The Hornby Trust, with the British Council, co-funds regional schools around the world for teachers of English. In August 2007 for the first time the summer school was held in Russia. 30 English language teachers from 10 countries including Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan met to attend a unique two-week summer school in Kolomna outside Moscow.

The aim of the school was to equip the EL teachers with the skills to use technology and to establish a network of professionals in Russia and other countries in Europe and CIS which will be able to continue sharing experience and engaging in joint projects. It was a practical course for teachers looking at the following areas:

Technology for the teacher – guiding teachers to online resources for both lesson planning and material development and for continued professional development

Technology in the classroom – activities for students using technology to improve their language acquisition skills. Helping teachers to leverage web content to provide motivating and relevant content for classroom use, from one-off classes to more sustained and principled use of web content, including project work such as webquests, keypal exchanges and intercultural projects.

Technology and the future – exploring Web applications, from blogs and wikis to podcasts and virtual environments. Helping teachers to develop vital communication skills in the new media era and to explore the social software applications which can promote global communications and learner autonomy.

The participants were exposed to a variety of sessions on different aspects of using ICT in the classroom as well as had an opportunity to get involved into an extensive social programme. All participants received DVDs will all materials used during the course. The post-school virtual environment moodle was organised for the participants to be able to continue sharing experience and exchange ideas. Here are some comments from the participants of the school:

“I think the designers of the course managed to make a good use of time. The pace was extremely intensive but I think it was useful as we can look back at the notes at home, consult the tutors on line or study the DVD, so the ‘bag’ we’ve filled in here will provide us with ‘food’ for long months. Thanks for that!”

“Thank you very much for your support, well-organised social programme. I’ve really improved my ICT skills, found new friends. I’ve got much new useful info that I will implement in my teaching practice.”

The British Council will be running the next summer school supported by the Hornby Trust in August 2008 in Moscow. More information about the content of the school and application form for participants will be available on our website shortly.

To find out about the Hornby Trust and regional schools held elsewhere please visit our global website.