Messenger discussions - educator’s comments

The social media platform of Messenger was the team’s online communication tool since questions were raised and answers provided; moreover all instructions for both DIE and TIE processes were presented through it. 

Interaction was achieved through both L1 and L2. Code switching between the two languages was common by tutors and participating students, who mainly wrote in Greek, yet regularly responded to their English educator in English. 

Links for all the posed questionnaires were also provided through Messenger. It needs saying that the educator had difficulty convincing most of the students to fill them in.

The script distributed to the cast, as well as its few alterations, along with the edited songs (lyrics, music and vocals) were also provided through Messenger. 

Technical issues concerning the performance (stage setting, clothing etc.) were similarly resolved through this platform. 

Material from rehearsals was also uploaded by the educator, as well as self-reflection and reminiscing notes. The one below is from the day after the Amphitheater performances. 

Their interviews were likewise uploaded in Messenger for students to listen to what their peers had to say for the whole DIE experience. 

Finally, questions concerning this very research were addressed to several students (either via the group or in their personal accounts). 

The answers provided below, involve the question asked by the researcher concerning some of the students’ willingness to speak using a native-like accent from the beginning of the project, namely the auditions, although anxiety and shyness parameters were admitted in their questionnaire answers. 

Apart from the previous answers which clearly exhibit the students’ motivational stance and willingness to be part of the Drama team, the following response also demonstrates stimulation to practise language and do well in the performance owing to a feeling of duty to the team and the audience.   

All the educators of the project received important data on trouble-shooting issues and the effectiveness of the project which they used to self-reflect. Finally, they could not but marvel at the students’ composure and ethics, as well as impressive effort to acquire knowledge throughout the TIE-DIE process and ultimately produce exquisite results.