Enjoy Distance Learning has been a great experience
for me and my students. They have met distance learning for the first time in
their lives because of the Covid19 and their adventure of distance learning
started in March, 2020. They have been stuck and overwhelmed by e-classes, watching
EBA TV, and assignments. This project has been a breath to them. Thanks to the
activities in the project, they both have had fun and learned. The main goal of
our project has come true: the distance learning has become fun for them.
From the beginning to end, we have had excellent four
months. The activities of the project have been great. My students, who have
taken part in an e-Twinning project for the first time, have learned a lot from
these activities. First of all, they have met lovely friends, and thanks to the
chatting activities, they have had the opportunity to chat with their new
friends. While making friends from a different city and a different country,
they have also learned their cultures and traditions. Communicating in English has
been very good for them, they have improved their English and their
self-confidence has increased.
With the ever-changing world and developing
technology, it is now in the past to teach lessons with just plain instruction.
Nowadays, it is almost a necessity to use the internet and computer while teaching
or learning. Therefore, it has become important to be able to use Web 2 tools
in education. I and my students have learned to use many Web 2 tools with this
project. They have designed logos and posters, prepared e-books, videos,
cartoons and surveys. They have used Web 2 tools such as Canva, Google Forms,
Renderforest, Pixton, and Story Jumper while doing all these activities. All of
them have been fun, creative, productive and unique activities. Now, they are
even doing their homework using these applications.
We have to admit that we are going through a very
difficult period. In order to overcome this situation, we must stay in our
homes as much as possible and follow the rules. During the project, the students
and teachers has given the necessary importance to Covid19 precautions. The
students have prepared videos about it or we have pointed out the importance of
the issue by wearing masks at the Zoom meetings we have held. Students have also
gained more awareness about the subject.
We have had a very good and productive time with our
project going on since January, 2021. We have had a lot of experience and
learned a lot. As an English teacher, what makes me most happy is that my
students have had the opportunity to communicate in English. I am very pleased
to see that my students have understood how important English is, as a language
of communication, not just a lesson. My students and I are looking forward to
the next e-twinning project.
Kubra Odabaş Koltuk
