Absolutely Connected

“So, how do you teach English to primary school students when you don’t have any English teachers?” Through technology, of course! In Uruguay, the British Council has set up distance English teaching that not only teaches the children but also teaches the local classroom teacher so that in 3 years’ time Uruguay will be able to deliver the English teaching 100% locally.”

Through the use of podcasts we can further propel our student’s language education. As Absolutely Intercultural showcases, podcasts are an awesome way of giving lesson even from a far distance. Podcasts are often used to listen to music, the most popular venue is iTunes but there are many resources available; especially for teachers.

In the podcast I listen to the broadcaster speaks to people from different countries. In Uruguay, she discusses the development of the project, called Plan Ceibal, has started and how it will be implemented in the next few years.

Next the broadcaster speaks to a remote teacher who comes from the Philippines and her experience with teacher English in Uruguay. She makes a point to say that she feels connected to her students while teaching them. Her students have made efforts to communicate with her outside of the online classroom which shows how eager they are to use the English they have developed and also makes the teacher more enthused to teach them. The children she taught even expressed their concern after the Typhoon that devastated the Philippines.  It becomes evident that students and teachers can connect when they both put the time and effort into learning.

There are over one hundred different podcast episodes that can be listened to that offer more information on teaching and learning through the use of podcasts. The podcasts also give information on which fundraising programs are helping make this source of education available to more and more children.

Be sure to check it out!