Discussions

Your Name and Title: Gretel Patch, Technology Integration Coordinator


School, Library, or Organization Name: Lincoln School


Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A


Country from Which You Will Present: Nepal


Language in Which You Will Present: English


Target Audience (such as primary school teachers, high school administrators, students, etc.): Middle and High School Teachers


Short Session Description (one line): Join me for a discussion on the technology integration strategies I learned and used that can be applied in any country to teach less advantaged youth 21st Century digital skills.

Full Session Description (one paragraph minimum):

In February 2011, the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) was initiated in Kathmandu, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA). This 400-hour, two-year program provides intensive English language instruction for roughly 280 14- to- 18-year-olds from underprivileged backgrounds. Students, half male and half female, are also introduced to American culture, holidays, and traditions.

These students consider it a great honor to be selected for this program and they give it their all. In addition to attending public school six days a week, students come after school and on their only day off (Saturday) to Access classes five hours weekly, often traveling great distances on foot. Students, many of whom are ethnic minorities, have blossomed in both language acquisition and confidence. They have developed respect for and appreciation of U.S. culture and heritage. At the completion of the program, students will be better equipped to serve within their country, towns, and society.
  

While students are achieving English language skills taught through traditional methods, they lack basic computer and technology skills that would help take their learning to the next level and equip them with essential digital skills.  Many of their teachers, though eager and willing, are limited in their technology skills and access to updated equipment. Seeing this need and wanting to help, I volunteered my time over the past several months to teach these students and their teachers basic computer skills that educate, engage, and empower them.  

I was both excited by the possibilities and overwhelmed. I had before me empty slates–willing students–that were eager to learn. Many of them had never sat down at a computer, checked their email, taken their own photos with a digital camera, filmed their own videos with a Flip, or swiped on an iPad. Ever. None of them have a computer at home. Those who use a computer at their local “cyber” check Facebook and watch YouTube. They don't think of the Internet as a powerful learning tool. Where would I even begin?

Somewhere. I designed content and wrote lesson plans to integrate slideshows, movies, presentations, interactive quizzes. I lent the students my own digital devices so they could explore the cameras, video camera, iPhone, and iPad. I used various iPad apps to support their English Language Learning.

One of their teachers looked at my bag of digital devices and said, "You've got the whole world in there!" I had to agree.


Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
http://gretelpatch.wordpress.com/tag/access/