Week 7: Learner Autonomy and the One-computer Classroom

This week our focal issues fall on ‘Learner Autonomy and the One-computer Classroom’  which have been discussed widely  among our group. The issues assigned every week are definitely valuable for us, teachers of English or those who teach other languages. Our students should be encouraged to be autonomous learners because our world has been changing with information technologies. They should be exposed to the information themselves under their teacher guidance.

Thanasoulas’ article provided me deliberated detailed information concerning ‘Learner Autonomy’ even though he states that there are some pieces involved missing.

With regard to the definition of ‘Learner Autonomy’, as Thanasoulas (http://iteslj.org/Articles/Thanasoulas-Autonomy.html) stated, the relevant literature is riddled with innumerable definitions of autonomy, I do agree with Holec’s definition (1981, 1983, cited in Thanasoulas) that 'the ability to take charge of one's learning' and ‘the learner's willingness and capacity to control or oversee her own learning’. If I were asked to define the term I might do it shortly as ‘learning to learn’. This is in line with Holec’ s suggestion in that autonomy is a process, not a product. Whit this regard, I think it should be ongoing or lifelong process.

Some part of the article provides me with new perspective ,that is, constructivism view positing that knowledge cannot be taught but only learned because knowledge is something 'built up by the learner' (Candy, 1991, cited in Thanasoulas) . Therefore, to encourage our students gain more knowledge or experience, learner autonomy must be promoted.

One-computer Classroom is the other interesting and practical issue. Strategies and applications for the One-computer Classroom are suggested. Tons of activities are demonstrated when I access the websites suggested by Robert. For instance, ESL Activities for the One Computer Classroom (S.Gaer): Word-Processing Ideas (http://www.susangaer.com/sgaer/onecomputer/wordprocessing.html ) and Internet ideas (http://www.susangaer.com/sgaer/onecomputer/internet.html)

The sites give me a thrill to see hundreds of activities which can be done via Word-Processor or adapted from accessing the Internet. Without any doubt, we can regard a computer as a great teacher assistant  in a classroom.

Apart from the two main issues I have learned this week, I also get the answer I have tried to find for a couple months since my computer was installed Office Word 2007. Where is the Auto Summarize tab on the menu bar? Technology Tip of the Month: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in the Classroom by Deborah Healey reveals the answer to me. It is about ‘Auto Summarize’. If I had not downloaded PDF that explains how to have the tool available on the quick access toolbar, I would have been stuck on the question. Thank you Deborah for your tip making my job easier…

Best,

Moo