16/09/2020
Experts from Cambridge University have praised the global English language teaching community for embracing the uncertain challenges ahead posed by Covid-19. The comments are in response to staggering viewing figures of nearly 370,000 for an online event held to help teachers get ready for the unpredictable months ahead.
The Cambridge Live Experience 2020 was hosted by Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge University Press English Language Teaching. They delivered a series of talks on a range of themes including advice on transitioning back to the physical classroom, online learning, socially distanced teaching, understanding learners’ levels and providing emotional support. The event proved popular with registrations of 50,000 teachers from 162 countries around the world.
This generated 105,000 live views of the sessions during the event and nearly 370,000 views after the event.
Experts at Cambridge say the figures show how seriously the English language teaching community is taking on the challenge of Covid-19.
Paul Colbert, Managing Director, English Language Teaching, at Cambridge University Press said:
'It’s really encouraging that so many teachers from around the world took part in the Cambridge Live Experience. We’re delighted to have worked with them to be ready for the challenges ahead, together. Many teachers are faced with the reality that their roles are changing significantly, and we are committed to continuing to support them with the accessible insights and resources they need for success.'
Francesca Woodward, Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment English said:
'The key to success for teachers will be adaptability and we’re seeing some great examples around the world of teachers bouncing back with resilience to ensure education continues. The event was a great chance for teachers and educators to share tips and experiences and I’m sure these will be put into good practice in classrooms all over the world.'
Feedback from the event showed popular themes emerging amongst the teaching community. These included how to teach remotely and how teachers can get learners to safely work together in social bubbles. This was an excellent chance to showcase Your New English Classroom, a new website from Cambridge that has practical tools to help achieve this.
Another popular theme included the use of technology in and out of the classroom, which was a great chance for teachers to hear about how platforms such as Minecraft and Kahoot are being used to help children learn English. The Cambridge experts behind the event said teachers also responded positively to tips and support materials regarding their social, emotional and wellbeing needs.
The Cambridge Live Experience took place online from 8 – 10 September 2020. If you missed it you can watch the sessions on the Cambridge Live Experience YouTube playlist. Beyond the sessions, Cambridge University Press have also created a range of free blogs, articles, and videos, to help make the return to class that little bit easier, at Be Ready for Anything with Cambridge.