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Unit 17 was about equipment and teaching aids. There are a variety of different teaching aids that teachers have available. First, the board (whiteboard/chalkboard) - Handwriting should be legible, the text should be big enough to see from the back of the classroom, different colored markers can be used for different purposes (ex. part of speech/error corrections), and not all information should be put on the board (only essential info). Second, IWB - Interactive Whiteboards are becoming more popular these days. They can be quite costly to install and might require training to use; however, when available, teachers can use this technology to their advantage. IWBs can be touch sensitive and are able to be connected to a computer or laptop for conveniently displaying PPTs and other online materials. Third, the overhead projector (OHP) - Less commonly used nowadays, but can be used for grammar and vocabulary exercises. Another advantage is that transparencies can be used multiple times and stored for later use. Fourth, visual aids - Can elicit discussion and increase interest. Visual aids can be pictures, real objects, photos, etc. Fifth, worksheets and flash cards - Can be great for grammar and vocabulary and can be good for prompting memorization of lists of words. Next, the cassette recorder - Also less commonly used these days. It is useful for listening, but can be difficult to manage and find the appropriate spot to stop and start. Seventh, the CD player - More common than the cassette recorder. It is good for listening to dialogues. Additionally, CDs usually come with the associated textbook. Eighth, videos and DVDs - Great for listening to natural conversation of native speakers and can also spark students' interest. Ninth, the video camera - Can be used for both teacher and student purposes. Teachers can watch the recording of their classes and try to ways to improve their teaching, while students can check their pronunciation and re-watch parts of certain activities. Students can also make fun and educational student-produced videos. Tenth, dictionaries - Good for finding out the formal meaning, pronunciation, and usage of words. A good recommendation from ITTT is to have higher level students use English to English dictionaries, rather than their native language dictionaries. Eleventh, course books - These are easily followed in order and provide a balance of grammar, speaking, listening, reading. Lastly, resource books, photocopiers, and computers can also be used in the classroom. Overall, unit 17 provided a great overview of equipment and teaching aids along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
