Workshop Delivery

Thinking, Writing and Learning
By Dr. Stephen Bernhardt

Getting Students Attention:
The use of technology; namely chat; kept students attracted because it’s a new way they have never seen in this context (in a workshop). Moreover, the idea of creating the PowerPoint presentation in the classroom gave the impression that everybody’s input is important and constitutes a part and parcel of the overall outcome. However, after forty minutes when the information presented didn’t exceeded the expectations, the trainees stopped to pay attention.

Explaining Exercises:
The workshop was more theoretical. No exercises were provided. The trainees expected some practical tricks of direct benefits instead of the theories they have to reflect on in order to come out with practical materials that suit their own classes, which can be a reasonable excuse.

The Material Presented:
Even the trainees who expected more practical materials expected also some theoretical ones that provide some deep aspects of the issues. The PowerPoint presentation posted on the website isn’t more than a summary of different reflections of different trainees. All the theoretical information presented is considered the minimum of what the trainees are supposed to know.

Involving the Audience:
The idea of brainstorming about the topic of the workshop let the trainees come out with everything they know about writing and consequently set their expectations of the workshop, so they started to discuss ideas concerning them. The presenter provided a safe environment for all kinds of ideas. Moreover, to make sure of everybody’s participation, he moved to the chat to enable shy unconfident trainees and get them involved. What really got the trainees involved is the sense of competing with other groups through eliciting ideas and comparing them with a list made by American trainees.




Story making with Windows Moviemaker
By Tricia Scott

Getting Students Attention:
Again the use of new technology keeps trainees attracted, let alone when the whole workshop is about the use of a certain technology. The presentation of some models, whether funny or shocking, ignited the trainees’ enthusiasm. However, the elaboration on the importance of story telling distracted the trainees and let them get bored after they lost hope that she’s going to start soon with the practical side.

Explaining Exercises:
It’s always different when it comes to technology. The presenter modeled the most important aspects and let the trainees to learn by discovering and making mistakes while they are trying to accomplish the mission required, which was of a great help. Deep details were up to the trainees to discover themselves. Sometimes, the lack of exercises is an exercise itself.

The Material Presented:
The presenter provided some tutorial websites. Moreover, a lot of links that provide an access to videos, pictures and sound tracks were given too.

Involving the Audience:
The models presented at the beginning were of a great help in engaging the trainees. On the other hand, what really got the trainees involved is the discussion about the possibilities of using this new technology in teaching. It addressed some purposes in each trainee and the presenter was generous to provide other technologies for the purposes that cannot be served through this one.