Reflection on the Course

 For the final task of our Instructional Technologies and Material Design course, we are tasked with reflecting on the semester and the overall process. Our instructor provided us with some questions:

How did you view technology integration in English language teaching before you took this course? Have your thoughts changed? If yes, in what ways? If no, please explain why not.

In my experience of learning English, technology was always integrated in classrooms, we had smart boards, listening activities and so on. These technologies, in my opinion, make the process of learnin a language much easier since it is more interactive than regualr methods. The course gave me deeper insight into the integration of technology in classroom and showed me how even newer, modern technologies can be implemented too.

⁠Explain how this course has contributed to your learning about and understanding of technology integration in ELT. Refer to the tasks you have completed and the reflection processes you were engaged in.

As I've stated in the previos question, I gained deeper insight into the field of technology integration and understand it on a new level. I can say that the "Digital Story" task we did showed me a new way of using multimedia in a language classroom.

Considering the tasks you have completed, which one(s) you liked the most and which one(s) the least? Explain your choices.

I enjoyed the infographic task since infographics are an effective way to send a message and the process of creating one was enjoyable to me. The podcast task was the one I liked least because I think it has lesser potential compared to other activities as not all students are comfortable with recording their voices.

 Do you have any suggestions to improve the course?

In my opinion, tasks should have options where students can do individual work, other than that I have no suggestions.

  

An AI Interview

 For this week's assignment, we learned about the use of AI in a teaching environment. We were tasked with using MagicSchool's AI chatbot feature to interview a historical figure/character of our choice, write a report on it and revise our report using the feedback feature.

For this task I chose to do my interview with the famous Rennaisance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli. I asked 10 questions regarding his views on philosophy, religion, power and leadership. The AI seemed to reflect his views and opinions very well, showing his devoutness to pragmatism, realist personality, and doing whatever it takes to reach a goal.

After I was done with the interview, I wrote my first report, summarizing the overall chat's key points and reflecting on the experience. After that I analyzed my report using Magic School's AI which gave me feedback on structure, style and content. You are able to choose what kind of feedback you want, on what subject you want it on and provide extra details depending on what you're looking for.

Using the feedback provided, I revised my report and made a second, improved draft. The AI pointed out mistakes such as repetitive words, lack of elaboration in some parts and inconsitencies in the overall structure. With these changes I came up with a report that is much clearer and coherent.

Using AI tools like Magic School can allow students to create new content with any historical figure, person or character they are interested in, this will allow them to put their creativity to use and will be an enjoyable activity for them since they are free to chose whoever they want to chat with. The AI's ability to detect and point out mistakes gives them a chance to improve their writing or speaking skills without relying on teachers or peers.