Lots happening! When I said that I was going to offer an improved way of learning English, I didn’t say where it would be. For the last year or so I’ve been travelling quite a bit, and have been thinking about where I’d like to invest my time and money in so that I could set up a really cool language studio of my own. I’ve thought and imagined about setting up in such great places as France, Spain or even Vienna. Then there’s Melbourne and Sydney!
While I’m still in ‘travel mode’ I’m happy to be back posting articles on Get Into English and I’ll soon advertise Skype lessons.
Get Into English v. 3.0 is now underway.
Version 1.0 of this site was a basic design on the WordPress ‘Thesis’ theme which I had moved over from ‘Engage.cz’, my original site. ‘Engage’ is the name of the company that I set up – but because I’ve decided to leave the Czech Republic, the company is about to close.
I remember the start of Engage with fondness, as my new students in Prague read the articles every week and either commented directly on the blog, or more often, in person. It was a great new way to learn – not just to have an English lesson in the comfort of my office in the heart of Prague, but also students could read an extension of what we had covered on their iPads, PCs or iPhones a few days after we met.
Version 2.0 involved a web designer making improvements to the site, and this is when more people outside the Czech Republic began to jump on board. We added a student lounge too for the first time – a discussion forum where students could ask questions and post their homework ‘behind the scenes’ in privacy. It was a great idea, and I’ll improve on this for v 3.0, but most clients preferred to ask me directly.
Unfortunately WordPress, the software that millions of blogs run on, was updated, and this meant my ‘Thesis’ theme had bugs in them which I couldn’t fix on my own (and the web designer disappeared – reliable help can be hard to find!). So finally this weekend I switched over to Genesis and I’m really happy that readers can leave comments again and chat with me!
What Can You Expect From v. 3.0?
Just like for students and clients who came to my office in Prague, I would like to set up a friendly, colourful learning space where you can have English lessons and training. I strongly believe I had the best set up of any teacher in Prague at the time – the lessons were not on hard desks or tables, but instead students sat down on a nice modern sofa, grabbed a coffee, and we held the lesson in an environment which was designed to promote natural conversation and communication. I also had my printer, hundreds of books and materials, English magazines and novels, as well as all the articles on this site.
Just now you can see that this present design needs some attention. I’ll be working on this in the coming weeks – and I may need a designer to help me if those pesky WP bugs are still in the system. But I’ll be posting more regularly for sure – please feel free to leave a comment!
The biggest addition will be video materials. I had a lesson just the other day in Prague, and as part of my new service to you, I’ll be sending private video summaries of each lesson.
Does anyone else do this?
I’ve already made a few of these, but I’ll also be adding public videos for everyone on Get Into English. So stay tuned 😉
Finally, as the year goes on, I’ll be writing more course materials which students and clients will be able to access ‘backstage’. Part of this involves writing my own book on getting into English.
The whole idea is that in addition to the basic lesson, you’ll have all kinds of ways to interact in English outside of class!
I’m still based in the Czech Republic, and will be travelling a little in the coming months as well, but please sign up to receive emails with all the latest posts delivered to your inbox (no spam).
I’ll be leaving the country sometime after the company has closed down.
Regarding content, I will be writing about ‘traditional’ areas like grammar, but the world is moving fast and there are many topics I’d like to write about, partly because they aren’t covered in existing English coursebooks and learning materials. The article this weekend on Gay and LGBT Vocabulary is an example of this.
I hope you enjoy reading the posts on here this year!
Hello David,
I have few minutes, so I’ve just read your article above. What shall I say? I’m so happy that I know you, you’re the best English teacher. And I very appreciate your activity on your web page!! It is very helpful!
So good luck!
Martina
Hi Martina!
Thanks a lot for your words. I hope to see you soon in Prague! 🙂
David
You´ve got a great blog and I´m glad you keep making improvements to its layout and features.
Content is among the best I´ve read on the internet, and I´m looking forward to more articles and similar stuff. As you know, I´m a Kindle author and would gladly have some of your work on my Kindle if you decide to publish at some point down the line.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Francisco
Thanks a lot 🙂 And thanks too for your comments – while I’ve been travelling or teaching less, you’ve popped in and made some comments, which I really appreciate.
I don’t think anyone can always ‘hit the mark’ but I’d like to at least write more about topics which the industry overlooks, and also to write for learners of English and international students in Australia.
Regardless of where you are, I think it can be interesting to read blogs from different perspectives and countries. I understand it might not be for everyone – but I think that’s be a good thing.
Btw I had a look again at your blog today. Is there a reason why you don’t have your own domain name (.com) or brand name (.com)?
I like it the way it is now, although I might buy my own domain in the future.
As I´ve recently finished my book, I have more time to read now. I´m writing another book, albeit at a more leisurely pace.