Here at Aii, we do more than just learn languages such as English, Chinese, or Thai, we prepare students for their future careers.
Two of the more recent initiatives put forth by our teams are ICT integration and Blended Learning. If you aren’t familiar with those terms, let me explain.
ICT integration is when we use modern technology to learn a language. Most of the technology in today’s society is based on communication. Language is communication. It’s only right that they go hand in hand with one another.
With ICT integration, we can use computer labs at school to do research, practice email etiquette, use google workspace products, or even type out homework in Microsoft Word. There are endless possibilities and it is all beneficial.
When students leave Aii, and move forward into the unknown, whether it be a university or a career path, the experience they gain through ICT integration will make a big impact.
Blended learning is an extension of that same idea. With blended learning, we blend the physical classroom activities with the virtual world. Students can send in homework to the shared drive, they can interact with the activities posted by the teacher, and they can also post and comment the same way they would on any of the common social media platforms. Parents can also join in on the fun too!
There are many ways to get engagement out of the students. Some might say it depends on the creativity and innovation of the teacher, but that’s not necessarily the case. Today, there are so many websites that have done most of the work for them, all they need to do is find the things that are in relation to the syllabus and post it. There are even Ai (artificial intelligence) websites that can also help. So even if a teacher lacks ideas, there is an abundance of them online.
Oh, but what about the students you say? That is the easy part. Everyone has a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer these days, so most students are fully capable of interacting with the blended learning environment from almost anywhere. They could be on vacation and still get the homework assignment, and then upload it. They could be in the province for a holiday, and they wouldn’t miss a beat. There are so many options in today’s world. I wish we had this kind of technology back when I was a kid.
The online environment is like having the biggest library in the world at your fingertips. Interact with it. Do research, find topics, get ideas, learn helpful tips, and use technology to your advantage. Be thankful you are living in such a moment full of opportunities. Take ahold of those opportunities and set sail. Get as much experience and practice as possible before you step into the career world. Utilize the opportunities that ICT integration and Blended learning are giving you here at Aii Language Center. You will be glad you did.
By: Daryl Koschak