a discussion about some teaching tools

One of the selective courses I have chosen in term one is new technology used in language teaching. In this course, I am learning a number of great new technologies which could be used in the classroom.

There are various beneficial tools such as padlet.com, voki.com, mailvu.com, podcast, prezi.com, glogster.edu and other useful websites. Those websites used in teaching could enhance the students’ learning to some extent. I would like to discuss some pros and cons of some of the technologies used in teaching activities.

Firstly, padlet.com is a multi-functioned website which could be posted pictures, videos and words on it and the positions are flexible. What is more, students also can write their questions or opinions on it, so that teachers and other students could discuss about the questions. I use this page to play audioes and recordings for students during the class. Furthermore, they could review what they have learnt and practice the pronunciation via the website and preview what is going to be taught next lesson.

However, padlet has its disadvantages. Though teachers could post as many pictures or videos as they can, the page would go as long as it could. Therefore, when students try to find out the updated knowledge, they have to drag the bar to the end of the page and it costs time which in turns could distract the concentration of students. The solutions of that problem are two:

1. Save the resources separately from each lesson and put the link of the new padlet page onto the original webpage;
2. Note the date of each lesson on top of the materials on the page.

The two solutions could provide a clearer page view for students to locate and search for the resources they want.

The second technology tool I want to discuss is the Prezi. It works similar as Power Point, yet it has a more dynamic view when changing the pages. The design of Prezi is easier for teachers to insert pictures and videos or other teaching materials onto the pages. Since the searching bar is on the right side of the page which could efficiently improve the quality of preparation. However, there are some disadvantages such as the language setting only include English, Japanese, Korean, French and other four languages, which means the teachers of other languages could not choose this tool using for teaching.

Thirdly, there are the websites such mailvu.com or voki.com could provide the platform for communication in persons. Teachers might adopt these tools to communicate with students from long distance to answer their questions and monitor the progress students make. The disadvantages are that some websites charge money from users and the design of the characters’ look is not that satisfied which may decrease the interest of the students of using the websites.

The way of using technology is to enhance the effect of teaching and learning. However, the design of technology should be based on the students’ needs and the teaching planning. Teachers ought to avoid of decreasing the interactive between students. Technology is not the main topic in class, it should be combined effectively with teaching activities.

A View in St. Luke' s Campus.

I have been studying in St. Luke’s campus for nearly two months. Compared to Streatham campus, one of the most beautiful campus in the United Kingdom ( according to the website) , St. Luke’s looks small and simple. They have totally different styles, and it seems like st. Luke’s never try to attract people by its magnificent buildings. The school is old, we even have a chapel. As soon as you walked through the portal, you will be amazed by the marvelous view of the lawn and the old-fashioned buildings around.

I took this picture in St. Luke ’ s last week. It is neither about the chapel, nor the gardens. It is a cat on a memorial bench.

He is famous here, I have noticed this since the first day I came. He looks relaxed all the time and he is never afraid of human, which is very different from cats in China. Every time when someone having food on the bench, he will just jump onto the bench and stand near the person. Sometimes he also stares at them, wondering whether he can have the food, too, I guess.

The bench is impressing, too. Actually this is one of my favorite part of Britain. A bench here is not just a bench. It has been endowed with people’s love or memory. When you see it or sit on it, you can still feel the strength.

As to me, the cat on this bench is a sign of st. Luke’s, which represents people’s characteristic here, decent and peaceful. If one day you are impressed by people here, it should never because of something fancy and posh. It should because something deep in your heart.

Vid-cast

Hi all!!

Here is our vid-cast.
Enjoy watching.... : )

Edraw Mind Map

Hello everyone !!

Here we are again with a new tool which could be used in teaching and learning.

I used this software to include and conclude what I have learnt about the different theories of learning during the last four weeks.
It was a homework task for Principles of Language Learning - EFPM266.

here is an introduction of the software:

Edraw Mind Map is an easy mind map software with rich examples and templates which make it easy to create mind maps, brain-storming diagrams, project timeline, life planner, SWOT analysis and sketch maps. Through this mind mapping software, you can visualize your thinking and quickly arrange and organize your work before taking action, all to benefit you as well as people around you.

(From :http://www.edrawsoft.com/edraw-mindmap.php)

will be back soon to discuss the main question 

"How can we use this tool in teaching?"

Teaching speaking with computer tools

          Teaching speaking with computer tools

                             

For many of us, the computer has dramatically changed the way we live, work, study as well as the way we are teaching. Searching computerized library databases, using sophisticated programs to analyse large amounts of data, communicating with colleagues across campus or across the country through electronic mail—all of these are becoming essential of scholarly life. Yet when we step into the classroom, we rely mostly on technology instead of blackboards, chalk, textbooks, paper, and pencils.

Many students know the importance of speaking skills in English Language Learning. As an English learner of over 10 years, I know the situation where students set goals for themselves to get great improvement on their speaking again and again, but unfortunately, many of them cannot find an efficient way of enhancing oral ability.

                                     

This is not because they are not diligent enough, but because they did not find the most efficient way and tools to conduct speaking exercise. So here are two useful tools which will be introduced to be used in English class teaching: Voki and Mail VU. Both are really simple little tools, but are very effective for getting students to speak.

Voki  ( http://www.voki.com/)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwQTm_5s6Q

Voki is an application that lets you create personalized avatars to use on your wikis, blogs or websites. You can also e-mail these wonderful characters. It is a great way to motivate learners of any age, because they are very interactive and provide various options for students to customize them, such as presenting biographical information, expressing an opinion, or reading a poem.

The most attractive aspect of Voki avatars is that it can have students develop characters for digital storytelling projects. Students can create a Voki character as the main character in their digital stories! This is especially helpful with young learners who love reading and telling stories.

Some ideas about the implementing of Voki:

·       Students create avatars to read their short poetry.(languages classes)

·       After researching famous people, students could create avatars that resemble these famous people to present information, such as why they were important in history. (history classes)

·       At the beginning of the school year, students could create avatars to resemble themselves as an introduction to the class.(greeting and warming up activities)

·       Students could use Voki avatars to persuade the audience to act, such purchasing a product or voting for a candidate. (Social activities)

From: http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/speak-teaching-with-voki-30884.html?main-tab=1

Mailvu (http://www.mailvu.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cywuY8EDgw

MailVu is a tool which you can easily and quickly send video email in one click from your phone, iPad or laptop. Making video mail is a two step process with MailVu.  Record video, and send email.  No Youtube uploads or confusing steps to go through. In addition, the video mail is retractable, available on a PC account,  and stored on MailVu account servers, so up to 10 minutes of video can be sent, which is not possible in regular email accounts.

MailVu is also a great tool which you can communicate with students easily and help them with their pronunciation, speaking, and even listening skills. Educators can use it in Listening and Speaking classes so that teachers can see as well as hear students' homework.

Here are some quick ideas for MailVu in a listening/speaking context:

1      Assigning Work: Instead of repeating yourself over and over again in class, just send out a MailVu link to your Facebook/Twitter/etc.    

2      Homework: Students can practice tongue twisters, free speaking, or comprehension responses on MailVu. That way you can see their enunciation as well as hear their speech. 

3      Collaboration: Students can use MailVu to cooperate and collaborate with each other.

4      Presentations:  Students can use the press/record/send ease of functionality to prepare, present, share their presentations quickly with others in a different environment than the traditional classroom.

Witten by Una

Edited by Abdul 

VideoScribe

The first attempt in making a short movie by VideoScribe.
It is a useful tool to design visual materials to be used in our classrooms.

I will try to design some more movies using this tool and show you how useful it is


.. : )

Abdu

PADLET

http://padlet.com/wall/93x5npdo1tu2


Padlet is an online wall where teachers and learners can have discussions, share web links, post notices, collect feedback, or watch and share videos. Padlet accounts are free and you can make as many walls as you like. Students do not have to create an account to post on your walls. The notes you post can contain links, videos, images, and document files.
(from:http://classroom21.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/Padlet)