Using Technology and Games to Enhance the Educational Experience

Ms. Hohmann discussing the use of technology in teaching with secondary educators at the Pedagogical Institute in Nicosia

Regional Information Resource Officer Laura Kaspari-Hohmann visited Cyprus March 30 - April 3 and spoke to more than 270 teachers and university students on the use of technology and games in education. On March 30, Ms. Hohmann gave a seminar to 40 English language teachers at the Pedagogical Institute in Nicosia. During the seminar, Ms. Hohmann showcased methods to incorporate technology in classroom instruction and alternative approaches to language teaching using new Web 2.0 technologies like blogs, wikis, videos, and online course software. She also demonstrated how U.S. universities are using technology in teaching, with online classes and web-based curricula.

Speaking on the same subject to a group of approximately 50 students and faculty during her visit to Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol, Ms. Hohmann discussed ways in which students can use web 2.0 to enhance learning experiences and filter information available over the internet. After the talk, students exchanged their views and personal web 2.0 favorites with Ms. Hohmann.

Ms. Kaspari-Hohmann shared examples of traditional games like cards and board games, in addition to high-tech ones such as Quizlet, Whyville and Second Life, as methods to enhance interactive learnings

IRO Kaspari-Hohmann also gave presentations at Near East University (NEU) and Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) showing future teachers how they can use games in their English classes. During these presentations, she described the tendency of young people to play games in their free time, and how teachers can take advantage of this inherent interest to incorporate interactive games in their classes for language practice, and to improve problem-solving skills and multi-tasking abilities. Finally, Ms. Kaspari-Hohmann shared examples of traditional games like cards and board games, in addition to high-tech ones such as Quizlet, Whyville and Second Life, as methods to enhance interactive learning.

IRO Kaspari-Hohmann is based at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and works with other U.S. Embassies across Southern Europe.

During the seminar, Ms. Hohmann showcased methods to incorporate technology in classroom instruction and alternative approaches to language teaching using new Web 2.0 technologies like blogs, wikis, videos, and online course software

Secondary education English teachers discuss during group exercises

IRO Hohmann talking to NEU students about the use of games in Education

Students approached Ms. Hohmann after her talks and shared their views with her

Students participating actively in the discussion at Cyprus University of Technology

Ms. Kaspari explaining how technology can be used in education at Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol

IRO Hohmann describing how Web 2.0 applications have changed the internet

During her talk at EMU, Ms. Hohmann described the tendency of young people to play games in their free time, and how teachers can take advantage of this inherent interest to incorporate interactive games in their classes

Students talking to Ms. Hohmann after her talk

EMU program organizers offered Ms. Hohmann flowers