New Reflections from Florida

Branches & Reflections,
Photo used with permission; copyright 2007 by Edie Bresler


It’s always a happy day for me when I see policies change -- or potentially change -- and change for the better in education.

Such was the situation when I recently received an
unexpected email from Florida’s “Dr. Rashid A. Moore, Editor,"
Sunshine State TESOL Journal at www.sstesoljournal.org.

First, some background: I had written to Florida’s Sunshine State TESOL Journal on July 1st, asking them if they review websites, in addition to publishing book reviews. And, if so - if they would review my site. The next day, July 2nd, I received an email reply from them. A Ph.D. Program Professor flatly stated: “I am unaware of the [Sunshine State – Florida] TESOL [Journal] reviewing websites.”
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Begin forwarded message:

From: [Ph.D. Program Professor, TESOL]
Date: July 2, 2007 3:24:03 PM EDT
To: "'Susan Alyn'"
Subject: RE: question from a FL teacher re TESOL Journal

I am unaware of the SSTESOL reviewing websites.
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That was it. I felt very disappointed. Left out. I thought: Here we are, in a state that has aggressively promoted technology in the past, in ESOL, an area of education where computer-assisted language learning is being used and researched worldwide, but – no acknowledgement by the state’s TESOL journal of the existence of new ESOL web sites? It was very disheartening to me.

Consequently, I was quite delighted, when several weeks later, the September 2007 issue of The EUROCALL Review newsletter, from Europe, featured “Inspiration Lane” as their biannual issue’s sole Recommended Website. Thank you, Europe!!!

Almost immediately, I received a Google alert about this European recognition of my web site.

A week later, an even bigger surprise showed up in my email: I again heard from Florida’s TESOL journal. Here, below, is the email I later received from the Sunshine State TESOL Journal, dated September 19th, and my response.

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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Sunshine State TESOL Journal"
Date: September 19, 2007 11:24:18 PM EDT
To: "Susan Alyn"
Subject: Re: question from a FL teacher re TESOL Journal


Dear Ms. Alyn,

At present the Journal is not reviewing websites, but may do so in the future. If so, the Journal would consider reviewing yours.

Best wishes,

Dr. Rashid A. Moore
Editor
Sunshine State TESOL Journal
www.sstesoljournal.org


Begin forwarded message:

From: Susan Alyn
Date: September 29, 2007 11:31:16 AM EDT
To: "Sunshine State TESOL Journal"
Subject: Re: question from a FL teacher re TESOL Journal

Dear Dr. Rashid A. Moore, Editor, Sunshine State TESOL Journal,

Thank you so much for your reply.

I originally felt very disappointed, and left out,
when I saw no reviews of web sites in the Sunshine State TESOL Journal.

However, your email indicates a change in that policy may be coming.

Consequently, you made my day! :)

Thanks,
Susan Alyn
[Creator and Editor, Inspiration Lane]
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Now, OK, I realize this is not the biggest news story on the planet or anything like that. But, it’s a change -- or, at least, a potential change. And, in my view, it means the state is now moving in the right direction. VERY good!

By the way, I also noticed an interesting sign posted inside my favorite public library. This sign had a big colorful drawing of people gathered around a table, so it immediately caught my attention, and I stopped to read it.

The sign said this library is now using computer-assisted language learning ["CALL"] materials in their conversation classes and workshops, to help people learn English. I felt very excited to see this change.

Also, I really like this particular library branch. It's not easy to find, as it's located all the way out there in the middle of what some may consider to be absolutely nowhere. However, in my opinion, their staff is the best, because they truly help you when you want help, and they leave you alone when you don’t. There are many other reasons I think this particular library is far superior than others, and why I will drive an extra five or ten miles out of my way to go there.

I will try to visit one of their new ESOL classes, if I can get permission. I want to see what’s happening in these computer-assisted English language learning workshops. I'll give you my report in an upcoming essay.

Reflecting on many education experiences I've had in Florida, I can tell you what I believe to be true about this state: In terms of educational policy change, the Sunshine State has had many bright days in its recent past.

But, changes in outdated education policy are always needed to keep moving forward.

So, I'm happy to see my favorite local public library now offering their new computer-assisted language learning workshops to anyone who wants to learn English. And, I'm very happy to see Florida’s statewide TESOL journal is now considering adding a website review section. This change seems to me a natural evolution for a statewide ESOL journal, to start reflecting on new ESOL web sites.

In short, we are really branching out here in sub-tropical, southwest Florida, from my computer screen to yours, wherever you may be. . .


Susan Alyn, M.A., also known as "summer," is an ESOL certified teacher in Florida, USA, and the creator and editor of Inspiration Lane.