Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
As we enter the holiday season, I wanted to point out a number of activities that you might find useful in your teaching or language study. Enjoy:
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
I really enjoy the fall months before it gets really cold, and it is a great time to get out in the mountains and enjoy the changing leaves and the evolving landscape in preparation for winter. With many holidays around the corner, I want to share this video activity with my daughter, Emily, as she related her experiences in celebrating special days throughout the year. Enjoy.
Written by Randall on . Posted in Uncategorized.
As the fall progresses, and we start to enter the colder months, I reflect on how change is a constant in our lives: the change of the leaves, the transformation of our garden from vivid green to colorful fall pastels, and the evolution my students make in their understanding of the language and the diversity of cultures around them. I remember it was around this time of year back in 1997 when I was working on my Website to launch in 1998. Most of my current students weren’t alive back then, almost 25 years ago, and I recognize my own change as a teacher, father, spouse, friend, and human being.
Embracing change is the only step forward in our lives. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Randall
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
As I posted last month, fall is a time when many schools are back in session, whether that be for face-to-face learning or virtual classes. Many of the projects that I have been working on will continue throughout the fall. Take a look at my post in August for more information. Enjoy!
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
Hi everyone,
Welcome back, teachers and students!
August is the time of year when many teachers and students around the world return to the classroom, and in preparation for these new beginnings, I want to share with you information about my sites that might jumpstart your classes. I started my Web site in 1998 (Wow! Now, 25 years ago!), and I still enjoy creating content for language learning.
Feel free to add a link to any of my Websites in your class syllabus or online course.
My other Websites:
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
Greetings everyone,
The summer has fully arrived, and my classes at the English Language Institute at the University of Utah are winding down. Some people don’t realize that creating Web sites like this one is done completely separate for my regular job, and I enjoy both teaching full time and developing online content in my “free” time.
This past week, I presented at the 8th International English Online Conference with several colleagues on the topic of critical thinking, and I also gave a workshop on developing listening skills. You can download the handout for the sessions HERE.
This summer, I plan on continuing to develop the interviews section of my Web site in which teachers and language learners can listen to authentic and engaging content with my children who are all adults now. A lot of new content coming. Here is an example:
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
Hi everyone,
As we approach the middle of the year, I have reflected on the idea of constantly moving forward in all we do, even when things get really hard.
Recently, I completed another ultramarathon in the mountains of Utah, and this running/hiking event covered 50 km of challenging terrain. The results? I ended up being the final finisher. The winner covered the distance in about half the time that I did, and the person probably had time to return home, jump into a jacuzzi, and take a long nap before I ever crossed the finish line.
That said, life is about moving or even falling forward toward your ultimate goal, no matter how long it takes and no matter how many times you stumble.
I follow this mantra in almost all I do, and this includes the development of new content on my Web sites. Just keep the lights on and keep thinking of new ideas for my Web site visitors. My most recent project has been the interviews with my adult children on a variety of everyday topics. Take a look and keep pushing yourself to new heights:
Randall
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
This update covers the last two months on a significant development on my Web site. In fact, this is a project that has been exiting to unfold, and it includes my children who have been a part of my Web site since 1998. The easiest thing for you to do is to check out this new section on video interviews with accompanying language-learning activities.
Take a look HERE!
Randall
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
When spring rolls around every year, new ideas tend to bloom just like the flowers and trees around us. This is also true of my Web site as I have been working on a unique project that involves video interviews supported by a variety of learning activities. Keep an eye my Web site for more information that should appear this month.
Until then, happy learning!
Randall
Written by Randall on . Posted in updates.
The last couple of months have been filled with exciting challenges (Yes, we call call them that!) and new developments, so of which are taking place behind the scenes at the moment. For now, I want to remind you of some projects that I have been working:
The next few months should be exciting for me as well as I am experimenting with the idea of creating new English courses. More on this later this year.
Good luck in your teaching and study.
Randall