Technology in the EFL Classroom: Promoting Student Empowerment and Independence

When I got a Whatsapp message from Mary Scholl last March asking if I was interested on preparing and presenting a PD Talk on ICTs and their use in the Classroom at Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano, I said "Yes" without hesitation; after all, Mary was the one who taught me "say yes, figure out how to do it later".

It was not after being contacted by María Eugenia Flores and being officially appointed as the presenter that I realized the type challenge I had ahead: giving a presentation to teachers from all over the country on a topic they were all so eager to learn about; therefore, I started to get ready. I spent some time deciding what I wanted to include at the time I was writing the title and abstract for my presentation. Finally, I came up with "Technology in the EFL Classroom: Promoting Student Empowerment and Independence"

Post#2 Slide1 (9 de junio 2017)

Post#2 Slide2 (9 de junio 2017)

This title came to my mind because I truly believe that technology is the tool we have nowadays to empower our students in their path to becoming more independent to learn after they leave our classrooms. Through the use of technology in my classes, I have also realized that it motivates people of all ages to keep on learning and attend classes. 

I must admit that it was, so far, one of the biggest professional challenges I have gone through. Once I got there and started to see 10, 20, 30, 40+ people sitting down, I got very nervous. However, once I started the presentation, my nervousness vanished and I got excited about sharing a topic I am thrilled by. 

Just getting started

Thanks to those who attended!

I can finally say that it was not only a great opportunity for me, but for the more than 60 committed  

teachers who attended the talk on a rainy afternoon on Friday.

Besides sharing my experience with all of you, I also want to share the material I used for the talk. I hope you find it useful when preparing your lessons from now on. Just click on the image and get the Handbook for free!