Each semester faculty in ELTI and LCS lead instructional technology showcases in the Language Resource Center to share with colleagues how they are using new technologies in their teaching and research. These are informal presentations that focus on practical applications & uses of technologies in the specific domain of teaching, learning, and research in language & culture.

The full schedule, with descriptions of the showcases, is available here. In most cases, the showcases are webcast (broadcast live online) and archived on the LRC's Ustream.tv and/or Blip.tv channels.

VoiceThread: Collaborative Multimedia Slide Shows

Friendly Russian: Customized Online Activities

SPECIAL EVENT: PEDAGOGY WORKSHOP

Video & Audio Recordings of Mock Interviews

Large Course Redesign of Elementary Spanish

Best Practices in Language Teaching & Learning

Dr. Alwiya Omar
Clinical Associate Professor of Linguistics
Indiana University

Thursday, March 18, 2010
9 am—12 pm
College of Health & Human Services Bldg 159

In this workshop we will review different language teaching methodologies and share methodologies that work best in our language classes.

We will also discuss Backward Design, Proficiency Guidelines, and the 5Cs of the Foreign National Language Standards (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) and how they can be integrated in language teaching and learning.

Another aspect of the workshop is the use of pedagogically sound technology in and outside the language classroom. We will specifically discuss the importance of Course Management sites like Blackboard and ONCOURSE and the use of WIKIs and Podcasts for collaborative teaching and learning.

Examples of on-line resources for African languages will be provided. To demonstrate best practices, there will be opportunity for microteaching by workshop presenter and other attendees followed by comments and discussion.

About the Presenter

Dr. Alwiya S. Omar is a Clinical Associate Professor of Linguistics at Indiana University, Bloomington. She teaches Kiswahili and co-ordinates the teaching of other African languages in the Department of Linguistics and the African Studies program. Her research interests include second language acquisition, cross-cultural pragmatics, web-based language instruction, and study abroad language programs.

Agenda

• Dr. Heather McCullough, Director, Language Resource Center
• Dr. Akin Ogundiran, Chair & Professor of Africana Studies
• Dr. Valorie McAlpin, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning

9:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.

Pedagogy: *Backward Design, Proficiency Guidelines, & 5Cs of Foreign National Language Standards

10:30 A.M. Break

10:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Technology: Pedagogically-sound technology in and outside the language classroom

12:00 P.M. Lunch Provided

*Participants are asked to read the following article (it will be mailed to registered participants): Wiggins, Grant and Jay McTighe. "What is Backward Design?" Understanding by Design. New York: Prentice Hall, 2005. 7-19.

Directions

• Driving and Parking Directions
• Additional Directions @ Google Maps

Registration

Participation in this workshop is open to foreign language faculty and students in foreign language teacher programs at UNC Charlotte, CPCC, Davidson C, Johnson C. Smith U, Queens U, and CMS. Faculty members at other institutions are invited to email about availability of space in the workshop. Registration is free but required.  Register by emailing your name, title, institution to

Workshop sponsored by the Dept of Africana Studies &
the Dept of Languages & Culture Studies

Funded by UNC Charlotte Curriculum / Instructional Development Grant and
Chancellor's Diversity Challenge Fund Mini-Grant