Eye Opener

As I come to the end of e-teacher scholarship course, I can't help but wonder why I named my blog "Eye Opener". The ten weeks have opened my eyes more than I thought. It's not writing clear objectives, creating a blog, effective web searching, skill building websites, technology enhanced lesson plannning, project-based learning, WebQuests, rubrics, teaching large classes, using PowerPoint effectively, learner autonomy, one computer classroom and teacher resources on line, it's about Deborah and Sandra. Fantastic tutors!

My eyes have not only been open to a new learning experience but also a new life experience.What I have gone through for the past three weeks has opened my eyes to know people deeper, control my emotions and live one day at a time.Thanks to Deborah for assurance. Thanks to Roland for the concern.

I have had an experience of a life time through internet interactions. How would it be if it was live?I feel priviledged and honoured as the only representative of my country Kenya in this course. Thanks to the embassy in my country for nominating me.I have learnt that it takes a teacher and courage to break the norms and make learning an interesting experience for students, many a times we make it painful and boring.

My course mates have been wonderful people from other parts of the world. I will miss them.You would think we had met before. The ease with which they communicate just impresses me.The end has come but wait... it is the beginning of good things to come. Yes, the Eye Opener!

Turning Point

Hey! A turning point in my life. I now become a mother and father to my two children, Franklin and Angelica because dad is no more. The experiences I underwent are life's little lessons. I realize that life is like a syllabus.It must come to an end at the appointed time. I have the scholarship to safe guard so 'Never Give Up!' I tell myself.

Learner autonomy was not new to me but is seldom practiced in Kenya's education system. I apply it occassionally but now I will do it with more confidence. I learn that it changes things for the better and that the learners try to outsmart one another to impress the teacher hence better work.

Creating an online course site or an exercise to use online or offline was not easy. I could not think, I could not be the creative me. Deborah and Sandra have to understand me here. The exercises I went through such as word search, crossword puzzles, matching, scrambled sentences and cloze are appropriate for my students. These will definitely enhance their vocabulary, sharpen their thinking and even make the lessons more interesting.

Mmmh! Final project? Forgive me please. This is what I longed to accomplish but...

Really Tough

Week 8 I will live to remember you.It has been tough for me. It is by the grace of God that I have gone through you. Learner autonomy which is about learner freedom is a great idea.The syllabus ties the teacher and learner so much but this encourages the learner to do more on his/her own and gives the teacher the freedom to approach certain topics as deemed fit.I have to practice more of this.I have been doing it with reservations.

One-computer classroom was also an encouragement to me whose school does not have the equipment.I now learn that I can use my laptop in various ways to enhance learning of English in my classes without fear.I must do this as schools open for the second term.Oh! the draft report I am still working on it and I know I will make it.