Week#4 Reading/writing websites and technology-enhanced lesson plans

Reading and writing and technology enhanced lesson plans were very fascinating topics for this week.   The articles we read on all three topics were very informative and thought provoking and the websites we explored offered invaluable materials and resources.   I was fascinated by the research findings that show that learners achieve maximum benefit and mastery of a second language when they know 98% or more of the words on a page(Larry J. Mikulecky, 2007).   Personally, I totally agree with the idea because it has always worked for me and I will keep it in mind when recommending or choosing reading materials for my students or my daughter.    There are so many amazing materials on the web I was totally unaware of and if utilized will change the way we teach English.

The trickiest assignment was the easiest.   Although, I am used to writing lesson plans and even typing them; however, making a decision on a topic was the hardest.  Once I made up my mind, it did not take much to write down, though.   .

I also made a step forward with my project and finished the project task for the week.   I am still not sure what technological tool I will use for my final project.   I feel I still have a lot to learn before I can make up my mind about one.   I wonder if other classmates have already started working on their final project reports or plans.

However, this has been the most challenging week for me!   Lack of electricity hindered my achievement and made me miss the deadline for this assignment.  Moreover, it took me days to finish some course assignments and respond to discussions; I could not concentrate on anything with all that is  going on around me.   Yet, I am always very careful and selective of what to share in this blog and try to stay focused and not include any thoughts that have nothing to do with the course.  Nonetheless, there are some disappointments and I will have to share at least this one: it was shocking to know that there has been an official warning that Internet and all phone services are going to be suspended in Yemen due to the lack of oil derivatives needed to keep the system running.   Therefore, I may not be able to finish this course, or in the best case scenarios I will miss a week or more if things ever improved!   I hope this never happens, though!

That is all for now and I look forward to another busy and productive week!  

Warmest regards,

Ahmed