Why ‘EW’ for productive summers 2022!

While many of us will soon be looking up prolific summer programs, my recommendation based on personal experience is that of ‘EW’. English for the workforce or commonly known as English Works EW, is a six-month-long program in Pakistan, sponsored by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) which is an initiative of the US Embassy. It aims to connect with the public through various activities and programs for promoting and enhancing inter-cultural understanding and building stronger ties between both nations. The program is administered by the main campus of the National University of Modern Languages located in Islamabad. NUML, an HEC recognized university is renowned for learning languages. However, its scope is not limited to languages as it offers graduate and postgraduate degrees in various academic disciplines like Business administration, Psychology, Education, Mass Communication, International Relations, and many more. Under this program, 100 merit scholarships were given to the young students from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and neighbouring areas. The intensive 240+ hours of after-school training equips students with technical and employability skills. In the 2021-2022 cohort of the program, students from different colleges and universities enthusiastically participated in this program and various gadgets like tablets, internet devices, headphones, books, etc.. were provided to facilitate them. A new session is anticipated in July, hence an insight into the program structure is presented to facilitate the candidates.

The course consists of 9 modules, which cover different aspects crucial for thriving in a workplace. From introducing oneself to communicating effectively, teamwork to leadership, and writing resumes and cover letters for interviews, every single part prepares participants for their professional lives. Apart from focusing on corporate grooming, students are also introduced to Entrepreneurship and the skills required to start up their own business. In this manner, touching on both themes has set students for a brighter future. Cultural sensitivity encompassed a greater portion of this course and celebrating different days and learning about cultural values and etiquettes, created awareness. Learning about such differences and similarities makes one tolerant and acceptable toward other cultural values and prepares them to function in a cross-cultural environment effectively. Hence, the course not only helps to enhance professional skills but also supports personal growth.

 As the outbreak of Covid-19 led to the suspension of face-to-face learning, the 2021-2022 course was conducted online. Learning took place through different web tools and applications that were fun and challenging at the same time, given that many of these were new to the learners and took some time for them to wrap their heads around.  A hands-on experience on following web tools was conducted:

Jam board: An interactive whiteboard offered by Google that allows teachers and learners to collaborate on various discussions and projects. It is free of cost and can be accessed using smartphones, Tablets (through the app), and even web browsers. The board can be shared via other google platforms like Google Meet, Google Classroom, and Google Drive. Using different tools, one can write, draw, erase and paste sticky notes. Interaction in this way becomes exciting and creative. 

Flip grid: A video discussion application and website that helps educators and learners to engage and present their views in the form of videos. The teacher creates a classroom where he/she posts a topic or a video and the students have to share their recorded responses. One can record the video as many times as they wish to before finally uploading the one they are satisfied with. Emojis, filters, stickers, music, text, etc. can also be added to make them stand out. 

Kahoot: An online learning tool that facilitates learning through game-based multiple-choice quizzes. Users can either download the Kahoot application on their mobiles and tablets or access it via the web browser.

 Pear deck: An interactive educational tool that allows teachers to make presentations to aid active learning. They can keep track of students' progress and participation live as the responses and comments are visible on their screens. 

 Prezi: A web-based tool used to design presentations. However, there are numerous softwares through which one can make a presentation, but this one, in particular, stands out because of its uniqueness. Instead of adding slide after slide, it offers a single canvas where you can add text, visuals, and other elements. By zooming in and out one can show the various segments on the frame. Two other features offered by it are Prezi Video and Prezi design. With Prezi Video one can change their existing presentations into videos or make new ones using different templates available. Apart from this, another exciting feature is that one can go live and present via apps like Zoom, Web Ex, etc. Through Prezi design, creating posters, info-graphics, icons, maps, and charts are all possible. 

StoryBird: As the name signifies, this digital tool lets users create stories using text and images. When a certain word is typed, many suitable images appear that one can use in the story. It’s a great application through which you can get your message across in the form of a story and make it visually engaging and pleasing at the same time.

A two-week Tech Camp was also a part of the 2021-2022 EW course in which students got to learn about countless web tools and career options from well-known professionals and professors from the United States of America and Pakistan.  A glimpse of the sessions and the trainers is hereby provided. On E-portfolios and Universal Design of Learning, Dr. John Achrazoglou, Director of Education Technology Center, The University of Iowa College of Education, US, and a member of RELO demonstrated students on importance of the universal design of technological learning, elaborating e-portfolio and google sites. Students got to know about websites to design their own E-portfolios. Professor Muhammad Rashid; an Associate Professor, Vice Principal F-10/4 College, and Mr. Rustam Ali, an Assistant Professor, Department of English, Govt. Degree College Hawelian also guided EW students about Webtools and their growing need in the present digital era. Mr. Shoaib Amin, an Information System Analyst, Project Manager and Entrepreneur discussed Entrepreneurship, its essence, and the skills required to become a successful Entrepreneur.  Asif Rasool, Lecturer Department of Management Sciences, NUML, Islamabad explained corporate grooming and suggested techniques to boost confidence and enhance interpersonal skills. Mr. Hisham Sarwar, CEO of Infomist Services, a top Pakistani freelancer and a tech enthusiast gave insight into the world of freelancing and provided step-by-step guidance on pursuing freelancing. Some tips for beginners to attract clients were also shared. Ms.Sabeen Hayat did a marvelous job as our instructor, accompanied by coordinators Faisal Sheheryar and Irum Shahzadi.

 The program was well managed and its contents were tailored according to the requirements and trends of 21st-century employment. Teaching students such skills improved their capacity, made them confident, unleashed their potential, and empowered them to turn their lives around and bring about a positive change in the society.This initiative of the US Embassy and RELO is highly recommended for individuals as a life-changing program.