Strength in diversity... so long as we can find ways to bring the different tiles together. ICT can play a significant role here. Image credits: Stephanie Asher
I mentioned in my recent post Change we can be leaves in that one of my goals for the remainder of this year was to get more involved in ELT in my local context.
Well, an opportunity to do just that has already come up, with the AMEP providers in Geelong (where my wife happens to be a student) inviting me to do a workshop for local teachers and service providers to migrants and refugees, with emphasis on opportunities to develop and make the most of ICT.
After a pleasant and productive meeting with some of the senior AMEP staff on Monday, a needs analysis was established and my workshop given some targeted direction. The following title and abstract emerged:
Enhancing social opportunities for CALD learners through ICT
Moving to a new country as a migrant or refugee can be a daunting experience. Feelings of isolation, confusion, inadequacy, and/or exclusion can be common, which in turn can have a significant impact on health and longer term integration into mainstream society. Beyond what we (currently) do in face-to-face settings, ICT can help to enhance and build exciting new bridges between teachers and service providers and their CALD (Culturally And Linguistically Diverse) clients. Additionally, ICT can facilitate more social support and independent learning opportunities amongst CALD clients themselves.
This workshop will look at some of the challenges facing CALD clients and how simple and accessible ICT tools can be found and used to enhance social and learning opportunities. No particular background experience or training with ICT is assumed, but an open mind and willingness to get hands on and try things out will be essential!
Based on the meetings and this title and abstract, the workshop has been given approval and is due to go ahead later this month. In fact, teachers and service providers have already started booking places to attend, which is very encouraging!
In any case, I'd like to extend an invitation to my broader PLN (across many borders and through windows always open) to comment on the idea and focus of this workshop.
Pretend you are going to attend... what would you like to see covered?
Which ICT tools out there (bearing in mind that we are talking about people with fairly basic experience with ICT) do you think could meet the goals of the workshop?
Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
:-)
