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	<title>Meetings &#8211; The Language Network</title>
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	<title>Meetings &#8211; The Language Network</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Our Language Network &#8211; New Momentum</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/new-momentum/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/new-momentum/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:25:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Admin & Legal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=2653</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Prologue. When Claire Oldmeadow, the founder, mentor, and almost single-handed manager of The Language Network passed away on November 16th, 2023, the association was dealt a heavy blow, and members were left wondering about its future.However, if one principle preoccupation reigned in that sad and troubling period, it was that The Language Network should live on, and continue to be active, in honour and memory of Claire’s unique vision, and her untiring work on behalf of all of us members. That was nearly two years ago, and today the impetus remains. The grassroots activities – principally the online meetings that became channelled into the “Watchdogs” group, then in addition the Qualiopi Mutual Support group – have continued to this day, with monthly meetings attracting a regular group of active members throughout this period. Behind the scenes, Mark Bayhurst continued in his role of President, working hand-in-hand with Greg Williams and with Claire’s husband, Olivier, who has been a constant source of support and mentorship, through his valuable insights into the administrative and financial structure of the Language Network. That structure was, to say the least, highly complex. Claire’s enthusiasm for helping to improve the lot of the independent language trainers she was supporting, combined with her thirst for new projects, meant that over a couple of decades, The Language Network had spawned many activities, including several ongoing language training courses, the BEST certification (in conjunction with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce), as well as the in-person and online activities dedicated to independent language trainers. At that time, The Language Network, or “TLN” as it was commonly known, was subdivided into two entities: The TLNS (‘S’ for ‘Services’) included the BEST certification and most (but not all) of the for-profit training courses. The TLNE (‘E’ for… anyone know? Maybe ‘Everything Else’!) also included some for-profit training courses, but principally covered the direct support and collaboration activities with the independent language trainers themselves. To help run this complex organisation, Claire hired the help of a salaried employee, Samantha Watson, and also hired some part-time help from Lucy Davis. In addition to these two branches of The Language Network, Claire came up with a new initiative in response to the increasingly severe administrative demands of the French government on training organisations. Her idea sowed the seeds of &#8216;Training People&#8217;: a separate organisation in the form of a company driving a professional language training offer, with the aim of providing work opportunities for Language Network members within a framework seeking to mutualise the ever-increasing burden of administrative tasks. Claire also had new projects on the communications front, and in her last summer, she sought to materialise her will to see the online ‘Blog’ of The Language Network matured into a full-on website, albeit simple and straightforward, that would be a showcase for the activities of The Language Network, but also a tool to foster communications between its members.For this project, she asked Ian Bailey to propose a website development within a limited budget, and the result is where you are reading this article today. Re-organisation. This is the legacy that Mark, our President, was bestowed and, despite the complexity of the mission, he was determined to help revitalise The Language Network. That has been an ongoing, behind-the-scenes task of rather ungratifying administrative procedures, and Greg Williams came forward to help by taking on the helm of the BEST certification test, to satisfy the ongoing demand, while at the same time coordinating with Olivier, on behalf of both branches of The Language Network: ‘TLNS’ and ‘TLNE’. It became clear that these two entities needed to be rationalised, with the ‘TLNS’ becoming responsible for all the for-profit activities, such as the BEST certification tests and the remaining training courses, leaving the ‘TLNE’ as the Language Network, a not-for-profit association providing opportunities for independent trainers to come together – on- and off-line – to share ideas, news, and views. So it was that in the summer of this year, Mark needed to convene an official meeting to ratify this position and rapidly appoint a couple of members to help him in the administrative tasks behind the running of these entities. Greg and Ian were obvious choices in the current context, and the meeting was held on the 24th June, 2025, online.As a result, Mark continues as President, while Greg took on the tasks of Treasurer, aided and abetted by Olivier, who continues to support us, not only as a paid-up member of the Language Network, but particularly in his precious mentorship for all things administrative.Ian agreed to take on the role of ‘General Secretary’, to assist the two principal officers: President and Treasurer, compulsory for any “Association loi 1901”. During this meeting, it was also required to ratify the statutes of the Association, which were reviewed and updated to reflect current realities: Removal of exam-related passages (now the domain of the BEST organisation) Opening membership beyond English language teachers to all independent language professionals including teachers of other languages, language coaches, and administrators. Simplifying member categories and membership expiration rules. Clarifying governance structures to the minimal required roles (President and Treasurer), with one-year terms for elected officers. This official restructuration ensures that Claire’s legacy continues with three separate, but interdependent, and mutually-supporting organisations: the Language Network: a not-for-profit association providing online and in-person opportunities for independent trainers of languages, language coaches, and other independent language professionals to share ideas, news, and views, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development. the BEST organisation: an association governing and conducting the BEST certification tests, in conjunction with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce, and still currently overseeing the remaining language training courses under the aegis of the ‘TLNS’. This association clearly needs to maintain its profit-based activity. Training People: from the outset, an independent company (SAS), born out of Claire’s original initiative, and offering opportunities for Language Network members to undertake professional language training missions. The Way Forward. 1.    Our first “Big Meeting” This brings us right up to the]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Watchdogs meeting 12th February 2025</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-meeting-12th-february-2025/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-meeting-12th-february-2025/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:15:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=1138</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Teaching Challenges Opening the meeting, Lynda and Ian discussed their experiences with teaching in higher education establishments and the challenges they faced, sharing their common preference to negotiate the content with the students, showing respect for their preferences. The conversation also touched on the use of technology, with Margherita joining the discussion and sharing her experiences with a new microphone.  Teaching Approach and Assessments Lynda discussed her teaching approach, which involves assessing students&#8217; needs and interests before designing the course content. She mentioned that she had used Chat GPT to help write up programmes for her students last term and planned to start with assessments this term. Lynda also mentioned a meeting with the responsible pedagogy to validate her approach and seek resources. Margherita and Ian suggested using a self-assessment grid to help students evaluate their own language skills. Lynda also shared her experience of having lively and enthusiastic students who were eager to read books and participate in class discussions. Improving Language Skills With Assessments The team discussed strategies for assessing and improving students&#8217; language skills. Marie proposed a group activity where students would assess themselves and then discuss with their peers, with the teacher providing feedback afterwards. We also discussed the use of an assessment tool, CLOE, which is free but doesn&#8217;t provide the teacher with a copy of the results. The team agreed to try out these strategies in their classes. Tests, Presentations, and Tools The team discussed various topics, including a listening test, a presentation task for students, and the use of a new community tool for polls. Lynda shared her plan to assess students through weekly presentations and mentioned a new course designer. Ian expressed his surprise at the quick booking of the meeting and suggested the possibility of another meeting next week. The team also discussed the confusing nature of the Calendly tool and the potential use of the new community tool for polls. Language Network Website Access Issues Ian, Margherita, Lynda, and Marie discussed issues related to accessing the Language Network website and the Fluent Community. Margherita and Marie initially encountered difficulties logging in, with Margherita mistakenly logging into WordPress instead. Ian clarified that the login process is separate from the website and that users can create their own accounts and Ian demonstrated how to do so. Users can create their own accounts to access the community, comment on posts, and contribute their own posts. Introducing New Online Platform Features Ian introduced the new online platform, explaining its features and how to use it. He demonstrated how to navigate the feed, spaces, and chat functions, and how to upload documents and links. He also discussed the limitations of the previous blog system and the need for a more functional platform. Lynda and Margherita expressed some confusion and asked questions about the new system, while Ian reassured them that it was easy to use and that they could experiment with it without any risk of doing any harm. Ian also acknowledged the need to create a space for job postings. The team agreed to continue exploring the new platform and to share their experiences with each other. Webinar on Chat GPT and Learnbook The team discussed a webinar about Chat GPT that Richard Osborne had conducted. Lynda mentioned that she had started watching it but got interrupted. Margherita and Ian also expressed interest in watching the recording. The team also discussed Learnbook, a platform that Richard Osborne had created, which was designed to centralize resources and send notifications to learners. The team agreed to watch the webinar recording and explore the Learnbook platform further. Exploring Communication Platforms and Groups In the meeting, Lynda, Margherita, Ian, and Marie discussed their experiences with various communication platforms, including Whatsapp, Telegram, and LinkedIn. They shared their thoughts on the pros and cons of using these platforms, particularly in the context of managing multiple groups. Lynda expressed interest in learning more about the Learn Book thing and the Linguaid webinar, which Ian agreed to share on the Language Network Community. Online Marketing and Networking Strategies The discussion focused on online marketing strategies and networking groups for business. Margherita and Ian shared their experiences with BNI (Business Network International) groups, noting the benefits of improving networking skills and business pitches, but also the time commitment required. We discussed the importance of having an online presence, particularly on LinkedIn and Google, for targeting potential clients. The conversation also touched on the need to evaluate the return on investment for networking activities and the challenges of balancing business networking with personal life commitments. Qualiopi Mutual Support Group Meeting Update The group concluded their meeting and discussed the next scheduled Quality Mutual Support Group meeting on Wednesday, March 26th at 6:30 PM. Ian mentioned that Kathleen had previously sent out the meeting link on January 17th, but that he could also post it on the online community, as this is password-protected.]]></description>
		
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Language Network Pre-AGM meeting 6th February 2025</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/pre-agm-meeting/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/pre-agm-meeting/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:43:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=989</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Language Network Pre-AGM meeting 6th February 2025. 6:30-8:20pm Participants: Samantha, Peter, Kathleen, Marjorie, Rodney, Katie, Lucy, Ian, Alison, Greg, Mark, Sue, Margherita, Sally, Rachel, Karen, Chloé 1. Introductions and Locations* Participants introduced themselves and shared their locations within France.* Discussion on the internet connectivity issues in Bordeaux. 2. The Language Network (TLN) and Language Network Services (TLNS)* Greg provided an update on the separation of TLN and TLNS.* TLN will remain a non-profit network for independent language trainers, while TLNS will handle commercial activities, including the BEST tests.* The separation aims to clarify operations and ensure compliance with VAT regulations. 3. BEST Tests* Discussion on the history and current status of the best tests.* Greg mentioned the need for new clients and potential ambassadors to promote the tests.* Rodney shared a tool for automated test correction, TestMoz. 4. Membership and AGM* Mark discussed the upcoming AGM and the need for members to be paid up to participate and vote.* Positions for president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary are open for election.* Discussion on whether the Qualiopi Mutual Support Group and the Watchdog group participation should be limited to the Language Network members.  5. Website and Communication* Ian highlighted the development of the Language Network website and the potential for a community networking feature.* Discussion on the transition from the blog to the website for communication and information sharing. 6. Membership Benefits and Ideas* Karen delightfully developed upon Lucy’s ideas about a directory of expertise where members can offer advice in their areas of specialization. * Suggestions for webinars, training, and social events as part of membership benefits.* Discussion on the potential for a YouTube channel and other digital resources. 7. Financial and Legal Considerations* Discussion on VAT implications for auto-entrepreneurs and professions liberales.* Sue mentioned potential changes in VAT thresholds and the importance of staying informed. 8. Open Forum and Ideas* Rodney shared ideas for using YouTube and other platforms for revenue and promotion.* Karen and others discussed the value of members contributing their expertise to the network. Action Items* Members to ensure they are paid up before the AGM to participate in voting.* Explore the development of a community networking feature on the website.* Consider organizing a presentation on the BEST tests for interested members.* Plan for the upcoming AGM (end of March to early April) and finalize the separation of TLN and TLNS. Closing Remarks* Greg thanked participants for their ideas and contributions, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in moving the network forward.]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting, 16th January 2025</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-jan-2025/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-jan-2025/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:54:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualiopi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=917</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting, 16th January 2025 Participants: Mark, Marjorie, Kathleen, Clare, Ian, Kate, Alison Agenda1. General greetings and introductions2. Discussion on attendance and apologies3. Updates on recent news and administrative matters4. Discussion on Qualiopi audits and related processes5. Examination of CPF contracts and conventions6. Discussion on language tests and certifications7. Updates on TLN meeting and membership8. Discussion on ERP compliance and accessibility Key Points Discussed Attendance and Apologies&#8211; Margarita sent apologies due to illness.&#8211; Marie can only attend on Wednesdays (elle a piscine !) Recent News and Administrative Matters&#8211; Mark mentioned a new &#8220;reste à charge&#8221; of 102 euros and 23 centimes, leading to a discussion on inflation and pricing schemes.&#8211; Clarification on the necessity of changing auditors after the fourth audit. Qualiopi Audits and Processes &#8211; Kathleen shared her strategy for scheduling audits to avoid holiday disruptions.&#8211; Marjorie and others discussed the timing of their audits and the importance of staying on schedule.&#8211; Concerns were raised about maintaining Qualiopi certification and the implications of moving business addresses. CPF Contracts and Conventions&#8211; Discussion on the necessity of having signed contracts for CPF students.&#8211; Kathleen shared her practice of using a standard contract and aligning it with CPF platform dates.&#8211; Marjorie and others debated the legal necessity of additional contracts beyond the CPF platform agreement. Language Tests and Certifications&#8211; Discussion on the TOEIC four-skills test and its administration.&#8211; Introduction of the English 360 proficiency test as a potential tool for assessing students.&#8211; Mention of the Language Test of English (LTE) as a new certification option. The Language Network Meeting and Membership&#8211; Upcoming Language Network meeting scheduled for February 6th at 6:30 PM.&#8211; Discussion on the influx of membership requests and the potential for new members joining the network.&#8211; Mark and Ian discussed the importance of recording the meeting for members who cannot attend. ERP Compliance and Accessibility&#8211; Marjorie raised concerns about needing an ERP (&#8220;établissement recevant du public&#8220;) certificate for her training facility.&#8211; Kate shared her solution of using a town hall facility to meet accessibility requirements.&#8211; Discussion on the legal requirements for accessibility and how to handle them for Qualiopi audits. Other Discussions&#8211; Sharing personal holiday experiences and travel.&#8211; Discussion on the challenges of maintaining language accuracy and idiomatic expressions.&#8211; Alison shared her stressful experience with a last-minute Qualiopi audit and the importance of timely preparation. Action Items&#8211; Kathleen to organize the next meeting on 26th February, at 6:30pm and send out details.&#8211; Participants to consider their ERP compliance and accessibility solutions.&#8211; Members interested in changing their Qualiopi certifiers to explore options like Pronio and Certifopac. ConclusionThe meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of staying on top of administrative tasks and certifications, as well as the value of mutual support within the group. Participants expressed appreciation for the shared insights and agreed to continue the discussions in future meetings. Click to see the recording In addition to the above link, you&#8217;ll also need the &#8216;secret&#8217; code to access this recording of the meeting. Please contact Marjorie, Kathleen, or Ian to get the code. Thanks!]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Watchdogs November meetings, 2024</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-november-meetings/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-november-meetings/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:15:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=834</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Watchdogs meeting 26th November 2024 Quick recap The team discussed the postponement of Margherita&#8217;s Qualiopi audit and clearing any confusion between the two organizations: the Language Network (&#8220;TLN&#8221;) and TLNS (language Network services&#8221;). We also explored the potential of using AI tools for language training and presentation generation, and the challenges faced by our business due to increased competition from low-cost international platforms. Lastly, we discussed strategies for attracting corporate customers, personal experiences, and planned for future meetings. During the meeting, there was a technical issue with Peter&#8217;s microphone, which made it difficult for the group to hear him &#8211; sorry Peter! Summary Qualiopi Audit PostponedMargherita&#8217;s Qualiopi audit was postponed to December 9th. One reason for the postponement was that Margherita knows the auditor. Margherita expressed her preference for complete objectivity in her business dealings, which led to a discussion about the need for another auditor.  TLN/TLNS ClarificationThe meeting discussed some confusion around the organizations TLN (The Language Network) and TLNS (The Language Network Services), which were previously run by Claire. Lucy clarified that TLNS covered Claire&#8217;s teaching services and the BEST tests, while TLN was the broader network. The group has been working to separate the two organizations legally and financially after the loss of Claire. The Language Network subscriptions.The team discussed the TESOL meeting in Paris, where members promoted the Language Network. There seemed to be a little confusion over the pricing of subscriptions that was shown on the presentation slides as a two-tier system, but this was based on the original subscription base, and the new subscription system has yet to be agreed on, presumably for the next Language Network online forum. The team also discussed the drinks evening which was held in honour of Claire that same weekend in Paris. It was attended by around 15 to 20 people, though unfortunately a little marred by loud music making it difficult to converse. Self-Evaluation Process for Training CoursesIn the meeting, the group discussed their experiences with a self-evaluation process for their training courses. Margherita explained that this process is a requirement for their work, but some members, like Lucy and Kathleen, had not been asked to fill it out before. They discussed the specific indicator (32) and criteria (7) related to this process. The group also discussed the importance of this process in tracking their progress and improving their training courses. Auditor Experiences and Training ReflectionsIn the meeting, Margherita, Greg, and others discussed their recent experiences with an auditor. Greg shared that his audit went smoothly, thanks to an experienced auditor who understood the overall context. They also discussed the importance of self-evaluation and reflection on training courses, with Margherita and others sharing their experiences. Further discussions on Qualiopi and quality procedures were referred to the upcoming Qualiopi Mutual Support group meeting the following week. AI Tools for Language TrainingIn the meeting, Margherita, Ian, and others discussed the use of AI tools for language training and generating presentations. Ian introduced the tool Gamma AI, which can generate presentations and images based on prompts. He demonstrated how to use it to create a presentation from a rapid translation of a French document into English. The team also discussed the potential of using AI tools for language training, such as improving English skills and prompt writing. Additionally, we explored the use of Excalidraw, a free tool for creating diagrams and timelines, and discussed the Linguaid Barometer, a report on the language training market. Effects of €100 Contribution DiscussedIn the meeting, the team discussed the effects of the €100 CPF contribution on their business. We noted a significant drop in related activity, with only 19.2% reporting an increase. The team also discussed the impact of the contribution on sales, with 40% experiencing a decrease in sales volume over the last year. We also discussed the challenges of selling our services, with most of us relying on word of mouth. We also discussed the competitiveness of the market and the growth prospects and obstacles we face.  Challenges From Low-Cost International PlatformsThe team discussed the challenges faced by their business due to increased competition from low-cost international platforms. They noted that these platforms were able to offer more hours for the same price, which was a significant factor in their potential drop in business. The team also discussed the issue of delocalization, where big operators were able to find trainers all around the globe, leading to a decrease in prices. We acknowledged that our business was more tailored and specialized, but struggled to explain our added value to customers. The team also reminisced about the past, mentioning the demise of some big operators, and the move of Berlitz out of France. We ended the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about a funny advertisement by Berlitz. Corporate Customer Attraction StrategiesIn the meeting, the team discussed strategies for attracting corporate customers and building relationships with companies. We acknowledged the challenges of companies not investing in training and the importance of personal connections. Kathleen shared her experiences from her early teaching job and how she transitioned into her current role. The team also discussed the potential of using anecdotes and personal stories to build relationships with companies. The conversation ended with a light-hearted discussion about the good old days in the teaching profession. Personal Experiences and Jomo DiscussionIn the meeting, participants discussed various topics including personal experiences, hobbies, and work-related matters. Kathleen shared her pastime of writing short stories and novels, while Margherita expressed her desire to spend weekends doing other things besides work. The group also discussed the concept of &#8220;Joy of Missing Out&#8221; (Jomo) and how it differs from &#8220;Fear of Missing Out&#8221; (Fomo). Ian reminded everyone that there are two meetings in November, the second one being the following day, to allow all interested members to attend at least one of the two meetings.The conversation ended with the announcement of the Qualiopi Mutual Support group meeting next Wednesday and the participants wishing each other a good night. (Meeting report by Zoom]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting, 6th November 2024</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-support-6-nov-2024/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-support-6-nov-2024/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:54:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualiopi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=784</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Date: 6th November 2024 19h30-20h45Participants:Marjorie, Kate, Ian, Clare, Margherita, Alison, Greg, Kathleen. General Discussion&#8211; The meeting began with casual greetings and comments about the autumn season and technology challenges.&#8211; Kate discussed her work situation, mentioning a shift from CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) to company-based work, primarily conducted online with clients in Paris.&#8211; Clare joined the meeting, and there was a light-hearted conversation about her appearance and recent birthday. Qualiopi Audits&#8211; Upcoming Audits: Alison, Margherita, and Greg have upcoming audits. Alison&#8217;s is scheduled for next Tuesday, Greg&#8217;s on the 26th of November, and Margherita&#8217;s on the 27th of November.&#8211; Preparation and Concerns:&#8211; Alison expressed concerns about the number of files to prepare and the selection process for audit files.&#8211; Participants shared experiences of auditors choosing files and the importance of being prepared for different approaches.&#8211; There was a discussion on the necessity of conventions for CPF clients and the importance of having a contract or agreement to protect oneself legally.&#8211; The group discussed the importance of having a process for collecting signatures and maintaining records, especially for CPF and Plan de Formation clients. Technical and Logistical Considerations&#8211; Audit Setup:&#8211; Greg expressed concerns about the physical setup for audits, preferring to have a separate screen to control what is shown to the auditor.&#8211; Kathleen and Clare shared their experiences of having auditors in their homes and managing the space to maintain control over the audit process.&#8211; Documentation and Proofs:&#8211; Kathleen shared her method of keeping a file of emails and documents as proof of processes and interactions.&#8211; The importance of having a system for tracking and documenting training processes was emphasized. CPF Specifics&#8211; Contracts and Conventions:&#8211; There was a discussion on whether a separate convention is needed for CPF clients, with varying practices among participants.&#8211; Ian shared an example of a CPF contract he signed as a student, highlighting that some training organizations issue additional contracts.&#8211; Retirement and CPF Eligibility:&#8211; Concerns were raised about clients who are retired or nearing retirement and their eligibility for CPF-funded training. Greg appropriately commented that this is something of a &#8220;grey area&#8221;! Subcontracting and Compliance&#8211; Margherita shared insights from a friend who was audited, emphasizing the need for subcontractors to ensure their processes are followed by those subcontracting them. Future Meetings and Social Events&#8211; The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, to accommodate Marie&#8217;s schedule.&#8211; Greg mentioned the upcoming get-together in honour of Claire, in Paris, on Friday 15th November, which Marjorie plans to attend, travelling up from the Cotes d&#8217;Armor! Closing Remarks&#8211; Participants were encouraged to remain confident in their processes and to be prepared for their audits.&#8211; The meeting concluded with well-wishes and a reminder of the upcoming social gathering in Paris.]]></description>
		
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		<title>Watchdogs meeting 30th October 2024</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-halloween/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:42:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=728</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[SummaryWe discussed our experiences with AI tools in teaching and the use of AI tools like OpenAI and Twee for research and lesson preparation. We also discussed our work as independent trainers, the challenges we face, and we shared our experiences working with various organizations and clients, discussing the benefits and challenges of working independently as language trainers. AI Tools in Teaching and WorkflowJanna talked about attending a TEFL training session called &#8220;The AI Driven Classroom&#8221; about using AI tools to automate processes and workflows in teaching. She presented a book titled &#8220;The Narrow Window&#8221; by Wilim Abrook, who led the TEFL training session, and she felt it could be interesting and potentially useful for integrating AI into the classroom.Ian asked the group if they use any workflow automation tools in their work. Kathleen talked about being involved in a project related to workflow. Integrating AI in the ClassroomWe discussed our use of AI tools like OpenAI and Twee for research and lesson preparation, and agreed that AI can be a valuable tool for saving time and providing new perspectives, but also emphasized the importance of not letting AI take over the creative process. Exploring AI Tools for TeachingIan shared his experiences with various AI tools, including Chat GPT, Quiz Wizard, and Twee, but also Magic School, which he recently discovered through the forum of a MOOC FUN training course he’s following on “Intelligence artificielle pour et par les enseignants”. These tools can be used to save time and enhance learning, such as generating quizzes from video transcripts or, as Alison explained, finding relevant scenes from films. Don’t hesitate to explore these AI tools further and consider using them for your own teaching and learning needs. Earning Badges for Training VerificationWe discussed the purpose and value of earning badges in training courses. Kathleen sees the badges as proof of completing training, which can be useful during audits. Janna said she used the badges to demonstrate her qualifications for training others. However, Ian raised concerns about the value of badges. So, while not obligatory, having the badges on file can help showcase your training efforts, if you are susceptible to receiving audits. Legal considerations of working as an external training provider.Ian discussed experiences with schools and organisations that impose on independent trainers the exact details of the programme they have to teach, and even the timing of the programme, which is contrary to the principles and regulations of sub-contracting (la sous-traitance) in France. Basically, this boils down to the idea that if a school or organisation is dictating the training content and methodology of the external independent trainers they hire, then these latter are in fact being treated in the same way as a salaried trainer would be. The “magic term” in French is “l&#8217;absence de lien de subordination juridique permanente”:  The main distinction between a subcontracting contract and an employment contract is the absence of a subordinate relationship. The relationship of subordination, which characterises a contract of employment, covers the three powers of the employer, namely the power of direction, control, and (disciplinary) sanction. Ian mentioned that in one case he had refused to follow their very detailed lesson plans and that the issue seemed to be resolved: schools and companies are generally acutely aware of the dangers of having their sub-contracting contracts deemed to be, in fact, employment contracts, and this can cost them dearly in terms of unpaid social contributions reclaimed by the likes of URSSAF.  Janna agreed that the school should not force their guidance on trainers and suggested that it could be a problem for some teachers more than others. Roles and Interactions With OrganizationsIan, Janna, Kathleen, Marie, and Alisson discussed their work and interactions with various organizations. Ian explained the roles of the Language Network, Training People, and the Language Network Services. He clarified that Training People is an entity created by Claire to help teachers by working with them as subcontractors. He also mentioned that The Language Network Services is a training organization with clients like Cartier and asset management companies. Janna explained that the involvement of Training People is, amongst others, to work as an ‘umbrella organisation’ for doing CPF contracts. TLNS Name Change and LeadershipIan discussed the relationship between the three organizations, specifically TLNS, and their Business English Skills Tests (BEST). He mentioned that TLNS is undergoing a possible name change and is working with lawyers to become an official entity, separate from the Language Network. Janna brought up the change in leadership at Training People, from Sue to Stuart, who is now running the training program. The group also discussed the dereferencing of the CUP Linguaskill test from the RNC and hence for use in validating CPF courses. European Competitiveness and Individual Learning AccountsIan shared a link submitted by Clare related to the Draghi Report on European competitiveness that mentions Individual Learning Accounts (LIAs), such as France&#8217;s CPF system. The report is interesting as it suggests Europe could support such initiatives rather than oppose them. Ian also shared a report from the European Association for the Education of Adults discussing quality in non-formal adult learning, highlighting the challenges for small operators. While not the main focus of the meeting, Ian provided these links as relevant background information. Independent Trainers&#8217; Working Hours DiscussedWe discussed our working hours as independent trainers.Janna and Kathleen estimated their working hours to be around 35 to 45 hours per month, excluding administrative tasks and lesson preparation. Ian, who also works as an independent trainer, mentioned that, like other independent trainers, he declares his teaching hours as part of his ‘bilan pedagogique et financier’ (BPF). The team also discussed a study (thanks again to Clare for the link!) that found independents (all professions, not just trainers) work 422 hours a year more than wage-earning employees. We discussed the source of the data for this article, which came from a questionnaire-based sampling method (INSEE, enquête Emploi 2003 à 2023). We also analysed the training hours, with Ian sharing]]></description>
		
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		<title>Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting July 16, 2024</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-mutual-support-july-2024/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/qualiopi-mutual-support-july-2024/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:24:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualiopi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=559</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Qualiopi Mutual Support Group July 16th 7:15pm Here&#8217;s the usual tongue-in-cheek recap of the meeting,once again, entirely written by our faithful transcription monitor, Tactiq: Subject: The Great CPF Conundrum and Other Adventures Hey Team, Hope you&#8217;re all doing well and enjoying the summer sun (or at least the occasional glimpse of it)! We had a lively meeting recently, and I thought I&#8217;d share the highlights with you all. Buckle up, because it was quite the ride! 1. The Great CPF Mystery: &#8211; Marjorie and Margherita are still trying to figure out if the CPF system is a labyrinth designed by ancient Greek gods. Spoiler: It probably is.&#8211; Ian shared his epic battle with URSSAF and social charges. Apparently, they want a huge amount off him before Christmas. We’re considering starting a GoFundMe. 2. The Case of the Disappearing Students:&#8211; Clare’s student has gone AWOL, possibly hiding in a bunker to avoid taking the TOEIC. Clare is now a part-time detective.&#8211; Margherita’s student tried to cheat with his wife whispering answers next to him. Subtlety level: zero. 3. The Dyslexia Dilemma:&#8211; We discussed the importance of being aware of dyslexia. Clare shared some great resources, including a MOOC, but unfortunately that’s now closed. Timing is everything, folks.&#8211; Marjorie is on a quest to find out if her student is secretly dyslexic or just really bad at English. 4. The Polling Paradox:&#8211; Ian will be sending out a poll to schedule the next Watchdog meeting. Remember, folks, click on it before it becomes ancient history. 5. The Audit Apocalypse:&#8211; Kate’s audit is coming up in September. We’re all rallying behind her with virtual pom-poms and possibly a sacrificial goat to appease the audit gods. 6. The Handi-Capade:&#8211; We need to be more prepared for students with special needs. Margherita has already taken a training course and is now our resident expert. Expect a pop quiz soon. 7. The Vague &#8220;Veille&#8221;:&#8211; Marjorie suggested we share our best practices for the &#8220;Veille&#8221;. Spoiler: None of us have a clue what we’re doing, but we’re in this together. 8. The Summer Siesta:&#8211; We’ll be taking a break until September. Enjoy the summer, recharge, and come back ready to tackle more CPF chaos. That’s all for now, folks! If you have any questions, comments, or just want to share your own CPF horror stories, feel free to reach out. Have a fantastic summer! Cheers! But, of course, Tactiq also did us a more serious summary of the meeting: Communication Issues: Our website and using it to communicate between us. Professional Status, social benefits and contributions: Discussion on different professional statuses like Auto-entrepreneur (Micro-entrepreneur) and EI (Entrepreneur Individuel). The benefits and drawbacks of being an EI versus an Auto-entrepreneur (Micro-entrepreneur). We discussed contributions and social charges, including how they are calculated and paid. Discussion on the CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) and its requirements. Training and Certification. CLOE Certification: Discussion on the CLOE certification process, including the cost, duration, and the necessity of becoming a partner. ETS Global: ETS Global&#8217;s requirements and the need to connect to platforms like WEDOFF for better visibility and compliance. Test Preparation: Experiences shared about students preparing for and taking certification tests, including issues with students not completing tests. Test Compliance: Emphasis on the importance of students taking their certification tests and the potential consequences for non-compliance, including being banned from using CPF funds. Regulatory and Compliance Issues Audit and Compliance: Discussion on the importance of being prepared for audits, particularly regarding the new regulations and requirements for CPF and other certifications. Handicap Awareness: Emphasis on the need to be aware of and prepared for students with disabilities, including training and tools to support dyslexic students. Tools and Resources Open Dyslexic Tool: Clare shared information about the Open Dyslexic tool, which helps convert documents to be more readable for dyslexic individuals. MOOC on Dyslexia: Online training on dyslexia that provides valuable insights and tools for supporting dyslexic students. The latest session has just finished, so keep your eyes out for the next one. Also on FutureLearn (Lancaster University): https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dyslexia Future Meetings and Polls Scheduling Future Meetings: Discussion on the need to schedule future meetings, possibly using a poll to determine the best dates. Watchdog Meetings: Clarification on the purpose of Watchdog meetings versus the Qualiopi group, with Watchdog focusing more on technological and pedagogical updates and not on Qualiopi issues. Miscellaneous Sharing Best Practices: Marjorie suggested sharing best practices for maintaining compliance and staying updated with regulations. Training and Development: Mention of various training opportunities and the importance of continuous professional development.]]></description>
		
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		<title>The Language Network ‘Watchdogs’ Meeting 14th June 2024, 7:00pm</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-14-june-2024/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/watchdogs-14-june-2024/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:01:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=473</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Language Network ‘Watchdogs’ Meeting 14th June 2024, 7:00pm Subject: The Great Chicken Rescue and Other Adventures Hey Team, Hope you&#8217;re all doing well and have successfully rescued your chickens from burning! Here&#8217;s a quick, tongue-in-cheek recap of our latest meeting, thanks to our AI assistant Tactiq: 1. Hello Overload: We kicked things off with a record-breaking number of &#8220;hellos.&#8221; If we had a dollar for each one, we&#8217;d be able to fund our own private island by now. 2. AI Magic: Ian dazzled us with tales of AI software that writes summaries, corrects spelling, and even predicts what we’re thinking. It&#8217;s like having a mind-reading robot assistant. Just don&#8217;t let it start correcting your grocery lists! 3. Food Talk: We discovered that Margherita is always eating during our meetings. She claims it&#8217;s a different meal each time, but we suspect she&#8217;s just a very slow eater. Also, cooking lessons in English were suggested. Who’s up for a virtual cook-off? 4. Height Surprises: Meeting people in person can be surprising. Apparently, some of us are taller or shorter than we appear on Zoom. Who knew? 5. Fossilized Mistakes: We discussed the eternal struggle of correcting recurring mistakes. Ian suggested setting mental alarms. Just don&#8217;t set off any real ones! 6. Seema&#8217;s Audit Adventure: Seema survived a grilling audit session that lasted all day. She had to prove she’s not just a great teacher but also a master of paperwork. Kudos to her for keeping her cool and impressing the auditor with her organizational skills. 7. Tech Talk: Ian is diving into Airtable and automation tools. It’s like Excel on steroids. We’re all eagerly waiting for him to automate our lives next. 8. Useful Tools: We shared some cool tools like Twee and NOLEJ for creating teaching materials. They’re like having a magic wand for lesson planning. Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! 9. Upcoming Plans: We’ll have another meeting in July. Some of us will be joining from exotic locations like Florida. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and Wi-Fi. 10. Burning Chicken: Special shoutout to Marjorie for reminding us that even the most riveting meeting must end when there’s a chicken to save from burning. Priorities, people! Thanks for all the laughs and insights. Looking forward to our next adventure together. Until then, keep your chickens safe and your AI assistants in check! Best, To watch for yourself, just click on the button below for the video recording of the meeting:(please note, limited viewing opportunity: the video will be taken down to make space on the server for the next meeting). Click here to watch the video NEW!For the code to watch the video, please sign up to the website chat, if you haven&#8217;t already.Then check out the Watchdogs activity there&#8230; Sign up to the Language Network website Our next meeting is due to take place in week 28.Click here to take part in the poll to decide the day and the time: Click here to go to the date/time poll For info, this is one week before the next Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting, which will be held on 16th July.]]></description>
		
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		<title>Qualiopi Mutual Support Group meeting June 11, 2024</title>
		<link>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/357-2/</link>
					<comments>https://thelanguagenetwork.online/357-2/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian BAILEY]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:16:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meetings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qualiopi]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thelanguagenetwork.online/?p=357</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Qualiopi Mutual Support Group 11/06/2024 19:01:32, 73 min Here&#8217;s the tongue-in-cheek recap of the meeting, entirely written by our faithful transcription monitor, Tactiq: Subject: The Great Teacher Whinge Fest and Audit Survival Guide Hey Team,Hope you&#8217;re all doing well and not drowning in paperwork!We had a lively meeting this evening, and boy, was it a rollercoaster. Here’s a quick (and hopefully amusing) recap:1. Marjorie’s Rant: Marjorie kicked things off with a heartfelt whinge about unmotivated students. She’s been trying to get them past the B1 level, but it’s like herding cats. One student even bailed 10 minutes before a planned 2-hour session. Classic!2. Audit Adventures: Clare shared her audit experience, which was supposed to be an all-day affair but ended at lunchtime. She strategically placed her best files on top, and the auditor took the bait. Well played, Clare!3. Kathleen’s Guilt Trips: Kathleen revealed her secret weapon for getting students to take their tests: guilt trips. She’s a pro at making them feel super guilty, and it works like a charm.4. Greg’s Double Trouble: Greg is juggling his teaching, the BEST tests, and an upcoming audit. He’s considering dropping the whole certification thing because, let’s face it, paperwork is a nightmare.5. Seema’s Chill Vibes: Seema has an audit on Friday but is surprisingly zen about it. She hasn’t touched her paperwork in weeks. We’re all rooting for you, Seema!6. Ian’s Tech Magic: Ian introduced a new chat feature on the website for us to keep in touch. It’s like WhatsApp but for our quality support group. Fancy!7. CPF Chaos: We discussed the potential impact of the €100 CPF fee. So far, it seems like it’s not being enforced, but who knows with these things?8. The Great Test Debate: We debated the best strategies to get students to take their validation tests. Kathleen’s guilt trips, Margherita’s threats of losing certification, and Marjorie’s idea of holding back a lesson were all on the table.9. Future Meetings: We decided to have our next meeting on July 16th at 7 PM. Kathleen might pop in with her Irish friends, so it could turn into a virtual pub night!Special shoutout to Marie, who has her audit this week. Good luck, Marie!That’s all for now. Keep calm and carry on teaching!Cheers! Tactiq also wrote us this more faithful summary&#8230; Participants: Marjorie, Clare, Kathleen, Ian, Margherita, Greg, Seema Key Discussion Points 1. General Updates and Issues:&#8211; Marjorie expressed frustration about students&#8217; lack of motivation and attendance, particularly in advancing beyond the B1 level in language proficiency.&#8211; Discussion on the challenges of getting students to complete their training and tests, especially when state funding (CPF) is involved. 2. Audit Experiences:&#8211; Clare shared her recent audit experience, which was shorter than expected. The auditor focused on specific students and course documentation.&#8211; Clare emphasized the importance of being organized and transparent, having updated CVs of trainers, and maintaining a detailed Excel table of trainers&#8217; expertise.&#8211; Discussion on the necessity of having a website to streamline the audit process.   3. Handling CPF and Training Tests:&#8211; Marjorie and others discussed the difficulty of ensuring students complete their tests, with some suggesting scheduling the test before the final lesson.&#8211; The group shared strategies for dealing with students who procrastinate or fail to complete their tests, including using guilt and emphasizing the importance of the test for certification. 4. Future of CPF and Training:&#8211; Concerns about the potential impact of the 100€ fee on CPF-funded training courses.&#8211; Discussion on the possibility of employers contributing to training costs and the complications that might arise from this.   5. Membership and Certification:&#8211; Confirmation that the membership fee for the Language Network is 75€.&#8211; Members discussed the process of paying the fee and obtaining receipts for audits. 6. Upcoming Audits and Preparations:&#8211; Seema has an audit scheduled for Friday and plans to review her paperwork.&#8211; Greg&#8217;s audit is scheduled for October, and he plans to prepare over the summer.   7. Technical and Administrative Tips:&#8211; Greg received advice on using dual screens during audits to manage document sharing more effectively.&#8211; Ian introduced a new plugin on the website for group chats and discussions, encouraging members to test it. 8. Next Meeting:&#8211; The next meeting is scheduled for    Tuesday, July 16th at 7 pm.  ]]></description>
		
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