News and Information for LearnIT2teach participants

March 28, 2024 - Issue #140

Project News

Tutela Access in Avenue Update
Testing is under way for the second phase of Avenue’s integration with Tutela. The unified sign-in will soon allow (editing) teachers to import Tutela resources directly into their courses. A Moodle message (with a help file) will be sent to all Avenue teachers when it is launched.

Respect & Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: Introductory Training for Language Instructors
Developed by Achēv through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, Immigration and Skills Development, all Ontario ESL instructors and administrators have been enrolled in this self-directed training course. Other Avenue instructors and administrators can request access by completing this Google form. (See #1 below for a link to a webinar recording detailing this training course and indigenous resources on Avenue.)

Recently Archived Webinar Recordings

  1. Indigenous Content on Avenue - Professional Development and Instructional Materials - https://youtu.be/TgSU3AdkWns
  2. Using the Language Companion in Your Avenue Course - https://youtu.be/0_32NFVjZ1I
  3. Conducting Assessment using the Avenue tools and resources (Part 2) - Assessing Speaking and Writing - https://youtu.be/E29qYb_OUtE
  4. Conducting Assessment using the Avenue tools and resources (Part 1) - Assessing Listening and Reading - https://youtu.be/pBeNZ0Z7KWM

Upcoming Avenue Webinars

  • Tracking Learner Activity on Avenue - April 4, 2023  More info and registration form
  • Strategies and Ideas for Using Avenue with Low CLB Learners - April 11, 2024

Web News

Study Looks at How 15-year-olds Learn English
Today’s English students have a lot of exposure to the language outside of the classroom. By using the internet, social media, and other digital technologies, they can watch videos, hear music, and play video games in English. But teachers are not so sure that digital exposure results in better English-speaking abilities. That is the finding of a new study on how teenagers learn English. …
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/study-looks-at-how-15-year-olds-learn-english/7514595.html

Merriam-Webster says you can end a sentence with a preposition. The internet goes off
An authority on the English language has set us free from the tethers of what many have long regarded as a grammatical no-no. Or has it? The answer depends on how you side with a declaration from Merriam-Webster:"It is permissible in English for a preposition to be what you end a sentence with," the dictionary publisher said in a post shared on Instagram last week. …
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/27/1233663125/grammar-preposition-sentence-rule-myth-merriam-webster-dictionary

ChatGPT is enrolled as a student in a College of Education & Human Development Course
… In this untraditional online class, students find themselves competing against ChatGPT, attempting to outscore it on weekly assignments related to second language acquisition. ChatGPT, like its human counterparts, receives grades for its submissions, creating an environment where students can critically assess its essays on language and reflect on ethical considerations . The course holds particular significance for aspiring English teachers, allowing them to explore the responsible integration of AI, like ChatGPT, into their future classrooms. …
https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2024/chatgpt-is-enrolled-as-a-student-

168 Best AI Tools Of 2024
As we experience a boom in the field of AI, many new, interesting, and unforeseen applications are being developed every day. They range anywhere from business to deeply personal use cases, but the reasons why we use them are more or less the same: AI has evolved to the point where it can assist humans with repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and thus save operational costs and resources. So for the sake of this article (and my own curiosity), I delved into the bustling world of AI tools. …
https://www.synthesia.io/post/ai-tools

Blogs

5 Keys To Conquering Online English Teaching
The rise of online education has opened up new opportunities for English teachers and helped them connect with students globally. However, keeping students engaged and providing quality feedback in a virtual environment can be challenging. …
https://elearningindustry.com/keys-to-conquering-online-english-teaching

3 Essential ChatGPT Prompting Skills For ESL Teachers
This article emphasizes the potential of ChatGPT to enhance language learning through interactive practice sessions, customized material creation, and fostering critical thinking. It highlights practical examples for effective prompting, thereby enriching the ESL teaching and learning experience.
https://elearningindustry.com/essential-chatgpt-prompting-skills-for-esl-teachers

What Is Remote Proctoring And How Does It Prevent Cheating?
Remote learning and working are more prevalent than ever, and educational institutions and companies are faced with another challenge. How are they going to prevent students and interview takers from cheating? Read on to discover the benefits of remote proctoring and how it can be used to prevent cheating. …
https://elearningindustry.com/what-is-remote-proctoring-and-how-does-it-prevent-cheating

How to Use AI Tools to Support English-Language Learners
… Today’s post focuses on using artificial intelligence with English-language learners (as did a previous one). Few teachers have had more experience applying AI tools with ELLs than Svetlana Kandybovich, and she agreed to contribute to today’s post. Svetlana includes links to free AI tools she has created for teachers to use with students. …
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-how-to-use-ai-tools-to-support-english-language-learners/2024/03

What AI Tools Are Instructional Designers Using?
I recently posed the following question on LinkedIn, “What AI tools are you exploring and using to do your work?” I asked this because keeping up with the endless influx of new tools is nearly impossible for learning designers. I thought this list could be a starting point for many. …
https://theelearningcoach.com/reviews/ai-tools-for-instructional-designers/

Professional Development

LearnIT2teach Annotated Bibliography New Resource: Agora World: Hey Siri: Should #language, �, and follow me be taught?
 A historical review of evolving communication conventions across digital media environments and uncomfortable questions for language teachers.
http://bib.learnit2teach.ca/blog/hey-siri-should-language-%ef%bf%bd-and-follow-me-be-taughta-historical-review-of-evolving-communication-conventions-across-digital-media-environments-and-uncomfortable-questions-for-language-tea/

The 10 eLearning Commandments Inforgraphic
… we’ve put together the 10 commandments eLearning professionals must follow to see their courses be a success. Take these rules, incorporate them into your eLearning, and get busy mastering your craft. …
https://elearninginfographics.com/the-10-elearning-commandments/

MoodleMoot Canada 2024
Wednesday-Thursday, 1-2 May 2024 Keele Campus, York University, Toronto
… connect with fellow Moodle enthusiasts, share ideas, and learn from experts in the field.
https://catalyst-ca.net/moodle-moot-event-canada

Jobs

Course Developer
… TESL Ontario is seeking a qualified and experienced Course Developer to design a 6-10-hour self-directed, online course on the topic: Conflict Resolution and Classroom Management for an audience of ELT professionals who may have varying levels of certification and experience. …
https://careers.teslontario.org/job-board/listings/course-developer/

Online ESL Teacher
LingoAce is a leading online learning platform dedicated to providing a fun and engaging learning environment for children aged 4-15 who want to learn Chinese, English, and Math.
https://www.tefl.com/job-seeker/jobpage.html?jobId=203624

e-Resource Corner

Benefits, credits, and taxes for newcomers
What you need to know about income taxes and benefit payments for the first year you are a resident of Canada …
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/newcomers-canada-immigrants.html

CRA Factsheet for Newcomers
The official versions of the CRA factsheet and infographics on benefits and credits are the English and French versions. While reasonable efforts are made to provide accurate translations, due to the nuances in translating to another language, slight differences or inaccuracies may exist.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/help-others/outreach/outreach-materials-print-share/factsheet-newcomers.html

Learn about your taxes - multimedia gallery
A series of short videos from the federal government explaining employment forms and tax basics in plain language.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/educational-programs/videos.html

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New Language Solutions is based in Ottawa, Ontario. We acknowledge that our head office is on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. Beyond Ottawa, we have staff working in locations across Canada. New Language Solutions is grateful to have the opportunity to work as a guest in communities and territories across the country, and we honour the stewardship of the many Indigenous peoples who have resided on and cared for these lands since time immemorial.

We make our acknowledgement as a sign of respect for all Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, past and present. We accept the true impact of the past and the pain suffered by generations of Indigenous Peoples. As an agency that works to support the integration of newcomers into Canadian society and cultures, we express our commitment to support activities that are inclusive of Indigenous Peoples. We resolve to address a history of injustice to First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples.

New Language Solutions Inc.

 

Send an email to admin@learnIT2teach.ca or call 1-855-522-2221 to inquire about the training.

Disclaimer
The links to external web pages and job postings are for information purposes only. Neither Avenue - LearnIT2teach nor its funder endorses or is responsible for their content.

About  Avenue - LearnIT2teach
Through funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Avenue - LearnIT2teach Project provides LINC teachers with online tools and resources and extensive training to help them implement blended learning in their programs. Visit http://learnIT2teach.ca for more information.

 Avenue - LearnIT2teach News is researched and compiled by Jim Edgar