On the 27th of August, the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University marked a significant milestone in the BA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree programme with a vibrant event that celebrated the power of technology and creativity in language teaching. The event centred around the expansion of the YouTube channel, “English for All”, originally launched by the undergraduates of intake 39 as part of an assignment for the Technology Mediated Language Teaching module. Guided by Ms. Esala Erangi Malawithanthri, who delivered the module, these students demonstrated how digital platforms can be effectively used to teach English.
The highlight of the event was the official handover of the channel to the junior batch (Intake 40), who will now take the reins and continue the work initiated by their predecessors. Accordingly, channel’s login details, content plans, and production schedules were officially handed over by the senior day scholars, Yehara Abeythilaka and Surani Lokuliyana to the new admins, day scholar Megana Disanayaka and Officer Cadet Hasitha Rajakaruna. Building on the foundation laid, the junior batch plans to introduce new elements such as TikTok videos, further enriching the learning experience through diverse media.
Parallel to this, two new creative spaces: a physical creative writing space and a digital platform called “Free Souls” were declared open. The creative writing space invites all undergraduates to display their literary creations, fostering an environment of artistic expression within the campus. Meanwhile, “Free Souls” serves as a cyber space where the university community can share their thoughts and creativity, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.
The event was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Major General Chinthaka Wickramasinghe USP USACGSC, as the chief guest, with the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage as the guest of honour. The gathering also included Head of Department of Languages (DoL), Dr. Thilini Wijetunga, Prof. Bimali Indrarathne and other Heads of the Departments, Senior Lecturers of DoL, the Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR), the former TESOL coordinator, and the CELTA Centre administrator, Ms. Ganga Herath alongside academic and non-academic staff members. The presence of these esteemed guests added to the significance of the occasion, which was marked by a colourful and meaningful atmosphere.
This initiative not only underscores the value of integrating technology into language education but also highlights the importance of fostering creative expression among students. As the junior batch takes over, the venture is poised to continue making a valuable impact on the teaching and learning process in the TESOL degree programme.
