PBL #2

in the second PBL task, i worked with same group as well, we were asked to choose a unit and to create activities that focus on the four domains of the English curriculum. I chose to create an activity that focuses on the domain of social interaction using padlet, voki, and google classroom blog. The aim of the activity is that learners should present their ideas orally and through writing using technology. After using these tools I learned that the teacher can make the lesson boring using traditional methods while teaching or make it very interesting using technology. 

Blog #2

At the beginning of the course, we were asked to submit a lesson plan to show how can we integrate technology during our lessons. before taking the course, during my lessons, I only used PPT presentations and videos, every time I wanted my lesson to be interesting I used these tools. However, after taking this course, I was introduced to numerous tools that can turn any boring and traditional lesson into a very interesting, and enjoyable lesson. I learned the function and the usage of each tool, which helps me to choose the most suitable tool for each lesson. After taking the course I started integrating different tools into my lessons to make the students motivated.

voice thread

in this lesson, I have learned how to use a voicethread website, the website is easy to use and very interesting, it is a brilliant website which allows to the students to comment and to record their voices on each slide, it encourages students to express their opinions and thoughts about what they have learned. 

story bird

in this lesson, I have learned how to use a storybird website, the website is easy to use and very interesting, it is a brilliant website which encourages students to write their own stories and poems, by using random pictures that the website provides, this can be challenging for the students, that at the end they will have a storybook done by them.    

https://storybird.com/books/dnkpqpb484/

voki-create

VOKI is an educational tool that allows students and teachers to create their own avatar and provide it with a script or the students can attach their own voice. through this website, students can practice their listening skills and their pronunciation. listening to the pronunciation of the words help the students to speak fluently. 

teachers can share a homework/task with the students using their avatar giving instructions, and the students need to complete the assignment through their own avatar, they might do the task orally or through writing a script it depends on the teacher's instructions.

http://tinyurl.com/y8ddlr45

Padlet

in this lesson, Rasha and I presented about Padlet, it is simple and very easy to use, by using Padlet teachers may ask students to write about different topics, it can be used as a brainstorm at the beginning of the lesson or as an icebreaker at the first lesson in the year, students can upload videos, pictures, and GIF along with their writing.
teachers can make Padlet as a private wall or public wall it depends on the teacher's desire, also there is an option to make the students comment on their posts, it's up to the teacher whether to let the students to comment or not, in addition there is an option to rate and to like or dislike other posts, it is the teacher choice to let the students comment or rate or like and dislike each other posts.
I have created a Padlet shelf about "festivals around the world" and inserted picture and a video.
as a future teacher, I would like to use Padlet with my students to make them interactive and to engage them in the lesson.

socrative

in this lesson, I learned how to use Socrative website, the website is very useful, this website is good for reviewing different topics, such as grammar, analysis, reading comprehension, teachers need to make a quiz about that topic and present it to the students. teachers can use Socrative as a quiz/ test/ activity. teachers can use Socrative for students from all levels. I have created my own Socrative activity about past simple Vs. past continuous. as a future teacher, I will use Socrative very much.