Week 6: Creating Student-centered Classes and Interactive PowerPoint

Hi again,

This week's topic is of great interest. Though it's not new to me, it adds a lot to my basic knowledge of creating a student-centered classes and creating interactive PowerPoints. The readings are rich with novel ideas on how to enhance our teaching and make it more attractive. For example, I do like the activities offered in the article written by R. Finnan and D. Shaw, i.e. Think-Pair-Square, Concept Test and Jigsaw variation.

As for creating an interactive PowerPoint, the article “Creating Interactive PowerPoint Presentations for Teachers and Students” refreshes my mind on how to use hyperlinks, action buttons, images and videos, and high contrast colour (black and white). I've created ''Who wants to be a millionaire'' interactive grammar quiz and share it on wiki with the group. I believe in the power of such games in attracting their attention and raising studets' motivation to win and compete. Everyone wants to win and while accomplishing that they study hard for the quiz. I hope my course-mates are going to benefit from my presentation and adapt it to fit their own needs.

Working on my course project is in progress. I'm in the process of searching for good websites for my students and panning how I am going to guide them through an independent learning process outside the classroom. Next week, I'll post more reflection on how it goes with me.

Regards,

Houda