The Final Reflection Post: Current Issues in ELT Course

Throughout the Current Issues in ELT course, I explored a variety of digital tools, platforms, and multimedia resources, focusing on their proper and effective use in enhancing language instruction. I completed several tasks collaboratively with my classmates, which allowed me to actively engage with these tools and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, I continued managing my blog, which I created last year for the ICT course, to document each task, reflect on the process, and share feedback on my learning journey.

BEFORE taking this course, my understanding of technology integration in learning was limited to the content of last year’s ICT course. That course deepened my understanding of how to integrate technology into my learning or teaching practice. This year, I expanded upon those concepts, further exploring how to address potential challenges and implement solutions. Additionally, the course introduced several lesson planning models, including the ABCD and ASSURE models, which will significantly contribute to my future teaching experiences.

AFTER completing the course, I have deepened my knowledge of various digital platforms and AI tools. I now have a clearer understanding of key terms related to technology and their practical applications. The structure of the course—introducing new tools, assigning related tasks, and providing opportunities for peer feedback—was particularly impactful. In other courses, we often focus on one key element when planning a lesson or activity, or when evaluating teaching materials. However, in this course, I had to consider multiple factors such as AI tools, digital devices, the students' language competence level, their familiarity with digital devices, and the engagement of lesson materials. At first, these aspects felt overwhelming and frustrating. However, as I progressed through the course, applying the teacher's instructions and engaging with the tasks, things started to feel easier, and I became more familiar with the challenges and tasks at hand.

This experience helped me to imagine a real classroom and anticipate potential problems that could arise, along with possible solutions. I also realized that the focus should not only be on the appearance and engagement of lesson materials but also on their meaningful pedagogical purpose. Most importantly, the course challenged me to think critically and creatively about how to apply these tools in my future classroom, ensuring that they enhance my teaching practice. This was the most meaningful aspect of the course for me. I didn’t just learn about new tools; I finished the course with insightful and practical ideas for how to use them effectively in the classroom while minimizing potential issues.

The tasks themselves felt like a journey, filled with both challenges and rewards. My least favorite task was the first one: AI-Enhanced Corpus-Based Teaching Materials. However, my favorite task was creating Flipped Classroom Materials.

This task was rich with various components, including a pre-task, a video lesson, a follow-up task, and a comprehensive lesson plan. Although it was the most time-consuming task, it was also the most interesting and satisfying. After countless trials and discussions, we ended up with a fully developed video lesson, which made the effort worthwhile.

IN THE END, I truly enjoyed the course and gained valuable competencies and ideas that I will carry with me into my future teaching career. I have not noticed any major limitation of the course.  If I were to recommend one improvement, it would be presenting sample lesson plans and teaching materials, as this could improve the overall outcome and reduce students’ confusion and overload. There was a time when I created completely incorrect materials during the course. Providing examples would allow students to recreate their own materials while adding their creativity and pedagogical purposes.