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Unit 17 Overview The first part of this unit presents usual and new teaching equipments which we may use in a typical classroom environment, as well as in other training environments. Teaching equipments are devices that assist a teacher in the teaching-learning process. There are different teaching aids and equipments like: white/black board, CD Player, Interactive whiteboard ( IWB), visual aids, overhead projector, worksheets and work cards, cassette recorder, video camera, dictionaries, course books, resource books, photocopier, computer, online resources, etc. 1. For the white/black board to be effective, the work should be planned and organized ahead of class. This can be achieved by making a board plan on paper beforehand. The board should be clean initially and wiped clean at the end. Handwriting should be appropriate and neat so that the students can see easily, even from the back of the room. 2. For the interactive boards we have to check with the manufacturer, what kind of software and tools can accompany this aid. Also, we have to be ready in case something goes wrong and have a back up plan ready. 3. Overhead projectors could be used as an alternative board since it could focus on students? attention and cut down time necessary for writing on the board. It is a perfect tool when we have to use it for timed reading and fill gaps exercises. 4. Visual aids could be used to help students to understand the material. Classes without visuals could be boring and repetitive. We can bring in the class newspapers, photos, real objects and magazines on a regular basis. But we have to make sure that the size is enough big to bee seen by everybody. 5. Worksheets would be highly beneficial during the study stage. We can use them to help reinforce what they just learned. It helps demonstrate the students? progress and if they truly understood the language point. 6. Video camera would be used to record role-play activities then play it back to the class or group involved in the role-play whilst highlighting their errors as it plays. 7. Computers have various useful applications in the classroom. They could be used to play specially designed EFL CDs or DVDs. They are wonderful reference tools. The students can use CD dictionaries or thesauruses. Computers make it easier to access TEFL materials or to allow students to do research for reports. 8. Dictionary ? allow the students to seek out and develop in their vocabulary without the guidance of the teacher. They also provide the phonetic alphabet, which allows the student to pronounce it correctly. 9. Course books are a great tool for proven material; we can use it mainly for exercises or grammar, and vocabulary work. 10. Photocopiers-the main usage would be for copying class materials such as worksheets, tests, and articles. There are many other great tools that can be brought into classroom, but we have to keep in mind that all these aids are not self-supporting; they are supplementary training devices. The key factor is the teacher. The teacher?s approach plays an important role in enhancing learning process. As a teacher I will make sure to add enough of these equipments and aids to have a great learning experience.
