Online Professional Development Opportunities in 2012 | RELO Andes

RELO Andes offers new opportunities for continuing Professional Development to English teachers from five Andean countries: Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
Further information at Online Professional Development Opportunities in 2012 | RELO Andes

Happy New Year 2012 to all my Blog readers. Enjoy it with Music from Abba

Difference between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, & Web 3.0

World Wide Web has evolved so fast that there seems to be some confusion about its evolution, and eras of its development. A consensus has again evolved which has divided the development of the World Wide Web into three eras which are known as Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3. As the Internet has no master and [...]

Continue reading at: Difference between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, & Web 3.0

Apps in Education: Can you really use Twitter in your Classroom?

Since I started using Twitter I think that all the twitter feeds I have collected so far will serve as source for developing reading comprehension and writing skills. Teacher students may identify, select, and discriminate information in order to organize, elaborate, create, and publish their own written texts.

In Gregory Swanson's article we can find innovative ideas for developing writing skills using Twitter. I'll try some of them. What about you? Click on the following link:

Apps in Education: Can you really use Twitter in your Classroom?: "Twitter was one of those things that I just ignored. I thought it was a little bit indulgent and frivolous, that was until I got shown how t..."

Web 2.0 and Language Learning

Web 2.0 and Language Learning from Victor Hugo Rojas B. on Vimeo.

I'd like to comment this video. Working in a language teacher education department gives me the opportunity to interact with digital natives and immigrants. About 65 % of teacher students are familiarized with some Web 2.0 tools such as Messenger, Hi5, Facebook, Blogger, and YouTube. I think they are actually networked students because they interact, share, and learn exchanging information and socializing online.

Although, there are other Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, podcasts, and social networks; most students have not tried them yet, as well as, a great deal of teachers. These Web 2.0 tools may support EFL lessons encouraging students to use the array of possibilities to share opinions with the world; find images to use in class and share them; play word games with other students around the world improving vocabulary and making friends. Also, teachers may create and share teaching videos; see and learn how to do things through tutorials; or make their presentation interactive with Voice Thread.

In conclusion, "education must be not only socially, but collaboratively constructed." Networked teachers expect their students to collaborate with others virtually. However, teachers must improve their best practices by discussing and exchanging ideas with their colleagues in order to make the most benefitial Web 2.0 classroom work for their students.

Issues Concerning Language Teacher Education

The title of this post is the name of my  Blog It was created in 2007. Up to that time, I had been using e-mail accounts and ePals for interacting with my teacher students online. And the first post I published is about Case study. Unforgetable memories!

After trying other web tools and looking for new ways of interacting online, I decided to create a Blog where students may leave comments to the posted topic. I think that it is a Tutor Blog because there are some contents related to syllabus, course information, homework, assignments, etc. Also, I write about my PD and PLN, reflections about culture and language looking forward to stimulate online and in-class discussion. Instead of a Class Blog I use Moodle platform.

According to the article and among the reasons to blog, I highly suggest blogging to provide extra reading practice, guide students to online resources, and stimulate out-of-class discussion.

About blogging in my country, I think there would be lots of unknown blogs related to ELT, few of them are active such as Relo Andes and Cesar Klauer's, and mine of course. But, the most remarkable weakness is readers hardly ever leave comments.

IATEFL Online

If you missed IATEFL Brighton 2011 Conference but are interested in watching the videos of plenaries and some sessions given by the most representative ELT educators worldwide, now we can watch some of the recorded presentations from IATEFL by going to the link below:

IATEFL online sessions

I am sure we will be benefited and empowered from inspiring and innovative presentations, as well as, be promoted to reflect on best practices for our institutional partnerships. 

You may post comments and ask questions about the presentations. 

Why should teachers be using Twitter?

Twitter is a part of building our PLN (Professional Learning Network). About two years ago, looking for new ways to enhance my teaching and learning strategies, I found Twitter. My Twitter ID is victorhugor. Since I started tweeting, my Twitter stream became less social and more academic or professional. I mean, as teacher educator, I'm using Twitter to share knowledge/information, resources, and point of views; answer questions; socialize among colleagues; as well as, provide support/encouragement in my PD (Professional Development).

Willing to help and collaborate with Peruvian novice/professional colleagues, I've recently signed up a Twitter account for PETsNET. Have you all got a Twitter account, yet? I'm looking forward to reading your tweets. I think If you don't try it, you will never be able to know what it is about.

According to professorbaker "Twitter means connections, and connections means access to current, up-to-date, information. To be clear: Twitter is a fundamental part of my PLN. To be without it would be similar to losing sight in one eye…"

And Justin Tarte's answer to the question is: "to learn, share and collaborate is the perfect path toward growth and development."

Now, watch this inspirational video and answer the question.

13 reasons to use educational technology in lessons

The introduction of this article says:
Sometimes you need to convince colleagues to think about using educational technology in their lessons, or to identify where in their scheme of work they could incorporate it.
This list is a starting point: you may find one or two points that would "resonate" with your co-worker, and grab his or her attention.
Continue reading at: 13 reasons to use educational technology in lessons - Articles - Educational Technology - ICT in Education

My Rewarding Teaching Autobiography

I'm Victor Hugo Rojas, associate professor of TEFL. I have over 25 years experience as a foreign language teacher educator. I've taught at schools, pedagogical institutes, language centers and universities in Lima, Peru. Since then, I've been reflecting on the ways of working with teenagers and adults; also, the importance of patience, understanding, and consistency.

In addition to teaching students, I have been able to spend time teaching teachers how to create, utilize and integrate teaching methodology and strategies in their classrooms. The highlight of my involvement in staff development came when I joined a group of English teachers at the ESS Project supported by the MED and British Council since 1991. I was trained to be an English teacher trainer attending intensive workshops on TEFL. In 1993, I started training in-service state school English teachers in Cusco, it was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever had. Up to now, I continue training ETs and attending conferences, congresses, and workshops around Perú and abroad as speaker, mainly.

Over the years, I've developed some teaching material and anthologies. As a course developer, I have applied my extensive knowledge of ICT and distance/blending learning in developing my courses using different e-learning tools.

Some "life outside of teaching" facts about me... I'm married to Rosa Angelica for 24 years now. She's extremely talented and currently pursues her favourite hobbies, decorating and gardening. We have an only son: Antonio, 21, scholar guitarist, varsity soccer player, Sprachdiplom II in German, and currently a junior attending UPC majoring in Music Production and Engineering. Also we have a dog: Uriel.

I’ve been involved in education service all my life, so I’ve travelled almost all around Peru and several countries abroad touring and sightseeing the most wonderful cities and towns I’ve ever seen. I like all kinds of food, especially Peruvian, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese typical food. I enjoy classical music and 80s classic rock. Besides, I like the cinema, especially comedies. In addition, I started getting grey hair when my son finished school, and I spend most of my time trying to keep up with my family.