Chinthaka Naleen Viyangoda Gamage
University of Moratuwa
About
As an officer in charge of the Artificial Intelligence Research Lab at an engineering university with a master's level qualification in English language and literature, I have spent over a decade working with technology. I am a competent toastmaster with a keen interest in public speaking. I am happy to help learners, irrespective of age, with my expertise in technology-embedded teaching and learning, commitment to providing affordable services as a researcher, AI-related content writer, and proofreader and providing expert support on instructional technology and presentation.Sessions
Adult learners Extensive online reading to scaffold disadvantaged female teacher training more
Thu, Aug 10, 16:15-16:50 Asia/Tokyo
This ongoing study investigates the effectiveness of extensive reading and listening in an online teaching environment (OTE) to facilitate a group of female teacher trainees ranging in age from 30 to 50 who have restrictions to participating in face-to-face training sessions. OTE uses a combination of MS Teams and other online tools. While the trainees are expected to refer to the e-materials leisurely, scheduled synchronous online discussions are there to discuss the progress and conduct online evaluations. Data is collected via online interviews with the trainees, an online blog to express their experiences with OET, and questionnaires to get information such as the tools and technology available to access OET. Though the trainees were reluctant to read early on, present findings show that the OTE facilitates and motivates the trainees at the expected level with full participation in most of the online sessions. Immediate support on technical matters has been adhered to as most participants lack technical knowledge, which was revealed as a positive aspect of supporting the uninterrupted learning process.
Younger learners Online reading and listening exam practice effectiveness for young learners more
Wed, Aug 9, 18:30-19:05 Asia/Tokyo
This study investigated the effectiveness of an online learning environment (OLE) to practice for reading and listening for Cambridge English language tests in a restricted post-COVID situation using additional reading and listening materials. This mixed-method, exploratory research used a convenience sample (n=100) of students aged 11 to 15 in a Cambridge exam preparation centre to see OLE's effectiveness in improving their reading and listening. WhatsApp was used as a communication tool, while Zoom-based instruction and Google form-based formative assessment were administered in the OLE. Results revealed that the OLE was a convenient way to practice using extensive reading and listening materials, despite some infrastructure and digital literacy issues. Participation was high, and the results were excellent. However, a need to improve teachers' and students' basic computer literacy was observed. Limitations such as teachers' knowledge about online teaching tools and ethics of working with online pedagogy were identified as areas for further research.