Operation T42

T42 (pronounced “tea for two”) is the working title for my online, self-access TESOL teacher training course in Web 2.0 for language learning. Which happens to be my MA dissertation focus. Quite a mouthful, right? Hence T42.

The research will track teachers’ experience of the course. It is prompted by the problem of making training in language learning with Web 2.0 accessible to TESOL teachers internationally. If the prototype course is well received, it will be tweaked and promoted to teachers individually, and TESOL institutes internationally.

The course itself is based on my earlier Teachers as Online Language Learners project. Some modifications have been made in response to the pilot study. T42 revolves around a social networking website hosted on Ning. From here, participants can access several features designed to embody and demonstrate Web 2.0 in a user-friendly way:
• a plain English, downloadable companion e-book.
• a plain English podcast of the companion e-book in audio format
• a plain English podcast of the companion e-book in video format
• five-minute Ignite presentations on core Web 2.0 applications and their uses for language learning. These are available on both YouTube and SlideShare.
• links to further Web 2.0 applications, tutorials and resources
• on-site interactive features, such as on-site blogging, chat, discussion boards and file sharing.
• projects for putting Web 2.0 to use for teachers’ professional development or learning a new language.

The MindMap pictured above shows the dissertation outline. Though the deadline looms way too close for comfort, I have been sitting on this concept for almost a year, and have been compiling a Master Annotated Bibliography to keep track of readings and developments. The main task now is to edit the writing up of the background to the study, literature review and research design, all while revving up to take the site live by Friday, 4 December 2009. There is a lot to be done, but I am thrilled to bits with the way this is unfolding.

Watch this space.