Are you interested in digital literacies in EAL settings? Join us for the second SIG event. The event will include a reintroduction of the SIG, followed by a seminar.
Digital Literacies in EAL SIG is a new initiative supported by VicTESOL. It is a group for members of TESOL associations in Australia who are interested in digital literacies and their inclusion in EAL learning.
Research presentation – Multimodal digital text creation for language and literacy learning
In this presentation, Grace Oakley will talk about several research projects she has been involved in, centring on the use of digital technologies for the creation of multimodal digital texts (MDTs) to support language and literacy learning as well as intercultural understanding. She will describe two international projects which involved the creation and exchange of multimodal digital texts between students in Australia, Japan and China, and how these exchanges were experienced by teachers and students. Also, some of the considerations that might enhance or impede such programs will be discussed. Secondly, Grace will talk about the creation of MDTs in the early years of school to enhance literacy among children from lower socio-economic communities. How the creation of MDTs can support language learning among children for whom English is a Second or Additional language will be highlighted.
Speaker: Dr Grace Oakley is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Western Australia. She was previously a primary teacher and has had some experience teaching Languages. Her research interests include language and literacy learning and teaching from early childhood to adolescence, teacher professional development, and the use of learning technologies from early childhood to adulthood. Her research has included international digital multimodal text exchanges between schools in Australia and Japan, and schools in Australia and Japan, to enhance language learning and intercultural understanding.
Practice presentation – Using multilingual and multimodal texts with EAL students: A teacher’s experience and students sample works
This session will look at how multilingual and multimodal texts can be used effectively to promote rich discussions amongst EAL learners in a primary school setting at an intensive English language school. Students were found to be highly engaged and enjoyed exploring the many ways to communicate their ideas using their home languages and English through the Bookcreator app.
Speaker: Hien Webb began her teaching career as a language, science and maths teacher at secondary school levels. She has over 25 years of experience working for Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in a range of sectors including community development, counselling and adult education. She is currently an EAL teacher for the New Arrival Program (NAP) at Collingwood English Language School. She is passionate about developing culturally inclusive curriculum and strategies that develop positive cross-cultural relationships amongst diverse learners. Her students have responded positively to the use of multilingual and multimodal texts in the classroom.
Event facilitators
Dr Katrina Tour (Monash University) and Associate Professor Melissa Barnes (LaTrobe University).
Cost
$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)
$30 – Non-members