This workshop provides insights into the use of authoring tools that allow teachers to transform static worksheets into interactive e-lessons which can be accessed via computers, tablets, and smart devices. To exemplify this, the presenter will focus on the example of SoftChalk and, as different activities are explored, she will share her classroom experience and highlight the do’s and dont’s that she has discovered are worth bearing in mind in relation to the different activities. SoftChalk is a powerful educational e-content authoring tool which has become common in universities and colleges around the world. With its user-friendly interface, SoftChalk provides teachers with an e-learning environment that can generate a wide variety of activities and assessments to reinforce the various language skills. These activities include crosswords, flash cards, drag and drop, labeling, and many other interactive and colorful learning objects. SoftChalk lessons are also automatically scored with the ability to provide immediate feedback to students. Teachers can create and use these lessons without any prior knowledge of advanced, or technical coding.

In addition to reviewing lessons already successfully used with English language learners in the region, the presenter will guide participants through the process of creating their own lesson in SoftChalk! She will also share an online bank of SoftChalk resources that teachers might find useful for their classes.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• create a SoftChalk lesson
• set up 5 interactive activities and assessments
• utilize and customize the style of a SoftChalk lesson
• open and edit pre-existing SoftChalk lessons