Flying to Fukuoka

I am leaving to Fukuoka, Japan next week for WorldCALL 2008.I have post it about it earlier on my other blog.Full story on the wiki I created.

Back to Life!

I remember how often I tell my brilliant student, Muhanned, to be more optimistic, as he always writes about the dark side of life in Sudan. Lately, I found myself turning to another Munhanned, but the only difference is that I have never dared to put what's inside my mind into a blog post!
The death of a dear friend and a neighbor on the Sudan airways flight lead to a slow down, really slow down in all my life streams.
Back with this photos.It tells a lot and does NOT tell a lot more!!!
This is what is written on it:
"The photo is a Pulitzer winning prize taken in 1994 during the Sudan famine.The vulture is waiting for the boy to die so as it can it him.The picture was a shock to the whole world.No none knows what happened to the child even the photographer, Kevin Carter, who left the place as soon the photo was taken.Three months later, he committed suicide due to depression.

Sharing Culture Interview

I am in Cairo now. I am at an Internet cafe near the house. I left the kids with my friend because I have a meeting with a friends' students doing a project entitled "Sharing Culture" I went the day before and checked the software I needed, but today, there were serious sound problems that hindered having a smooth interview.It was great to hear the sweet voices of the students, Maria Belen and Agustina.
The page looks amazing, with all the info compiled on the wiki page
It's amazing how I feel so committed to this friend, or any other teacher, in the webheads community of practice. They taught me, or is it just a viral infectious learning, to share, care and lend a helping hand whenever possible. But this "possibility" if I may call it, turns to something else, turns to a real commitment i real lie. Amazing, ha?

Five Minute University!

Globally true? It is here in my country too!!:-)
UPDATE:::: You Tube has been blocked in Sudan.No logical reasons!!!!!!!!!1

How does your blog relate to your business?

I was tagged by Cristina Costa in a posed challenge to answer the question"“How does your blog relate to your business?”Here is my answer:
"I am blogging because I am a life-long learner. I am willing to share what I have learned. I need to learn with/from others. I love to read/watch others’ contribution to knowledge . I like to track how knowledge is distributed. Isn’t this what is all about? Sharing knowledge, experience, feelings, networking collaboratively with local and international communities. Although I hate writing, here I am, blogging about everything. I blog because I NEED to be inside the blogosphere which is created by bloggers, the real people with whom we live and interact. I guess it is also about communicating with people. Can I call it peo-blogging ( people-blogging)? I don’t have many blogs, five at Blogger and two at Wordpres! When I started to blog, which is the way how to learn the blogging process, I wasn’t aware of the dozens of the world-wide-windows that keep on opening with every blog post I add, or every post I read. I blog because blogging have changed my life and it will keep on giving me a better life, with other bloggers!!"

what to advise a student about using the Web.

Copied from George Siemens'eLearning Resources and News:
"Seb Schmoller has compiled a short list on what to advise a student about using the Web. The list is a good starting point for educators who are trying to improve their own use of the web (after all, we need to become somewhat competent with the tools before we expect to model use for learners).

ICT in ELT Classroom

Integrating ICT into the classsroom

From: mike07, 1 year ago

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Japan go Africa

April 30, 2008:
Japan announced its plan to build 1,000 schools in Africa over the next five years.
"Japan will be assisting in the enhancement of teachers’ abilities in the classroom, focusing mainly on improving teaching methods in math and science" Why not English too?
Just whirling thoughts!!Full story here..Excellent plan!

Mobile Learning in Africa

Wireless connection is more easier to connect to students, educators,and all the people in Africa. In Sudan, mobile is the most handy digital toy in the hand of ALL students. Poor or rich, all have their different styles and models for mobile.
I think it is high time to have specialists to study the usage of ICT(particularly mobile phones) in Sudanese society and culture.
Article

ICT Course Graduation

With a flat tyre , I manged to reach Ahfad University late for Leikny's excellent summary for what was covered on the course. It was very nice to have all the participants together, from different universities in Khartoum, coming together with a very powerful sense of satisfaction about what they have learned and achieved from Leikny's content and delivery method.Seconding one of the teachers, her delivery style taught us a lot about dealing with a very different context in a very flexible and creative way.Leikny, if you happen to come back to this blog, you are GREAT!
Thanks! I lost my PC Suite Cable to add pictures of the graduations .Later!

Global thinking , local action!

How it was started?
Our society is conservative, but it is changing now. We are still bounded with customs, culture and religion bonds.
What was generated?
A hot discussion between Veronica and Mageed! :-) It was around: Mageed's unreadiness to share kitchen with his wife, in case she is supposed to finish a distance education course.She has to do it 'all"; her responsibility ( in this case the kitchen) and her study, without him ( Mageed) to help out.Changing a society in which you are one member, to be better, is very difficult.He adds that he can't allow his daughter, 16, in Khartoum, to go alone to an Internet café, for her safety, only because a girl is not allowed to go alone at that time.( I agree!)
Mageed states that we should confront the society, but Vernonica says that Sudan is living with force, so we can start it gradually,as any change in all areas should be gradually ( I agree!) We should not impose anything.We should consider elements that suit our culture and society. We have to value our culture, and try to change the behavior.
Mageed says that we should use different strategies for change to come.
What we all agreed upon as a conclusion?
Education is the key for everything.
Online education will help A LOT in closing the digital gender gab we have, raising awareness about AIDS; how to fight poverty, prevention of crises before they strike, etc.ICT will facilitate development in general.
Questions remained
(Now, I am blogging live):On e-learning Africa News Portal,a pre-conference workshop works towards " empowerment and substantial growth", They stated that it worked "well all over the world because the learning need comes from the person and the learning happens in an authentic learning environment based on an authentic need.” When Teachers Learn – Providing Local Teacher Training With Global Best Practice
..How are we going to implement online education in Sudan?
..How can your university be a change agent in ICT field in our Sudanese society?You are the most educated people and you should participate in this."Leikny, Khartoum
..a few examples to help us go into global thinking and try to apply innovative ideas into our local context:
Computer assisted teacher training CATT: a project by USAID in Namibia, which was directed to girls only .
Links live blogged
ICTs and the Professional Development of Teachers
A Handbook to Guide and Assess the Appropriate Use of ICTs to Aid in the Professional Development of Teachers to Benefit Education For All
Terry Freedman's News & Views, Computers in Classrooms April 2008
THE site for leaders and managers of educational ICT
Rich-Media Webcasting Technologies for Science Dissemination
Here is a paper that "presents a brief history, and identifies current uses and trends for deploying ICTs, primarily in the formal Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system, with a focus on the online environment. It considers three main questions: (1) Why do ICTs need to be considered as a critical tool in education for sustainable development (ESD)?; (2) What ICTs are currently being used by educators and learners?; and (3) What can we expect to see in the near future?"

Thank you, Leikny! GREAT discussion.

ICT in Education cont. :Digital Divide

Digital divide is a concept related to education, economic and power. It is the divide or gab between those who have the hardware and infrastructure and those who don’t, between users and consumers. Also, it could be looked upon from other diversities; between the north and south , countries within countries,
(geographically) , teachers and students (academically ), men and women ( gender) , social classes ( socially), between nations( politically)
There is no boarders or laws to prevent country/people/individual from using this digital knowledge, information.The only solution is MONEY.
On the other hand, some say that we don't see it appropriate to see ICT in schools while those pupils suffering from finding fresh clean water or medical care.
In Zambia, Prof Leikny said that one of the visiting educators asked about 700 students a very simple question:" Who has touched a computer before? " only 3 hands were raised .
it is difficult and it is all about money BUT Policy is also involved here.The question is: what could be done on the national or local level to bridge the gab? I think if the Southern Sudan had separated from the North, the digital divide will be bridged very fast and one day we will wake up and find ourselves way behind the south.
There are *More* mobiles and more Internet cafes, so we don't have to be pessimistic.The important thing is to overcome this digital divide, is to be put more on agriculture and on development.
How can these technical devices be used in education??
The above is about International level. Next Saturday will be about national level and trying to figure out solutions for our Sudanese context. I love this course!

ICT in Education Course

I consider myself lucky to be invited by Dr Ayman Badri, Ahfad University, to take a course in ICT in Education and Management System. He is the University Academic counterpart of the course. It is in fact a part of a joint Master Program in International Education and Development , with Oslo University, Cape Town University and Ahfad University.Course duration is one month, 7th April-3rd May 2008, at AlHafeed Library at the university.The lecture is Prof. Leikny Orgim.Participants are three NOMA students+17 from Ahfad and other universities.
My opinion? More than great! What I like best? In addition to the content and the knowledgeable instructor, the flexibility of the course plan. She came to Sudan, with a very slight idea about the participants, who re from different specializations, with a course plan and overview of what she should cover. From the first day, she started to change her plans. I loved this! I will adapt this to my coming work. It is not a mistake if you change the plan according to your participants' needs.I think teachers here should learn this. If I have done this in workshop, this would be taken against me( she is not well prepared!).When this comes from this Prof., then they will know that this normal, sometimes a must for the benefit participants.
This turns into a long post. Stay tuned for more. I hope I will be able to post a daily digest of the sessions on the wiki I created to put everything in one place.

Mini_ Lesson on Online Tools

Today, at the University of Khartoum, I accepted an invitation from Hala Salih, Head of English Section at University Requirements Department, to come and show her and one of her assistant how to use Web 2.0 tools in English Classroom.Basically, to talk about my experience with my students in 2007. Hala is the only teacher now who is putting into practice what she learned from EVO sessions.Her enthusiasm, the support that she finds from the university, an assistant, her being in charge of decisions and her choosing to implement this in School of Math, where there is excellent infrastructure and well knowledgeable IT students , will definitely come up with amazing outcomes.I came to know about the University of Khartoum well designed, though I have reservations about not being dynamic, website. Dr. Sami Shereef, one of the best in ICT in Sudan, is the one responsible.He is very helpful and encourages innovative ideas in teaching using ICT. They re using the Moodle now in some of their schools.
Well, Hala wrote about the visit hereI was flattered when I read what she called me a "CALL expert". I am not at all one, but I only consider myself a pioneer in a filed that is not explored in Sudan.Thanks Hala.I enjoyed your hospitality, enthusiasm and creativity. Lucky your students and department!!I wish Hala the best of luck.May everything goes well and , as I told her, I am here to help, assist and participate in anything Web 2.0's:-)

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Digital Videoconference at US Embassy about Using Technology

The focus of today's digital videoconference was on the use of technology as a tool to assist English language teachers in Sudan.I was not pleased about the session. I got the feeling that these people were not ready to deliver this session, or presentation or what ever it is called.The feedback was totally disappointing. Teachers told me that they got out with one thing. A social network called Facebook can be used in professional development by joining groups. some said that they don't have the time to do this.Others, said they will not join because they believe the context of teachers there is completely different from ours.
I was hoping to attend an eye-opening session for our teachers, but it was not.
anyways,I warmly appreciate whatever is done and initiated by the American Embassy this year. What is needed is teachers to guide them to what we REALLY need.
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Leadership Workshop

Leadership is exercised, not only in commercial business( although that is probably the single area of activity where leaders are to be found), but in virtually every area of life from the cradle to the grave. Principles of leadership apply in any sphere of activity, including education, science, military, charitable work classroom( wow!) and other fields.

What I got out of this workshop about leadership into classroom:
1) Set out objectives before putting the syllabus.
2) Develop teachers' awareness of the We who could spread the word.They will be the maestro who will draw the whole picture.
3)this should be on the spot and you will be surprised by the result.
Bringing Efficiency to my classroom( apply it to my classroom)
tap on the talent, you his mind and his heart.
You need to give him the belonging to a community sense.
Cascade your goals and objectives.
Topics: search engines, plagiarisms.
Slides+handouts+videos+show the video in the middle+tools are what used to carry messages.

Sharing Love!

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day in Islam!
We are raised on not to say "I love you" to your wife in front of your kids.Do not let people see you touching her hand or hugging her! It is improper to put your hand of your wife's( husband)shoulder infront of others. Saying " I love you" to your kids will lead them to think you are weak!!!

But I DO NOT do ANY of these.Islam tells us that you HAVE to /tell show others that you love them.You have work hard to plant all deeds that flourish and grow into "love". You have to pray for others if they need.You have to add them in your Du'aa, without them knowing that you do ask God to help them.

I live a life in which I taught my kids that the word I love you is a very important word in one's own dictionary.Use it and all your days will be Valentines'
Cristina Costa created this wonderful show with her warm voice:

The Cirlce of Influence!

"Go to work inside your own Circle of Influence so that your moral authority is developed and expanded and you have credibility. Courageously take initiatives to make good things happen".
I almost finished reading a book that has changed my life. Actually, it has turned it upside down before my leaving to Hajj.As a result of me holding it wherever I go and talking about its content, 3 of my friends' lives have changed! It was only by coincidence that I picked it up from the British Council three months ago. Stephen Covey’s'"The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness".Later,wrapped up in an elegant box, a friend gave me another gift:"The 7 Habbits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change” ( it did work with me!)
In addition to the rich content, there are these words one misses, because of neither having time( our favorite excuse!) nor good quality to read. To be armed with patience, and persistence, is what needed most these days. I have learned now that one must keep going on, no matter the obstacles that could hinder traveling on a safe, colorful path. One should " keep investing in (his) personal and professional development" and you can have this "sense of security, not from your job or the patronage of other people; it comes from your ability to meet needs and solve problems...Become a light, not a judge, become a model, not a critic."

Anything Native, again!

Yes, exactly as I wrote here three days ago! I got an invitation for a mailing list at Google Groups announcing a group for English Language Teachers in Sudan, created by the American Embassy.Looking for the number of members; 30 members! The moderator set it for "not seeing members' identity."So? Teachers do check their emails. It is neither a technophobic problem, nor time availability.It is the American, British or authorized issues.Nothing individual could be trusted. Maybe back to my "nutshell " is better.Isn't it Hala 2??Maybe not. I think I will fight to spread the news of Web. 2.0 in Sudan even if it took me ages. I am still in my twenties!!

Omoku Nigeria

Not that I forgot to blog about Nigeria, but because I have put everything " Nigerian" on my wiki.



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