Where I live in 1950

What Makes Sudan a Unique Country?

I decided to make two of my students join an international project with international educators who play as facilitators to their students to create blog posts about what makes their country unique. This project, about what makes Sudan a unique country, has been done by 2 students, Anas and Mohamed Babiker, in their second class at Computer Science College, University of Science and Technology,(Al-Tagana). They used "Ulead VideoStudio" . I uploaded the video to YouTube.

My topic intertwines so well with my mentor's.WoW!!

My mentor, Vance Stevens, who writes on his posterous blog that he is "passionate about helping others to learn by getting them to help me to learn", refereed his colleagues to my wiki's workshop for extra information because "our topics intertwine so well". WoW! How can help myself of not being happy, and confident! I am copying=pasting two paragraphs of his post here as they are so true, and applicable to my context too. You are right Vance!
Vance writes:
These technologies are so exciting yet so difficult to get across not only to students but especially to one's colleagues. That's the real choke point, but when approached correctly, not condescendingly but in a spirit of assistance, and when they are ready, colleagues might just come around. How do we improve our world? One person at a time.
It's a real challenge to write materials that are approachable to both these cohorts, teachers and students (where is my mind today? Who just completed a survey asking 10,000 teens why they were turned off to Twitter?).

How do we live these day?

I miss my old cell phone very much these days. It was stolen three months ago. It was my cell, my digital camera, my recorder, my notebook, alarm, mp3, etc. It it was here, I would have taken lots of photos for how my front door looks, my car, our neighborhood and how the streets look.Here is how Khartoum looks these days:
From africa news Posted on 03-Sep-2009:Floods spread misery in poor suburb of Sudan"s capital

Developing by the Nile:Innovative Online Trends for Teacher Professional Development

I have conducted a workshop about Web 2.0 for Teacher professional development which targeted EFL teachers at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. I gave the workshop the title of Developing by the Nile: Innovative Online Trends for Teacher
Professional Development. It was a hands-on practice workshop for English Language teachers at the Administration for University Requirements (AUR),University of Khartoum. All about it here on the pbworks I created for the workshop here.It was considered the first workshop of its type in Sudan about Web 2.0 tools. I am preparing now for another one about integrating technology into the Sudanese EFL classroom. My friend, Hala Salih, the head of the English Department, was the one who took the burden of the workshop to see the Sudanese morning light. Hala has blogged about the workshop and talked about how she ran around to find the fund and the venue needed. Thanks Hala!

A Forgotten Album:Sand Storm 2007

At 3:50 P.M GMT, the day turned into night in less than 5 minutes!!Luckily, all the members of my family were home.There was no electricity!

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Sudanse music خلي العيش حرام - السمندل

خلي العيش حرام، مقطوعة موسيقية لفرقة السمندل، معالجة وتوزيع الفنان الدكتور الفاتح حسين

Article: Teacher Training in Sudan

I felt sad many times, or was it too many times, whenever I needed to search for an issue concerning teacher training in Sudan, ELT in Sudan or English language in Sudan. Google used to, and still do, come out with hundreds of the words goggled, but in completely different fields: charity, teaching in Sudan, program , organization, UNCEF, NGO's and others.(You may want to check it out for yourself!)
Research in Sudan? I wrote about this topic elsewhere after my visit to Nigeria, where I was very impressed about their obsession of having their articles and research published . I felt so small when I was asked about English language newsletters and periodicals in Khartoum. I didn't dare to say, "I am sorry, but we do not have any!"
Today, I was more than happy to read an article : Teachers’ Training in Sudan, by Dr Ahmed Gasm Alseed, Associate Professor- Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Education-University of Gezira -SUDAN.
(Hi, Supervisor!) It gives a background about the topic for the one who needs to have an overall framework of the topic. I really dream of having a journal for each State in Sudan! I know the dream will come true after TESOL Sudan is born!

Building Blocks for Citizenship & Peaceful Transition

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We have a proverb in Sudanese colloquial Arabic that says" Sudanese eat, drink and breath politics. They are breast-fed with politics". These are the terms that I am "eating", "drinking" and breathing these days: Conflict Management, Democratic Principles in the Sudanese context, Case studies of Parliamentary elections, Presidential elections in Egypt, Kenya Congo . Negotiation Skills,: Elections as a Negotiation Process, Responsibilities of Citizens in Peaceful Elections: Volunteering , Conflict Styles, Democracy and Pluralism, developing undergraduate Peace studies programs.
Dr.Mutasim, a very dear friend of mine, PhD in Arabic language asked me to take his place as an interpreter in a workshop held by the Institute for the Development of Civil and society, East Nile University, and the U.S Institute of Peace. The workshop title was “Electoral Violence Prevention: Building Blocks or Citizenship and Peaceful Transition", It took place in January6-8 2009-02-03.
I took the job!
Yes, people get excited about new experiences, but I got way too excited and overwhelmed by the experience to the extent that I am thinking of changing career (I hope it will pass away soon:-)I love teaching!)I thought that all Sudanese youth are indulged in trivial interests which will take Sudan to the grave. However, seeing and watching tens of motivated youth in the workshop,from all ages and races,working in civil society organizations, obsessed with knowing how to get hold of ways to help in conflict resolution in our country, is what drifted me from my classroom walls. Themes? War in Darfur, Southern Sudan, Northern Sudan at Marawy Dam, Eastern Sudan with the Nuggara tribe and even North-west where others are trying to do the same, to divide!
What was amazing was that participants represented all parties in Sudan, from all four directions. It was amazing to see them all working in harmony to reach agreements and suggest ways to conflict resolutions.
The presenters helped a lot in open participants' eyes on new and innovative ways of holding workshops. Telling about their own private stories during Obama’s elections was the part that took participants' hearts ways. They ended up saying” Wow! We are faaar away back on the stick!!” (Authentic translation”.
I felt I am helping a nation to go forward. So, here I am, beyond the classroom walls, and even inside my classroom walls,I strongly believe that I am also helping the nation by teaching English language, without which the new generation will not be able to compete in the job sphere of sustaining peace and development.
I asked the most active young man in the workshop if I an accept my daughter,as a volunteer, after finishing her exams, to join their organization. They were pleased with the idea, and how much I am offering her as a mother. I hope she will love the experience.I know she will!
Technology wise: I couldn't stop tweeting and jotting down points for further blogging. When one of the American Instructors asked me" Where did you learn all these tips and tricks?" guess what was my answer?

Leslie Opp-Beckman in Sudan

Leslie Opp-Beckman
I was invited to attend a workshop at the Department of University Requirements, University of Khartoum conducted by Dr. Opp-Beckman, senior instructor; technology coordinator at the American English Institute, University of Oregon. The workshop was based on "Shaping the Way We Teach English" modules. The effect of the workshop on the teachers attended, was like when very thirsty people, in a desert, are offered a bucket of water! Simply, it was fantastic! The content, the instructor, organization, materials, resources and the food of thought we went with were all what kept teachers hang on to the workshop. Teachers considered Leslie a unique instructor who really shaped the way we teach English. Slide show of photos on Picassa http://tinyurl.com/6p8983
More about Leslie here and her visit.
Her work with professional development videoconferencing series for English as a Foreign Language educators in Thailand, 2007-08

Youtube and the National Telecommunication Cooperation in Sudan

"Ooops! I should have blogged about the unblocking of Youtube in Sudan!!
Youtube is also back, except of those videos that thrown away by the National Telecommunication Cooperation in Sudan.
The National Telecommunication Cooperation works on blocking and filtering of pornographic, anti-Islamic websites, in addition to those that contain political, cultural and religious content that “the company “ sees and decides upon their inappropriateness. The blocking of YouTube was criticized in Sudan and all over the world. A large number of Sudanese youth all over the globe have even created a group at Facebook as an online platform for a protest campaign. I wonder if we can change the behavior of our youth by blocking websites, which, professionally, they teach you how to mirror and easily access them!
My relationship with the National Telecommunication Cooperation dates back to January 2007, when I reported back to them about blocking my blog and my Bubbleshare account.
In August, 2008 I wrote the company asking to unblock Box.net, a website for web hosting where I keep most of my files, documents, my PhD theses and all my previous work with my students.The company was very cooperative and sent me a prompt reply that they will unblock the website as soon as possible.For the second time, I admired their cooperation and helpfulness.
Earlier on an e-list, I posted about Bubbleshare being blocked and the great help I found by the NTC. I will copy the post below:
“The day before yesterday ,to my surprise, I found that Blogger com is also blocked! I turned into a mad woman ( men know how that would be of. I called the telecommunication company, as they put their "how to reach them " button in a big and clear font)After a furious talk, and to my big surprise, the man was very cooperative, listened attentively , took the URL's and among my speech, I said something about having blocked a website before and I didn't complained. The man was very keen to listen about types of these websites and promised to call back. Guess what? Yesterday, ALL were back with a telephone call of apology.I began to think whether Sudan is *really *developing!!!
More on Youtube being banned in Sudan:
The Initiative for an Open Arab Internet
Sudan Tribune
NetwrorldWork
Zoulcolm X A blog by a Sudanese youth

Sudaneseonline is back today!

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Sudanese Online سودانيز اون لاين دوت كم via kwout

"I felt so sad when receiving an error message stating that Sudansesonline was blocked by the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), the message that appeared on my screen when checking out if it back or not. The action of destruction generated thousands of angry emails and posts everywhere online protesting the action. I am not a member of Sudanseseonline, but I won’t skip a day without lurking and reading the up-to-date news on the website, which groups thousands of Sudanese professional around the globe.The website was destroyed by professional hacker, amongst other 300 Sudanese websites destroyed by hackers during the last few months, according to a report by Hassan Elbihari at Al-Ray-Alaam newspaper.
The rest of the websites were governmental, ministries, newspapers; Alayam, Alwatan, online forums; Sudan.net , Sudanyat and Al-Hilal football league.Even the website of the National Telecommunication Cooperation didn’t survive in front of the hackers'keyboard, as a protest reaction to blocking Youtube in Sudan in July 22, 2008.
Welcome back, Sudaneseonline!

Sperficial Spam!

In a response to a post on the ESL Sudan Google Group yesterday:
you wrote:
>”I don't know why you are so worried about "spam"; it's just normal….”
Absolutely! Yes! I agree. Getting spam massages are very normal.
>” ignore it and have fun. It seems to me we are discussing superficial things”
I am afraid members of this group could lose the fun part of learning if they are not aware of the danger of these spam messages and they happen to have spammers attach their computers. Usually, spam emails go the “junk “or “spam “folder, not to the inbox. When they succeed into getting to the inbox, problems will start. If you check the discussions in our group:
http://groups.google.com/group/ELSudan you will notice that we are getting more spammed posts.
When I posted earlier about “spam’ messages, I was *not* discussing anything. Actually, I was making sure that all member of the group are aware of these types of spam messages. Also, I wanted members be careful about responding or following the links added on the spammer’s email so as to prevent them from falling into the trap.(Check group discussion)
Some member of ESL Sudan had already fallen into the trap when they , as being courteous in welcoming a new member, started to reply to the spammer having no idea of what’s behind this email. The dangers of this type of responding are:
Firstly, it could be an attempt to test if the email address is active and valuable for further spamming.Secondly, we will have more spammers joining the group. Thirdly, following a link like this, could lead to very serious damages to computers, as it may contain computer viruses or spywares that can have access to the computer used. Consequences? Gaining access to files and folders on the computer, send inappropriate information or prone images to all your contact list. I am not going to “discuss” ransomwares, financial scams, losing money in bank accounts, illegal activities, credit card information, drugs, or Internet crimes because the members of this group are teachers of English and not indulged in ANY of the previous dangers. But, this is how things are on the cyberspace and this why more serious actions have been taking place about Internet security issues and active fighting of spam.
Moderating each post could be very difficult in group of large members. Turning on the moderation setting to a group have never meant to BLOCK any teachers from joining in. On the contrary, it will guarantee a safe environment for learning, discussing or collaborating, especially if students are thought to be invited. Please correct me if I wrong, I think this is has been suggested earlier about inviting ASTEL members and students to use the material sent for the DVC. New members only have to drop a line about who are they ( a teacher/ student).
If anyone is interested to know about the danger of spam, you may check these web sites:
About spam: http://kb.iu.edu/data/afne.html
E-mail spam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spam
More about spam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_(electronic)
Tips on how to deal with spam: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/email/spam.mspx
http://www.cdt.org/speech/spam/030319spamreport.shtml
Thank you for reading until here!
Have a blessful Ramadan!
Hala Fawzi ( Didn't know that this will turn into a long post.Sorry!)

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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Launching SudaELtech

I will do my best to send invitations for joining SudaELTech YG before Eid.
Yesterday, I attended David Warlick,PRE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE,
“Inventing the New Boundaries” on K-12 Online Conference..Will Richardson writes about it saying:
The entire conference will be delivered as downloadable digital media via the Internet with over 40 sessions presented in four strands: Classroom 2.0, New Tools, Professional Learning Networks, and Obstacles to Opportunities.

Although many of the topics and themes could not be of an interest to teachers here in Sudan, I felt a qualm of not being able to have a platform to notify them of these kind of events.The funniest thing happened with me when I was playing with Elluminate tools.I put my photo there and couldn't take it off!!!In front of 77 people, whom I know only Jeff and Dave.lol
More screenshots are saved Here.

Simplicity

Do you know how does it feel when a kid is given the bicycle he dreamt about for months? This is how I felt minutes ago, when I saw my name on the BBC British Council Teaching English website.I remembered that one day I added my contribution to the questions and answers about the use of blogs in classrooms.
Happiness in Sudan,as my friend Azza says is very simple to gain!!!

Web-based Learning

To learn through/with the web or integrating web tools in the learning process. This is what the title means.
Web-based learning is a window to the world, through which we, in Sudan could have a powerful telescope to expose us to the whole world.
How does all this relate to English language teaching/learning? It means the possibility t access hundreds of ELT web sites, all skills n English are addressed, authentic languages and materials are there, contacts with teachers from around the world, exchanging information between students around the world to know other cultures, to gain a more comprehensive and complete knowledge and to have a look at other lesson plans and classroom experiences, sometimes for the same lesson!
General Recommendations:
1.Urgent need for ELT educators and teachers to adapt the new ICT.
2.Absolute necessity to 'rethink' the whole educational system in order to adapt it to the demands of the changes.
3.Teacher training to use the tools is a must.

Falling in Love

Moved from my "Forward" blog 4/14/07
When did I fall in love with computers and the use of technology to learn/teach English?
Well, when I started teaching ESP in 2001, it was at Computer Sciences Program. This was before Tagana becomes a university. It was a great challenge to me to read, study, collect, organize, and revise all the grammar I studied. I used to read up-to-date news and articles to be able to pick up the vocabulary I needed. It was a hard time .With a computer at home and two little cute organized kids, I fall in love with computers and got interested in it. I found the information useful.
Now, after spending two years at Medicine and Dentistry (another story of being a physician!), I was transferred again to Computer Science College. At first, I thought it was the end of my PhD path, which has not started yet. However, before I completed the first semester, I knew it was Allah's gift to me.
Now, after taking advantages of this opportunity, I ask for help whenever I need something. Help is always at my fingertips. Also, the staff helps me to learn about their students' needs. One of my colleagues made a remark about wishing that his/her students could make better presentations in the course, so I decided to include that in the future. Doing a session on how to present and then evaluate their presentations or give them feedback is not found in any course here at al Tagana.. In order to prepare for this kind of work, I will keep on asking, investigating, sharing offering what I have for the best of my students. Maybe I will find more Ajjr in heaven, but I do not expect anything on earth!! :-)))))

Static Websites.Again?

Upon a suggestion to create a Yahoo Group for ASTEL, association for English language teachers, a professor suggested a website. Again. A static website, tidy, colorful, organized and up-to-date software used. OK .What the fuss? What will the teachers do then? If I were in their place, I will move to the BBC site to get more up-to-date information, lesson plans or whatever. I sent back to tell my own point of view and I think Web 2.0 is an orphan term and not a buzz word here in Sudan.
Enforcing teachers to use the technology is another way around to lead them through the path of online teacher professional development.