Last class

 Today was the last ICT class, and I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. Just when I was starting to really get into these technologies, the course has already come to an end. This class has completely changed my perspective on using technology in teaching. Before, I thought using PowerPoint, playing audio recordings, and doing online quizzes was already “using technology,” but there is so much more to explore—games, AI, VR—all of these can truly make learning more engaging.

The game-based learning part was eye-opening. I never imagined that Minecraft could be used to learn English, but it actually makes so much sense—students build and explore while naturally using the language. Kahoot and Quizizz are also incredibly effective; something as simple as a quiz can feel like a game, which keeps students engaged. Compared to filling in the blanks or rote memorization, these tools make students actively want to learn and practice, which is the real magic of technology.

The discussion on autonomous learning was also really insightful. I used to think students needed to be guided by teachers all the time, but there are so many tools that can help them take control of their own learning. Moodle, AI-powered feedback tools, and even something as simple as a learning journal can help students track their progress and take responsibility for their studies. AI, in particular, was mind-blowing—tools like Grammarly can refine their writing, and ChatGPT can generate ideas, discussion topics, and even essay prompts. It’s amazing how much AI can reduce a teacher’s workload while also benefiting students.

Collaborative learning was another big takeaway. Group work in class often ends up with a few students talking while the rest sit passively, but tools like Google Docs and Padlet ensure that everyone contributes in real time. Nearpod also makes classroom discussions more interactive and structured. These are definitely worth trying in the future to improve engagement and teamwork.

The part that excited me the most was VR for speaking practice. Traditional speaking exercises always feel a bit forced, and students often get shy in class. But VR can simulate real-world situations—ordering food, asking for directions, even job interviews—which makes the experience much more natural. Mondly VR provides immersive speaking practice, and VRChat even lets students talk to people from around the world. This seems way more engaging than traditional role-playing exercises, and I hope to try it out in future teaching.

To wrap up the course, Tilly surprised us with a homemade cake, and it was absolutely delicious! We sat together, chatting and enjoying the moment, and I realized how much I’m going to miss this class. Tilly has been an incredible teacher—her explanations are clear, she’s always encouraging us to experiment with new ideas, and the whole learning experience has been incredibly rewarding. And of course, my classmates—I’m so grateful for all the discussions, the shared ideas, and the inspiration we gave each other. I’ve learned so much from everyone.

Even though the course has ended, I hope the things we’ve learned here won’t just stay in the classroom. I want to bring these ideas into my own teaching and truly make learning more engaging and effective. Thank you, Tilly! Thank you, everyone!