Specialist? Specialist!

As I finish my program as an ESL Specialist, I am reflecting back on the insights that I have learned through the classwork, readings, and (especially) the collaboration with my classmate colleagues.  There has been a tremendous amount of learning in a short time (although I will admit, I am surprised to find my summer is suddenly waning!).  As this is the third and final course in my program, I am wondering how I will have a chance to learn more in the future of my profession.  I will, of course, have professional development opportunities to pursue.  However, nothing is quite the same as a continuous study of the field you are working in with a guiding instructor and classmates who have common goals and have professional discussions about the learning.  I like how courses such as these take you out of the hectic schedule of school and dynamic environment that you are contantly responding (reacting?) to, in order to read, process, digest, discuss, debate, and empathise with each other.  It is refreshing, and re-energizing. 

It also makes me a little concerned that I am now entering my profession as a Specialist, as one to be looked to when the questions around ESL theory and practice are asked.  It is interesting, and I am sure that the responsibility will come gradually as I have a chance to apply learning along the way.  At least, that is my hope. 
I  have to make sure that I don't become too ambitious to begin all the projects which I have jotted down in my notebook along the way, or I will be completely overwhelmed.  I am sincerely worried about 'burn-out' next year, and I hope that I can use this knowledge to create more leadership opportunities for others so that I may step back to see the 'whole picture' and reassess and focus energy on positive changes. 

I am satisfied with my learning, and look forward to applying it in my classroom.

Using CALL in class

This article talks about podcasting as a form of CALL use in the ESL classroom.  It is an interesting read (although from 2007, which is 'old' for technology articles), and it gives me ideas of things I want to start to do in our department. However, once school begins I find myself completely overrun with projects, teaching, planning, advocating, organising, discussing, meetings, etc...and I don't have time to find ways to incorporate new technologies.  I love developing tech and learning about it in my off time, or in PD opportunities, but unless it is straightforward to use and ready to go it can be more cumbersome to use than it is worth (at least for the first time using it). 
I hope that I may plan some time this year for my own professional implementation, so that I am not wasting my learning.  It may help that I will be working with a Teacher Candidate this semester- we can work together to integrate this into our lesson planning.