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TESL Ontario members will continue to enjoy all TESL Ontario webinars for FREE as a benefit of membership. Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela. However, TESL Ontario webinars are now available to non-members for a fee of $25 each webinar. This includes:
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Google Classroom for Beginners
When: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Shabana Shahzad
Webinar Description:
Are you looking for ways to get your students involved more online? Do you want to start using Google Classroom, but have no clue where to start? Have you attended other webinars about Google Classroom without any luck? Are you looking for a hands-on webinar where you will actually get to see a Google Classroom be built? If so, join us to learn all about Google Classroom from an absolute beginner’s perspective.
This webinar will walk you through the early steps of creating and using Google Classroom. In particular, it will show you exactly how to build your Google Classroom from scratch, as well as some first steps in getting started with the platform.
The presenter will demonstrate:
- creating a Google classroom,
- inviting students to join your classroom,
- organizing your classroom,
- creating an assignment / quiz,
- giving students feedback, and
- three beginner strategies for engaging students using Google Classroom.
Please note that this webinar is geared towards absolute beginners, who have little to no experience with Google Classroom. It will be an in-depth review of the basics. If you are an experienced user of Google Classroom, this webinar may not be for you.
Webinar Type: Technology
Categories: Technology, classroom management, organization
Participant Level: Beginner level
Shabana is a LINC instructor and PBLA lead at Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers, where she’s been teaching for over 10 years. She loves to incorporate online learning in her class as it is the new real world for our learners. In 2017, she presented in Edmonton on "How to teach more in less time using online resources". Once classes were moved online, Shabana started exploring Google forms and Google classroom, which she has found works really well with her class. Shabana is passionate about sharing things she learns, and is happy to share how to create and use Google classroom to teach online.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shabana_shahzad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabana-shahzad-43830b66/
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Get it Write. Successfully Teaching and Assessing Writing Online – Part 1: High School
When: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Lavaughn John
Webinar Description:
With the pivot to online teaching, how do we teach all the intricate details high-school students need to master in order to write well? How do we make lessons interactive, interesting and innovative? And how do we carry out fair assessments which provide valuable feedback for both teacher and student?
In the first of this three-part series, we will examine a variety of tools available to support high-school students in their journey to write successfully in a variety of genres. We will take a look at how we can take advantage of the unique nature of teaching and learning online. Finally, we will look at the challenges of summative and formative assessment of writing in online environments. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for questions. By the end of the webinar, we will address:
- how to help students transition to more mature writing and critical thinking, helping them to become independent, effective writers;
- how to help students use but not abuse online tools;
- how to maximize the use of digital offerings to enhance students’ writing skills;
- providing feedback
- assessing writing in digital environments;
Webinar Type: Technology
Categories: Technology, assessment, instructional design, online learning / teaching
Participant Level: All levels.
Lavaughn John taught English for Specific Purposes and English for Academic Purposes for fifteen years in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States, before becoming the Deputy Director of English at the British Council in Brazil. She has been a Professor in the department of English and Liberal Studies at Seneca College, Toronto since 2019. She is currently steering an EAP research group which focuses on Academic Writing and questions of equity and diversity in Higher Education. She has volunteered as a helper at TESL Ontario Annual Conference.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ljohntesol23
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lavaughnjohn
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Using and Licensing Open Educational Resources (OERs) - Part 1
When: Sunday, February 28, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Shahla Noor AL-Deen, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Are you new to the world of Open Educational Resources (OERs)? Have you heard of them before, but feel unsure of how they may be used? Are you wondering of how they may help you in a professional context?
This webinar will introduce OERs and provide examples of some OERs that are relevant to those in ELT that may be used in lesson planning.
After participating in this webinar attendees will:
- Understand what OERs are and the purpose and structure of OERs.
- Identify the core principles of open educational resources and the TASL technique.
- Describe the elements of creative commons licenses.
- Recognize the benefits, obstacles, and challenges of OERs on teaching and learning, and best practices.
Webinar Type: General
Categories: Online learning / teaching, social justice
Participant Level:Beginner
Shahla has been working as a sessional faculty at Centennial College for more than three years and she has a deep passion for Teaching and Learning in Higher education. She holds B.A. in English Language and Literature, M.A. in Linguistics, specializing in Stylistics and is Currently pursuing her MEd in Leadership, Adult and Higher Education at OISE, University of Toronto. She is interested in enhancing student engagement and experience in Higher Education. She is also interested in diversity, equity, and social justice. Shahla was part of a professional development course entitled “Open Educational Resources” and has decided to share her knowledge with her fellow TESL educators.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Student-Centred Games and Activities
When: Sunday, March 21, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Sara Alexandre, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Do you love video games? What about board games? Have you ever thought about using video games to teach English? Did you know that you can combine video games and English Language teaching, using PowerPoint? PowerPoint is much more than your elementary school presentation nightmare- it's all the fun of a game without all the frustration!
Through PowerPoint, you can create amazing and engaging games for your students that can help teach or enforce any of the skills and systems. While the pandemic has changed the way we teach, it does not have to ruin your student's engagement and ability to learn. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you too can create your very own PowerPoint games.
This webinar will explore ways of creating virtual games through:
- creative problem solving,
- exploiting PowerPoint tools and,
- turning skills and systems into an interactive and fun game for students.
Webinar Type: Technology.
Categories: Technology, Listening, Pronunciation, Classroom management, Grammar, Lesson Planning/Ideas, Blended Learning / Teaching, Online Learning/Teaching.
Participant Level: All levels.
Sara Alexandre is a multilevel ESL instructor at Sheridan College. She graduated from the TESOL Plus programme at Sheridan College in 2018 and has been teaching ever since. She is currently completing her master’s in applied Linguistics through distance learning at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland. She is passionate about creating creative student-centred materials and sharing her knowledge with fellow instructors.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sara-alexandre-5b6873120
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
When: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Rachel Fourny, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Do you find yourself spending more time looking for online resources than teaching? Did you know there are resources that are free, don’t require an account and are engaging for your learners?
Add to your teaching toolbox with online TESL resources to facilitate learning for beginners to more advanced students.
In this hands-on webinar, you will:
- explore online resources with the presenter’s guidance,
- learn how to use them in your online classroom with lesson ideas/suggestions, and
- receive a handout with over 100 virtual resources, indexed and categorized for easy reference.
Webinar Type: Technology.
Categories: Technology, Online Learning/Teaching.
Participant Level: All levels.
Rachel Fourny, OCELT, OCT, has 20 + years teaching ESL and FSL. A certified language assessor, she has taught in both the LINC and ESL programs and served as a lead. She is also a certified PD Partner. She holds a B.Ed from the University of Ottawa and a B.A. from Andrews University as well as a CERTESL from the University of Saskatchewan and a TEFL certificate from i-to-i in the United Kingdom.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Using and Licensing Open Educational Resources (OERs) - Part 2
When: Sunday, April 18, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Shahla Noor AL-Deen, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Do you have a general understanding of OERs and are interested in dabbling into more advanced uses? Are you interested in creating your own OERs? Do you wonder how OERs can be used for social justice?
In the second part of this webinar series, we will delve deeper into OERs. We will apply the basic knowledge from the first webinar to serious and authentic issues faced in the ELT field.
In this webinar, attendees will:
- Learn about various types of OERs and permissions and restrictions associated with the six creative commons licenses.
- Consider the question “Open for Whom? The impact of OERs on equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
- Discover best practices in creating, evaluating, modifying, and publishing OERs.
Webinar Type: General
Categories: Online learning / teaching, social justice
Participant Level: Intermediate
Shahla has been working as a sessional faculty at Centennial College for more than three years and she has a deep passion for Teaching and Learning in Higher education. She holds B.A. in English Language and Literature, M.A. in Linguistics, specializing in Stylistics and is Currently pursuing her MEd in Leadership, Adult and Higher Education at OISE, University of Toronto. She is interested in enhancing student engagement and experience in Higher Education. She is also interested in diversity, equity, and social justice. Shahla was part of a professional development course entitled “Open Educational Resources” and has decided to share her knowledge with her fellow TESL educators.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Get it Write. Successfully Teaching and Assessing Writing Online – Part 2: College and University
When: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Lavaughn John
Webinar Description:
How can professors and instructors adequately meet the needs of linguistically and culturally heterogeneous groups of students and facilitate their transition into higher education? In the transition from high school to higher education, students need to master general academic conventions as well as specific disciplinary writing requirements in order to be successful. How do we make lessons interactive, interesting and innovative, while achieving these goals?
In this second webinar of a three-part series on writing, we will examine the myriad of tools available to support students in their journey of writing successfully in a higher education context. We will take a look at how we can take advantage of the unique nature of teaching and learning online. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for questions.
This webinar will address:
- How to support first-year higher education students in becoming independent, effective writers.
- Mastering general academic conventions as well as specific disciplinary writing.
- How to support English language learners in a multi-level, heterogeneous group.
- How to maximize the use of digital offerings to enhance students’ writing skills.
Webinar Type: Technology.
Categories: Technology, assessment, instructional design, online learning / teaching.
Participant Level: All levels.
Lavaughn John taught English for Specific Purposes and English for Academic Purposes for fifteen years in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States, before becoming the Deputy Director of English at the British Council in Brazil. She has been a Professor in the department of English and Liberal Studies at Seneca College, Toronto since 2019. She is currently steering an EAP research group which focuses on Academic Writing and questions of equity and diversity in Higher Education.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ljohntesol23
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lavaughnjohn
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Mental Health, Self-care, and Teacher Wellness – a Panel Discussion
When: Sunday, May 16, 2021 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Presenters: Anjum Karimi, OCELT, Patrice Palmer, OCELT, Teresa Kinney
Webinar Description:
Are you looking for a safe space to discuss mental health? Are you interested in hearing about ways to cope and deal with difficulties? Are you interested in self-care and relaxation methods that have been used by fellow educators?
The panelists will discuss various topics surrounding mental health, self-care and teacher wellness. In particular, questions about the current pandemic and the impact it has on our current realities will be discussed. Lived experiences, strategies for dealing with challenges and activities to encourage wellness will be shared.
This panel discussion will be 90 minutes long. The panelists will respond to pre-selected questions within the first 60 minutes, then audience questions during the last half hour.
Please note: this is a panel discussion. No presentations or materials will be shared with the audience.
Webinar Type: Panel Discussion.
Categories: Health / Mental Health
Participant Level: All levels.
Anjum Karimi has more than 10 years of experience in LINC/ESL/ELT teaching stream and is a TESL methodology instructor at Canadian College of Educators. She has been practicing mindfulness and meditation from a very early age and has found it to be extremely effective in creating a positive approach to life.
Patrice Palmer has more than 23 years’ experience as an ESL teacher, trainer, and writer, in Canada and Hong Kong. She also has certificates in Positive Psychology and Positive Education and is a trained Mindfulness facilitator. She shares self-care strategies with other educators and school leaders. Patrice is a well-being advocate for students, teachers, and all school staff.
Teresa Kinney is an ESL/LINC instructor who has experience teaching in China, and working as an ELT health instructor for the LDCSB. She also provided ongoing education to healthcare staff about PTSD. Teresa has a degree in social work and has previously worked in the mental health field.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
When: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Rachel Fourny, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Can you name one thing that all cultures have in common? Have you considered how important music is to your life and the lives of your students?
Music is an integral part of our lives and touches many cultures and peoples around the world. Often it is neglected in the classroom, especially in the ESL/LINC classroom. Music can serve as a conversation starter, a bridge between various cultures as well as text for reading practice and grammar lessons in addition to setting the mood for learning.
In this webinar, you will:
- learn how to use music to enhance your learning environment,
- learn how to use music in conversation classes as well as possible lesson ideas,
- learn how to use music in grammar classes as well as possible lesson ideas, and
- receive a list of songs and pieces that can be used in the ESL/LINC classrooms for a range of different levels.
Webinar Type: General.
Categories: Listening, Pronunciation, Grammar, Lesson Planning / Ideas, Literacy, Health / Mental Health.
Participant Level: All levels.
Rachel Fourny, OCELT, OCT, has 20 + years teaching ESL and FSL. A certified language assessor, she has taught in both the LINC and ESL programs and served as a lead. She is also a certified PD Partner. She holds a B.Ed from the University of Ottawa and a B.A. from Andrews University as well as a CERTESL from the University of Saskatchewan and a TEFL certificate from i-to-i in the United Kingdom.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Get it Write. Successfully Teaching and Assessing Writing Online – Part 3: Assessing Writing in Higher Education in Online Environments
When: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Lavaughn John
Webinar Description:
How do we assess college and university students’ writing in a manner which can effectively support their development as more mature writers for higher education? How do we take advantage of information and communication technologies to enhance assessment of learning? Most importantly, how do we utilize the data from assessment to personalize students’ work and guide their individual progress?
In the third of this three-part series of webinars, we will examine how we can use a myriad of tools to assess and provide feedback to students, taking advantage of the unique nature of teaching online. Finally, we will look at the challenges of summative and formative assessment of writing in online environments. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for questions.
By the end of the webinar, we will address:
- How to harness the power of assessment to support students in becoming effective writers.
- How we can use data from assessment, in conjunction with new tools to personalize our students’ writing development and growth.
- How to deal with cheating.
Webinar Type: Technology.
Categories: Technology, assessment, instructional design, online learning / teaching.
Participant Level: All levels.
Lavaughn John taught English for Specific Purposes and English for Academic Purposes for fifteen years in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States, before becoming the Deputy Director of English at the British Council in Brazil. She has been a Professor in the department of English and Liberal Studies at Seneca College, Toronto since 2019. She is currently steering an EAP research group which focuses on Academic Writing and questions of equity and diversity in Higher Education.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ljohntesol23
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lavaughnjohn
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Crafting Captivating Cover Letters: Standing Out is Easy!
When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Katina Deichsel, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Do you struggle with knowing what to include in your cover letter? Are you curious about the best strategies to help your cover letter stand out among the masses? Are you still confused about how best to tailor your cover letter to the job posting?
In this webinar, we will focus exclusively on how to craft a captivating cover letter that catches the eye of recruiters and hiring managers. We will focus on three key areas, including: three main sections of all cover letters, capitalizing on compliments to hook the audience, and tailoring your cover letter to demonstrate you as the best fit for the position.
At the end of the webinar, you will have mastered:
- the three key sections of every cover letter, including the exact sentences to include in each section,
- how to effectively compliment the company and demonstrate your passion for the field and position to make you the most memorable candidate, and
- how to tailor your cover letter to the job posting to demonstrate that YOU are the BEST candidate for the position
Webinar Type: Career Development.
Categories: Employment / Self Employment
Participant Level: All levels - No previous knowledge required.
Although Katina has worked in the exciting world of ESL/EAP/OSLT since 2000, she had the great privilege of returning to complete her M.Ed in Online Teaching and Learning Strategies at Ontario Tech University. Having completed her M.Ed in December 2020, Katina returned to George Brown College in January 2021, teaching in the EAP department as an English Professor for Level 8/Bridging to Post Secondary. In addition, Katina continues to serve as a Cultural Communication Specialist in several Employment & Settlement Agencies, where she has designed and delivered workshops for 10 sector-specific programs geared at helping Internationally Trained Professionals to apply, interview, secure and build their professional careers in Canada.
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katinadeichsel/
Website:https://sites.google.com/view/katinadeichselconsulting/about-me
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
When: Sunday , June 27, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Mehdi Khodaparast
Webinar Description:
Do you need a refresher on teaching pragmatics? Are you interested in innovative ways to help your learners better understand this concept? Would you like examples of specific activities to use in the classroom?
Pragmatics is the study of choices that you make when using a language, the reasons for those choices and the effects those choices convey. Nowadays, learners need to be competent in communication. Teaching pragmatic features gives learners the ability to avoid communication failures and confidently use the language competently.
After attending this webinar, attendees will:
- understand why it is important to teach learners pragmatics,
- identify how pragmatics and communicative competence play a key role in building confidence in learners,
- learn strategies to effectively teach pragmatic features, and
- receive ideas for relevant classroom activities to practice pragmatics with learners.
Webinar Type: General.
Categories: Grammar.
Participant Level: Moderate.
Mehdi Khodaparast is a Faculty member of Kerman Institute of Higher Education. He is the CEO of Keyhan Language School and is an International Teacher Trainer certified by British Council. He has been in the ELT field for over 15 years and runs voluntary webinars on teaching pragmatics and IELTs.
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Career Bootcamp: Writing Rousing Resumes
When: Wednesday , July 28, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Katina Deichsel, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Is a resume really that important when applying for jobs? What exactly should you include in your resume? What can you do to help your resume stand out from the 10, 100, 1000 other applicants?
Resumes are a necessary evil that most of us could certainly do without. In the past, I applied for jobs with the same, stock resume, only to receive rejection after rejection. However, by speaking with top recruiters and hiring managers in the ESL, EAP and OSLT fields, I have developed a tested process that consistently gets my resume noticed, and I would LOVE to share my secrets with you!
At the end of today's resume writing webinar, you will be able to:
- critically read job postings to identify essential hard and soft skills,
- integrate powerful accomplishment statements that rely on quantifying your past performance outcomes,
- utilize pre-made templates to design documents that intrigue and engage, and
- tailor your resume to showcase you as the best fit for the position, and for the company.
Webinar Type: Career Development.
Categories: Employment/Self Employment; Networking.
Participant Level: All levels.
Although Katina has worked in the exciting world of ESL / EAP / OSLT since 2000, she had the great privilege of returning to complete her M.Ed in Online Teaching and Learning Strategies at Ontario Tech University. Having completed her M.Ed in December 2020, Katina returned to George Brown College in January 2021, teaching in the EAP department as an English Professor for Level 8 / Bridging to Post Secondary. In addition, Katina continues to serve as a Cultural Communication Specialist in several Employment & Settlement Agencies, including ACCES Employment and COSTI, where she has designed and delivered workshops for 10 sector-specific programs geared at helping Internationally Trained Professionals to apply, interview, secure and build their professional careers in Canada.
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katinadeichsel/
Website:https://sites.google.com/view/katinadeichselconsulting/about-me
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.
Career Bootcamp: Learn the ABCs of Successful Interviewing
When: Wednesday , August 25, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presenter: Katina Deichsel, OCELT
Webinar Description:
Are you currently applying for jobs but dreading the possibility of interviewing in the near future? Do you struggle with preparing the most effective and appropriate interview answers to common questions? Are you eager to develop your interviewing muscle to improve your chances of getting that right job, right now?
Whether you're interviewing face-to-face or virtually, this crucial step stands between you and your next career move. Many of us struggle with knowing what to do before, during and after the interview, which can result in losing out on an important professional opportunity. Don't lose out on securing the job YOU DESERVE!
In today's interview bootcamp, you will learn the four key tips & tricks for mastering your next interview, including:
- employing the SPARK interview technique to craft impressive interview answers,
- playing with your vocal toolbox to engage your interviewer,
- utilizing social media to align yourself with the company's vision and objectives, and
- integrating strategic small talk that impresses the interviewer, making you the most memorable candidate.
Webinar Type: Career Development.
Categories: Employment/Self Employment; Networking.
Participant Level: All levels.
Although Katina has worked in the exciting world of ESL / EAP / OSLT since 2000, she had the great privilege of returning to complete her M.Ed in Online Teaching and Learning Strategies at Ontario Tech University. Having completed her M.Ed in December 2020, Katina returned to George Brown College in January 2021, teaching in the EAP department as an English Professor for Level 8 / Bridging to Post Secondary. In addition, Katina continues to serve as a Cultural Communication Specialist in several Employment & Settlement Agencies, including ACCES Employment and COSTI, where she has designed and delivered workshops for 10 sector-specific programs geared at helping Internationally Trained Professionals to apply, interview, secure and build their professional careers in Canada.
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katinadeichsel/
Website:https://sites.google.com/view/katinadeichselconsulting/about-me
* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.