Should we use apps such as Kahoot and Baamboozle only because they are fun?
No. They are fun indeed, but the goal should be for these tools to enhance teaching, and not to be a goal in themselves.
What would you reply if a parent sent you the following complaint: "You use too many / only games in your lessons. Learning needs to be (more) serious."
With a solid rationale in mind, it is very much possible to only use games and have a lot of learning happening. BUT you need to keep the learning aims in mind!
Online teaching is/will be easy.
It can very well be. Different people prefer different environments, both teachers and students. What is important is the attitude you bring to the table.
Online teaching is the same as face-to-face teaching.
No. While there is an obvious overlap, they are different things. The sooner we learn to accept that, the easier it is. Round peg - square hole!
Online teaching is more time-consuming.
It can be. But it can also be less so. It all depends on what you do, how you do it, your creativity, experience (perfectionism...), etc. Just like f2f lessons.
There is less interaction and less variety in online teaching.
False. Interactive activities and tools (as opposed to lecturing), breakout rooms and collaboration tools (Google suite, etc.) can add a lot to the lessons.
Students won't know how to use their computers and the internet.
Some won't. This creates an authentic need for communication, which you can use to your advantage. Prepare clear instructions and use techie Ss as helpers.
You need a lot of props to teach online.
That only depends on your style. Some people use physical props, others digital, others neither - but visuals do help! What's YOUR style?
You need to know a lot about technology and different apps to be a good online teacher.
Absolutely not! You will constantly be learning new things. AND the information gap creates an opportunity for the Ss to explain things to you - in English!
The students don't use the target language (or English at all!) when you're playing a game. What do you do?
Try to preempt this by discussing with them (even adding it in the class contract) why you play games and why it's important to use English & then remind them!
