Who’s Eligible?
Any TESOL member in good standing.
Purpose
Sponsored by Ron Chang Lee, this award was created in 2018 to honor three TESOL members who have achieved excellence through the implementation of technology in teaching ESL/EFL.
Ron Lee started in language technology by developing his
website while studying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994. Because of this, he is considered a Pioneer in CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning). As a result, he was encouraged to create more online resources for English learning, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and various exercises. He also compiled a list of sites created by ESL instructors.
With more resources developed, Ron started
another site to host more English learning materials. Thanks to the ads revenue, all the learning materials on his sites are free. The free online learning materials are of great help both to ESL instructors and students, which they can use on smartphones.
Ron has also created ESL Robot “Tutor” to help students practice speaking English. His “Tutor” won second place in the International Loebner Prize 2018 Contest, an annual international artificial intelligence contest being held in Bletchley Park in the UK (read more about this
here). ESL Robot Tutor’s name is Mike (you can practice English with Mike
here).
Amount
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $750
Third Place: $500
Criteria
Submit a lesson using original, innovative CALL pedagogical materials directly applicable to ESL/EFL teaching and appropriate for the teaching context within which they have been implemented.
Submissions specific to English language learning should demonstrate CALL technology in teaching, for example, lessons using computers, software, websites, classroom tools, mobile devices, apps, digital resources, augmented reality, or online games.
All submissions must contain implementation guides (directions or lesson plan), and demonstrate principles of language pedagogy or methodology. The technology lesson must have been used in teaching within two years of the award application.
The work will be evaluated using the following criteria.
Pedagogical Innovation
- Lesson features the latest in CALL technology or an innovative use of existing technology
- Materials or techniques are engaging and unique in the field of ESL/EFL teaching
- Lesson represents a practical application of current language learning research or teaching methodology using CALL technology
Classroom Context
Directions include a clear indication of language level and target population
Clarity and Successful Use
- The directions/lesson plan are clear for teachers and learners
- The materials show a clear rationale or theoretical basis
- The technology lesson has been used in the classroom (include dates) at least one cycle (unit, semester, term, etc.) within two years of the award application date
- The materials include student learning outcomes and plan for assessment
- The materials have been edited or improved based on teacher reflection of expected and actual results
To Apply
Please submit the following information:
- An anonymous copy of the lesson materials (no more than 4 pages)
- Include links to any online websites, apps, materials, etc.
- Include clear implementation guide and any other teacher notes (sample lesson plan)
- Include student learning outcomes and plan for assessment
- An anonymous statement (1000 words maximum) describing the following:
- The rationale or theoretical basis
- The target population and language level, including age of learners, or any special features of the language learning context
- Innovative qualities of the materials, how the materials incorporate current research in TESOL
- Reflection on previous use of technology lesson in the classroom and how teacher reflection/student feedback informed any changes.
Application Deadline
Open for applications soon.
Apply Now