Reflecting on other group activity (Communication mode)

Group 6 posted a very interesting activity -designed for intermediate Arabic learners- that addresses the interpersonal mode of communication. In this activity the instructor posts the link to two TV episodes on YouTube, one showing a program named "American got talent" and the other of a similar program in the Arab world named "Arabs got talent." The students should watch the two episodes and compare between specific cultural aspects between the Arabic and American culture: clothing/ appearance of the participants, comments of the judges, and types of performances presented. A chart that includes these areas for comparison and contrast is posted to the students along with the video links. After watching the videos, the students should discuss the assignment in a Hangout session to fill the chart. I find this very interesting, but also challenging for the students. They should be well equipped with the needed vocab. to describe clothing, performance, and comments. The comments are the hardest part because they are deeply tight to cultures that sometimes language learner may not be able to grasp the intended meaning. Another challenge is finding suitable time to meet. However, they may share a Google doc. in which they add their perspectives and may discuss this at their convenient time in Facebook or email.  

Group Work

The most challenging part of working in groups is finding a suitable time for everyone for the meeting. In my case, my group failed to get together due to the busy schedule of some of its members. However, I was able to meet with one member of the group twice, and our meetings were very successful. We enjoyed our discussions, and exchanged experiences and opinions. I think group work is a very useful tool for learning through interaction, but it needs to have clear roles for committing to the meetings and contributing to the discussions, and should be assessed individually.  

Modes of Communication

I think that any successful activity includes all three modes of communication in a various degrees, or at least two of them. Interpretive communication may include students discussions (interpersonal), and preparing for an oral or written presentation may require earlier interaction with a group. In my activities, I try to include the three modes as much as the nature of the activity permits.
Distance learning provides fantastic tools for endless activities in which the three modes are involved in a various ways that are at the tip of everyone hands. It also makes the learning process exiting and convenient where everyone is learning in his own pace at his choice of place and time.

PLNs

The internet is sure an open world to learn and discover. It offers so many ways to connect with other people who share ur interests. This is very helpful for a language teacher cuz it brings all the resources needed into the tip of her hand. It opens endless opportunities of exchanging knowledge, getting answers, sharing experience, discussing an issue or a mutual difficulty, knowing about new topics.. etc.
I have an account in many social networks, but until now I haven't use any of them for professional development. I cannot decide right now which one I would be better for me since I am still exploring and discovering. I have already started my PLN on twitter and I will see how it goes. I don't want to overwhelm myself with tooooo many platforms at one time. As I said I will explore and decide later what best serves my needs.

1st online meeting

I was worried that I'll miss the meeting cuz of difference in time. I was also worried about the whole process that is very new for me. But, I was also exited. As soon as I met Chery and started talking, all my worries vanished.
Meeting online is wonderful  since u can fit it in ur schedule wherever u r, at home, in the office, in ur bed, at the cafe... etc. you can also meet people in any corner of the globe in the convenience of ur home. That is really amazing. I guess the only obstacle is to arrange a time that suits all the meeting members. Another thing that bothered me is missing the speaker's voice for seconds during the conversation. I didn't like to have to interrupt the speaker to repeat what I missed.
In this first experience  I had the chance to meet a wonderful person with whom I  shared my interests and experience. I found from our conversation that we share the love for fun in learning. I hope that we will have the chance in the future to exchange fun ideas and activities.

Hello

This is my first blog