Using the Internet as a tool for teachers’ development.

The constant repetition of lesson routines, the revisiting of texts and activities with predictable student reactions can dent our enthusiasm. So we do have to take steps to prevent it.

There is a great difference between teachers “with 20 years experience” and those “with 1 year’s experience repeated 20 times”. (Jeremy Harmer)

You can’t but agree there is a great sense here. Teachers WHO SEEK to develop themselves and their practice WILL BENEFIT both their students and themselves. Development may be a move from “UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE” (where we are unaware that we are doing smth badly) to “UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE” (where we do smth well without having to think about it).

There is a great deal we can do to ensure that we continue to develop and grow. Development may be brought about by breaking our own teaching rules as a way of challenging what we have taken for granted.

We should try out new ideas, investigate smth that puzzles us. Many teachers enter different training programs, they study for higher qualifications and believe me it maintains a sense of great excitement.

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The advantages of the internet to teachers include... Reference We can do all our researches at home Many of the sites have excellent visuals and sound which make the material very attractive. There are lots ELT dictionaries available on line, search engines, tests and practice exercises.

The advantages of the internet to teachers include... Its vast size The incredible expanse of the internet means the teacher has the ability to tailor lessons very specifically to students' needs and interests. Its relevance Much material is modern and up-to-date, which helps motivate students. Good web sites continually update their material.

Its widespread use Students enjoy using the net in their free time, and will appreciate its use in class The advantages of the internet to teachers include...

The internet has a lot to offer the teacher. Using the internet brings the 'real world' into the classroom and gives the students an opportunity to explore learning in a different way.

The internet contains a lot of resources that we, teachers, can access and use to prepare teaching materials. These range from sites specifically designed for teachers and learners to sites from national and international newspapers, museums, galleries and so on. You should be very picky and know for sure what you want and we are going to help you.

The Learning Resources site offers web-delivered instruction using current and past CNN news stories. Literacyworks has partnered with news agencies to develop an online literacy site that benefits all learners. Learners (of all ages) are encouraged to use this material to promote better literacy. Each module includes the full text of each story and interactive activities to test comprehension. The learner can choose to read the text, listen to the text, and view a short video clip of the story. Each module is designed for ease of use so the learner can use it independently. The instructor can also incorporate any story into class activities and lesson plans.

There are also a number of sites designed specially for students of English as a foreign language.

exchange allows easy access to people all over the world

Learn American English while staying informed about American life, world news and more. World News in Special English Words & Their Stories Wordmaster Pronunciation GuideWorld News in Special English Words & Their Stories Wordmaster Pronunciation Guide

Working in the Internet is not always easy and it does have its problems but it's a motivating and engaging resource for both students and the teachers.

Here are some top tips for teachers using the Internet. Don’t take too many sites at a time. Choose one and look it through thoroughly. Don't be afraid of the technology, it's not difficult to learn to use. Learn how to search effectively and evaluate the materials you find

Prepare internet lessons and materials carefully, remember to have alternative material ready in case of technological or other problems Before using the internet in class, check any sites that you will be asking the students to use.

The list of the best Search engines:

Pen-pals

Dictionary (low level picture dictionary)

Journals for teachers - (the full range of topics to do with language, methodology, class management and theory) - (articles with classroom ideas, current issues, tips and hints for individual activities and book reviews)

Preparing for exams:

Internet-based courses for self-study

Site for your being informed

We must admit and not forget that groups of people talking and working together are still ( and always be) vitally important in language learning.