CALL Newsletter - March 2020 (Plain Text Version)

Jennifer Meyer

Maria Tomeho-Palermino

We are extremely pleased to share some of the accomplishments of the Computer-Assisted Language Learning Interest Section (CALL-IS) since TESOL Atlanta. One significant achievement was the initiation of a webinar series spearheaded by Mary Allegra, from the steering committee, who took on this endeavor with aplomb with the help of George Kormpas. The very first guest speaker was Nik Peachey, who presented “Tools and Practices for Autonomous Teacher Development.” We were very fortunate to have this distinguished guest—a published author, teacher trainer, and researcher who writes about educational technology. The next scheduled webinar, “Lights! Action! Camera! Video Projects for Language Learners,” was presented by Shelley Sanchez Terrell. She is a well-known international speaker and author, specializing in e-learning and educational technology. Without a doubt, these two speakers offered compelling insights into innovative techniques and suggestions for teacher development and for our ESL and EFL students. Now, we’re in the process of scheduling other speakers and we’re quite open to suggestions from CALL-IS members or others who have an avid interest in technology.

New topics/presentation ideas emerged over the course of the summer and fall, when Jennifer and I, along with other steering committee members, brainstormed what we felt would be fascinating presentations to showcase at TESOL Denver. So, we put our heads together and came up with innovative topics; these are featured in the “Hot Topics” presentation schedule found using the TESOL Electronic Village app or the booklet. For a hint of what you can expect, you’ll find such topics as “Digital Citizenship” and “Digital Tools for Autonomous Learning.” Please come and join us in the Technology Showcase and Tech Hub A to learn more about Fake News: Real or Unreal? and Utilizing DIY Text-to-Animation Software as a Transformative Medium for Extensive Writing, and other intriguing topics. You’ll learn about cutting-edge apps and technology and come away with exciting ideas to implement in your class.

Some may not be aware that Jennifer and the webcasting team meet throughout the year and are always refining their expertise with OBS software used to record sessions presented in the Technology Showcase, academic panels, and other sessions and events. Once recorded, these sessions are uploaded to our YouTube channel. We are always looking for newcomers who would like to learn about webcasting from Jennifer and other team members. If you are interested in learning more about this, you can contact Jennifer Meyer or myself (Maria), and we’ll definitely be in touch.

Finally, as in other years, CALL-IS attempts to expand membership and invites you to come to our Open Meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved. The meeting is on Thursday, 2 April, from 6 pm–7:30 pm, followed by a CALL dinner when we all go out for a bite and get to know one another. We hope you can join us!

Jennifer Meyer

Maria Tomeho-Palermino

Co-chairs (2020-2021)

CALL-IS