Page 5 - May Newsletter (draft ver)

Technology related talks from the IATEFL Conference in Brighton

In addition to the PCE and showcase, there were a number of other learning technology
related talks. One in particular that is recommended by our SIG is the talk by seven
Hornby Scholars 2017-18, who this year are all studying at the University of Warwick.
They gave a joint presentation on whether new technology sustainability can improve
quality in state language education. ​A recording of their talk​ was published on the
British Council Teaching English website. According to the abstract: “New technology
has the potential to provide education systems with new solutions to issues of quality in
teaching and learning. This presentation [investigated] how technology is being used in
the very different contexts of Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Brazil, Argentina, Uzbekistan and
Bangladesh, to support the assessment of English in schools, the in-service CPD of
teachers, and students’ access to learning materials. Four of the scholars also

recorded ​an interview on Brighton beach​ with Paul Braddock, in which the LT SIG
was mentioned.

One of our PCE speakers, Sarah Rogerson, gave a ​joint presentation​ with Chloe
Shaw from Cambridge English, on using learning technologies, such as MOOCs, in
projects enabling refugees and asylum seekers to have access to learning English.

There was also a SEN (Special Educational Needs) Forum, featuring ​Božica Šarić-
Cvjetković​, Debora Ciampi and our other scholarship winner, ​Julia Koifman​. The
latter, with her extensive knowledge of pupils with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other
learning challenges, spoke about ‘motivational video lessons for SEN students’. ​Her
review plus an interview after her session​ is on the blog. Look out for the
announcement of IATEFL scholarship applications for Liverpool 2019 later this month.

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