TITLE: On track - ensuring learners don’t fall through the net by Valentina DODGE Abstract: Developments in learning technologies and trends in blended course delivery pose new challenges to educators and learners in terms of maintaining the flow and pace of personalised learning paths. This workshop will examine how the tools available on web-based platforms (such as Moodle, English360 and others) keep learners forward-bound and “on track” to achieve their personal goals.

1. On track – ensuring learners don ’ t fall through the net Valentina Dodge - IATEFL Brighton 2011

2. Metaphor (pairs) A classroom is… .

5. Metaphor (pairs) If a classroom is a “ kitchen ” …. then what is a your metaphor for … . a mistake? .

6. “ Mistakes are portals of discovery ” James Joyce

7. Learning environments

8. Metaphor (pairs) A virtual learning enviroment is… .

10. Agenda Challenges and opportunities of the new medium Personalised flow & pace Practical examples

11. Involve learners

12. Make the virtual environment non-threatening

13. “ You can ’ t go wrong ”

14. Negotiate agreed guidelines

15. Be there for learners

16. Discuss their feelings

19. Echo

20. Echo

21. Ooooops! Sorry about that. Be a model

22. Echo

23. Echo “ That’s a very interesting aspect of life to miss! How would you describe ‘chaos’?” “ I think I miss caos if I am go away . ”

24. Be sensitive to group dynamics

25. Learner-generated content

26. Personalise the course

28. Independent learning

30. Choose settings that suit the learner

31. Tools to keep learners on track

32. Forward-bound

33. Treasure the versions

34. Trackback

35. Self-reflection

36. Learner-generated videos Self-evaluation

37. Capture the shavings

39. Adapt tasks for consolidation

41. Stop and check: g roup review

43. “ Re-visit ” strategies Get feedback

44. Celebrate along the way

45. Thank you! [email_address] www.english360.com