Summer School Follow-up

From Wikipedia

The first edition of the LaProf schools took place in Chania, Crete in September 2010 and was hosted by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania and AgroKnow.

The 12 participant teachers from 7 European countries (Portugal, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Romania, UK and Greece) shared their experience and learned through lectures and collaborative workshops about Web2.0 tools and educational portals, edited their own Wiki pages, created interactive exercises on LeFo platform and edited WebQuests.

Take a look at their WebQuests here [1], here [2] and here [3] and explore more teaching material developed by them!

Thanks to the fantastic weather in Crete the participants had the opportunity to enjoy daily walks in the old town of Chania, to swim on the lovely Cretan beaches, including the Elafonisi beach in the south of the island where a short trip was organized.

Check out more photos from the Summer School on Flickr

What are the teachers saying about their experience?

"My experience in Chania was unique. I felt I was in school again, with lots of new stuff to learn and practice to pass my exams. It was an experience that I am grateful for. For the tools I have acquired, the people I have met who guided and supported me in my lack of knowledge in the field of wikis, web 2.0 tools, e-learning, web quests, and last but not least editing exercises. I feel "up-graded" as a teacher, and quite proud of what I have learnt. Of course, practise makes perfect. But now, I am aware what to practice on. A big THANK YOU to all those who were responsible with my "up-grading"." Ana, Romania

"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience: useful sessions, helpful and friendly tutors, good facilities, great location! Meeting colleagues from other parts of Europe and talking to them about their work and their country was really interesting. I have learnt a lot on all fronts. I am determined to explore more in depth the opportunities offered by e-learning and to keep in touch with the LaProf community. Thank you everybody for a wonderful week!" Monica, UK

"I could say that my trip to Chania started almost two years ago, when my desire to change/update/improve my teaching approach drove me to start exploring in more depth the e-learning environments, particularly Web 2.0 tools and resources. The Summer School was both a confirmation that I am on the right track and a boost for all the learning I have done so far. The contact with the expertise of trainers Dorota Zarnowska, Maria Perifanou, Madalina Ungur and Axel Maroudas was most useful in terms of theoretical knowledge, hands-on activities and, most of all, loads of resources to explore. Meeting my colleagues [Reet, Katrin and Anna (Estonia), Monica (UK), Marika (Finland), Celia and Teresa (Portugal), Cintia and Ana (Romania), Efi (Greece)] and getting to know a bit of the amazing Greek culture were the other great benefits of the Summer School. I am most thankful to all of you for the 6 most wonderful days that have made a difference for my personal and professional development." Cristina, Romania

I spent an unforgettable week in Crete. It was like good old days in university times. We lived in students’ dormitory, had some lectures and workshops. Our study materials were interesting, but time to time quite difficult too. Of course, the marvelous weather outside didn’t help too much also. It is very nice to remember good companions Dorota and Egle, group work with Celia and Teresa, the lively performance of Marika and of course all the others from our great group: Christina, Celia, Ana, Monica, Efi, Katrin, Anna. I have already 2-3 years complied and used Lefo platform interactive exersises. For me it was new to do work in Wiki environment and educating to use different portals. We were so lucky to have such pacient and friendly trainers like Dorota, Madalina, Maria and Axel. Another topic is definitely the beautiful botanical gardens in MAICh, memorable walks in the heart of Chania and on the coast, the trip to the lagoon. Reet, Estonia

What are the trainers saying about their experience?

'"My experience in Chania was also great. I met twelve really nice language teachers from different European countries with whom I shared lots of wonderful teaching experiences and useful informations regarding language learning and technology integration. This was a really exciting learning experience for me. Most of all, I would like to thank all the participants for their big effort and patience, not only to create very nice webquest activities, but also to have a deep understanding of what web 2.0 tools and services are. To my mind, during this week of training all the participants have finally realised how easily and fast they can create really interesting interactive activities with the use of Web 2.0 technologies. A new learning experience has already started and I wish to all of them to continue with the same enthusiasm their exploration of the web 2.0 world!"

@teachers I'm very proud of all of you!! Keep in touch on Twitter!!! Maria Perifanou, University of Athens, Web2.0 and WebQuests expert

Communicate with the participant teachers on Twitter by following #LaProf_SS10!