http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Bee Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-24T15:12:02.518+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Bee&conv=444808&comment_id=7981582 Bee I think you took a brave step in abandoning the books because you were not satisfied with them. Sometimes I wonder why language teachers are so far behind in using new technologies in the classroom and creating their own material. One of the reasons is that they are not paid enough and have more than one job so do not have the time to do it (this is definitely the situation in my country). Others do not find it is worth it because they are not exposed to the world and live inside their classrooms ("teacher mentality" as some call it) Another reason may be that all the content and how to develop it in class is given to them through the publishers´books they adopt. They conform to the line they are told to follow, jump into the latest wagon and enforce it on their students as well, who think they have learnt the language once they have their certificate. As I have commented on Karen´s blog, a language and learning are much more than that. Language teachers should re-evaluate their roles and responsibilities as educators. Until now, many have been told what to do and how to do it. I feel that with the new tools we have the possibility to experiment, produce and learn differently. By creating your own content, writing about your interests (and this includes the leaners), reflecting on what you do, you grow, you become aware you want to do, what you can do and you develop your voice!(why did you enroll in this session after all, why do you enjoy taking part in this conversation, how did you react when I posted to the group what it would be nice to discuss this later?) This is what open and participatory means to me. 2007-02-01T01:39:55.428+01:00 2007-02-01T01:39:55.428+01:00