Lee Blowers, Maki Terauchi Ho

Like it or not, technology plays an ever more increasing role in how we communicate in today’s world.
Are we doing our students a disservice by not introducing technological platforms into the classroom? Which have already been successfully implemented into classes?
The first presentation at this event will introduce an E-learning portfolio, Seesaw, and how it has effectively been used to encourage and record students’ thinking and learning. The second of the two presentations will look at the suite of Google applications and way in which they may be effectively employed in the classroom.
Please be sure to bring your connected device, such as a tablet or smartphone, and portable wifi router on the day to fully immerse yourself in these anything but virtual presentations. Come along to hear some digital viewpoints in an analogue setting. We are very much looking to seeing there… in person.
Presentation 1:
Lee Blowers, Kansai International Academy
Seesaw: An E-learning portfolio to encourage and record students’ thinking and learning
Presenter Biography
Lee Blowers is the deputy head teacher at Kansai International Academy, an IB dual language elementary school in Kobe. He is one of the moderators of the Osaka Google apps for Educators Group (Osaka GEG) and is also an ambassador for Seesaw: The Learning journal. He holds a Bsc in Linguistics and creative writing and completed his PGCE teaching qualification in England before moving to Japan.
Abstract
There are many tools within technology for students to record their learning, but very few that allow students to organise and record their thinking. This workshop will introduce Seesaw: an E-Learning journal and many ways it can be used in various learning environments. The workshop will also allow participants the opportunity to join a class as a student and it will offer support in setting up a class. As a multi-platform application it is easily accessible for all teachers and students and comes with the added bonus of being incredibly simple to use for everyone! The presenter will also attempt to showcase some other useful technology tools from recent Google developments.
Presentation 2:
Maki Terauchi Ho, CALL SIG, St. Michael’s International School
An Introduction to Bringing Apps to the Classroom
Presenter Biography
Maki Terauchi Ho works for St. Michael’s International School. She has experience teaching English and Japanese to both native and non-native children. She is currently taking Master program at Temple University. She is also an officer at Computer Assisted Language Learning SIG.
Abstract
Digital devices are becoming very popular tools in education. This workshop will demonstrate some basic uses for computers and iPad with students in the classroom, mostly focusing on Google Chrome, Google Apps, in addition to some practical iPad apps. Most of the apps are for beginners who have never employed technology in the classroom before or for those who are looking for more effective ways to do so. Finally, all participants will be invited to share their concerns and possible classroom management problems regarding to the use of the technology in their teaching environment.