FORD TIP

1
FORD TIP?

• or perhaps DROP FIT?
• or POD RIFT?
• IT FOR PD
• The Internet Anagram Server http//www.wordsmith.
  org/anagram/index.html

2
IT for PD(information technology for
professional development)

• or how to use the Internet to learn about the
  Internet, and teaching in general

3
from smoke signals to the Internet

• Man - the compulsive communicator
• (David Attenborough)

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(R)Evolution of Communication

• smoke signals
• print
• telephone
• fax
• video conferencing
• cmc (computer mediated communication)

5
IT for PD
It took 50 years to get 50 million people on the
telephone.
It took 5 years to get 50 million people on the
Internet.
6
Teaching yourself (and others) how to use the
Internet is upskilling Australia.
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How can the Internet teach me?

• email lists
• web based courses
• volunteer teaching
• websites
• articles

8
Education Listservs (Public Email Lists)
Listservs are public email lists that are set
up to allow people with a common interest to read
and discuss issues. There are many lists that
focus on various aspects of education. I have
found those that deal with language teaching and
technology on the Internet to be of enormous
professional development value. Before actually
jumping in and working with the Internet,
listservs are great resources for simply reading
and learning to your hearts content. You can
also contribute to the discussions. Your email
inbox will never be empty again though so be
warned.
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What else can you do with this kind of list?

• share lesson plans/ideas
• share useful websites, software
• announcements concerning meetings, policy
  developments, reactions
• opinions/suggestions (re student types, admin
  issues, strike action, etc)
• advertising for jobs/relief teachers

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EXISTING LISTSERVS

• Local
• ESL_SA (TAFE)
• ESL Talk (DETE)
• International
• Neteach
• TESL - L

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(free) ONLINE COURSES

• file management
• Internet basics
• computer software

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Other strategies

• Reading papers on ESL/EFL and the Internet
• TESOL Search Engine
• Internet Forums
• - ACTA
• - ESL Down Under
• - eGroups
• Volunteer Teaching (EFI)

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ESL Websites (there are hundreds!)

• Sites Neteachers thought were cool
• E. L. Eastons pages
• Webheads (Vance Stevens)
• Australian ESL Teachers
• Michael Coghlans Homepages
• Englishtown, FreeEnglish, etc

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Whatever you do, take it slow and easy. The
Internet has an infinite capacity to take over
your life. Enjoy it!
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WHAT NOW?

• Go to http//www.chariot.net.au/michaelc/itpd
  front.htm
• You could
• 1. check an online course
• 2. read an article
• 3. try the TESOL search engine
• 4. browse a website
• 5. add something to the ACTA forum