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Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a teacher of Arabic as a Foreign/Second Language, strongly committed to the enhancement of the AFL/ASL learning experience through the introduction of multimedia into the language classroom. I have spent extensive time here in the Middle East area researching and gaining knowledge and experience in this field, which recently culminated in an MA thesis from the American University in Cairo (AUC) entitled Using Multimedia to enhance learners’ second language reading skills in Modern Standard Arabic high intermediate level.
It is in the spirit of dedication to the progress of teaching Arabic worldwide that I would like to share my research and skills at your institution in the form of a presentation or workshop. Areas covered would be based on my expertise in the area of the use of multimedia in Testing/Teaching based on Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in all subject areas and in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign/Second Language (TAFL). This field has been sorely neglected even by the most recognized institutions of TAFL. My purpose in being invited to your institution would be to raise awareness as much as to share my experience in the field of multimedia and TAFL. Topics would include second language acquisition and computer assisted language learning theories, programs and software available and problem solving, as well as aspects of the use of multimedia in the classroom setting.
A second project of mine also recently completed is a computerized proficiency placement test based on ACTFL standards, which is now being offered for the first time at the American University in Cairo, with much success. Therefore, I am also able to offer my skills in developing a computerized placement test for your intranet/network system, based on ACTFL standards. This project can, of course, be applicable to any subject area.
A third project created and designed by me during my teaching experience at the Centre for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) at AUC during the summer of 2004, was the use of multimedia in a smart class room with my students to offer interactive activities with different feedback or a score at the end of the activities. Quizzes/Media included songs, commercials, and movies. Some of the activities included drag and drop, multiple-choice, true or false, and others. Again, this project can be applicable to any subject area. Click here to see some samples of my CALL materials.
Another project is Creating movies on a CD for computer textbooks with a focus on how to enhance trainees’ skills in software use. Central to the presentation is a step-by-step movie I designed which helps trainees experience CALL first-hand and at the same time learn how to use software at their own individual pace, with the stop, pause, rewind or fast-forward options to facilitate application of each step to their computers. (A sample of such movies can be seen if you visit my website www.kamalalekhnawy.com and click on ‘movie’ which can be found at the bottom of the home page.) My knowledge of CALL includes extensive research which recently culminated in an MA thesis from the American University in Cairo (AUC) entitled Using Multimedia to enhance learners’ second language reading skills in Modern Standard Arabic high intermediate level.
I have been teaching AFL since 1989 and ASL since 1992. I have taught many nationalities, ranging in age from 11 to 75 years, and am familiar with all levels of both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA). I have taught at institutions such as Cairo American College (CAC) in the World Languages Department and the American University in Cairo (AUC) at the Arabic Language Institute (ALI). I have also taught Egyptian culture through film. In short, I am dedicated to improving the AFL education experience and I feel a major component to this is through the introduction of multimedia into the classroom.
I would greatly look forward to visiting your institution. If you would like to consider my proposal and/or require more information, please find my contact information below.
Sincerely,
Kamal AlEkhnawy Faculty member Arabic Language Institute (ALI), the American University in Cairo World Languages Department, Cairo American College (CAC)
Email: kamal19@aucegypt.edu My other website: http://www.cacegypt.org/arabickamal/index.htm |