Thursday 31 January 2013

Click n Learn - To Learn / Teach English Interestingly And Interactively


What is Click n Learn? What can Click n Learn do?

If you think it is ideal to teach / learn English while playing games, then you cannot miss a fabulous website called 'Click n Learn'. Click n Learn is a free website which provides numerous English teaching and learning resources related to different topics such as music, sports, traffic, colors, weather, etc. Also, all the materials are categorized into three levels (easy, intermediate, and difficult), which are convenient for users to use this website more properly.


Why is Click n Learn relevant to language teaching?

    1. It contains a lot of pictures, animations and audio effects; most 
        materials are designed as games. These are helpful to arouse 
        Ss' curiosity and attention, especially for young learners. 
    2. It includes vocabulary practice, grammatical rules, cultural 
        knowledge, etc. The wide-ranged materials are beneficial for 
        Ts / Ss to teach / learn.
    3. The materials will appear automatically from basic ones to 
        advanced ones. Ss can choose the most appropriate level and 
        material to learn instead of challenging the hardest part at the 
        beginning.
    4. Ts can select ore or more specific topics related to the 
        textbook to teach or to use this website as supplements. Also, 
        Ss can choose the most interesting topic to learn, which will 
        help promote learners' motivation and autonomy.


How can Click n Learn be used in / outside class?

    1. Ts can use the games as warm-up activities, which will easily 
        attract Ss' attention and make them more interested in the 
        following learning activities.
    2. It also provides materials to teach pronunciation (e.g. vowel 
        sounds, phonemes, dipthongs, etc.). In my context, speaking is 
        always ignored due to time limitation, and most Ss refuse to 
        speak just because they do not think they have good 
        pronunciation. Thus, Ts can take advantages on the exercises 
        to teach pronunciation in an interesting and interactive way, or 
        ask Ss to do further online learning / practice after school.
    3. Some grammatical exercises are also suitable to be used in 
        class such as tenses, voices, clauses, and so on. Also, the 
        lexicon part is also designed very well for learners, especially 
        for beginners. These are good materials for Ts to do questions 
        and answers in class. Ss also have opportunities to review 
        again and again at home.
    4. The materials in this website are mainly divided into different 
        topics. For example, the topic 'number' requires both English 
        and mathematics skills to answer the questions. Maybe there is 
        a possibility for Ts to develop and promote 'CLIL' (Content & 
        Language Integrated Learning), which means to apply what Ss 
        learn in target language to other subjects.


What limitations are there?

    1. This website is basically designed for Spanish speakers. 
        Therefore, it is inevitable to see some Spanish terms appearing 
        on the webpage. What's more, some instructions are only 
        written in Spanish. Sometimes it may be interference while 
        teaching / learning. 
    2. The background audio effects sound good, but from time to 
        time it may distract Ss' attention. Also, there are some 
        misspelling words which may cause misunderstanding if T does 
        not clarify the errors.
    3. Some grammatical questions can not be answered merely 
        based on Ss' English knowledge (see 'passive voice' for 
        example). Instead, it requires knowledge in other fields to 
        successfully choose the correct answer and language learning 
        may be out of focus. Thus, Ts should be responsible for 
        choosing or recommending suitable materials to maintain 
        teaching / learning quality.

Monday 28 January 2013

Breaking News English - An Amazing Website to Teach Current Events



What is Breaking News English? What can Breaking News English do?

Created by Sean BanvilleBreaking News English is a free website which provides current news regularly. There are numerous online teaching resources related to each piece of news. Ts can get printable and downloadable lesson plans and online quizzes for teaching; even Ss can learning News English by themselves. This is really an ideal language teaching / learning website.


Why is Breaking News English relevant to language teaching?

    1. In my context, current events are important for entrance 
        exams, and some cram schools even provide News English 
        classes. As for Ts in public schools, what they always do is to 
        copy newspapers or to use magazines as teaching materials. 
        However, sometimes it costs a lot and it takes Ts a lot of time 
        to do the preparation work. With this website, Ts can not only 
        save time and money but also make teaching more interesting 
        and interactive.
    2. It mainly includes reading, listening, and writing exercises. Ts 
        can add additional speaking practice based on time and Ss' 
        abilities. It is easy for Ts to take care of four abilities.
    3. It gives Ss more opportunities to do self-learning. Ss can 
        choose topics which interest them to do extra practice. It will 
        help promote their motivation and make them become more 
        autonomous learners. Furthermore, the materials can be 
        downloaded as PDF or MP3 files, so Ss can store them in 
        digital devices or smartphones which allow them to learn 
        anytime.


How can Breaking News English be used in / outside class?

    1. T can ask Ss to listen to the news on this website carefully and 
        give them some questions to check their comprehension, or 
        invite Ss to share what they have listened with other Ss.
    2. T can make Ss to do "sentence jumble" and "no letter" after 
        listening to the text. By doing this, Ss can get good results due 
        to their fresh memory. If possible, T can make Ss pair up to 
        see which pair could finish the mission first. To me, these two 
        exercises are interesting and exciting. Thus, Ss' may have 
        higher motivation towards language learning and more 
        involvement during class.
    3. Besides, there are still a lot to do based on this website. 
        However, it is important to note that T should choose suitable 
        materials and use them appropriately according to Ss' language 
        proficiency. 
    4. Actually, I tried to use this website when I was teaching. It 
        was two years ago, after my Ss finished the Basic Competence 
        Test (the standardized entrance exam for ninth graders), I used 
        this website to teach News English. However, there were only 
        two computer classrooms in my school. What I want to   
        mention here is that T can use the lovely materials on this 
        website to teach whether each S has a computer or not. The 
        following is my brief description about how I used it in a 
        normal classroom, presented by My Brainshark.



What limitations are there?

    1. There are too much information on this website; sometimes it 
        looks too complicated. On the one hand, it provides Ts a lot of 
        teaching resources. Nevertheless, on the other hand, Ts should 
        select materials wisely for each class. By doing this, Ts can 
        make their teaching more effective and efficient, or going 
        through too much unnecessary materials may become a waste 
        of time.
    2. Basically speaking, it requires better English abilities to learn 
        the materials of this website. If T use it in a mix-ability class, it 
        is possible that the low achievers may lose their confidence 
        and interest in learning English.
    3. This website is already good enough, but if some visual     
        elements related to the news can be added, this website will 
        definitely be more attractive.

Jing - An Unbelievable Screencast Tool

What is Jing? What does Jing do?

Jing is an unbelievable screencasting tool which can be used to record everything happening on your screen. By registering for free, you are able to get 2GB storage. After finishing the video, you can store, download, or share it online.

How to use Jing?

    1. Link to www.techsmith.com/jing.html, download Jing, and 
        sign up.

    2. Then Jing will appear on the top of screen. Click 
        "Capture" to decide which area on the screen will be      
        recorded.


    3. Click "Capture a video" and starting to record.

    4. After finishing, you are able to save the video or share online. 
        Click "Share via Screencast.com" to upload the video, and 
        then Jing will send back a link of your video. 

The following link is a self-made Jing video about giving feedback to Ss. (The author of the article is my previous student, who is now an eight grader. She sent me her article, and it only took me less than ten minutes to give her feedback. Amazing, isn't it?)

Why is Jing Revelant to language teaching?

    1. It provides a good way for Ts to give detailed and personal 
        feedback on writing. Reflecting my previous experience, I 
        used to correct Ss' works or give feedback only by writing, and 
        sometimes I only provided something very general. By using 
        Jing, Ts can give both visual and audio feedback, and Ss can 
        understand T's suggestions more clearly. Besides, using Jing to 
        give Ss feedback is helpful for protecting Ss' 'face'. They can 
        watch feedback privately instead of being corrected in public. 
        Moreover, Jing video will be stored for a long time, which 
        means Ss can watch their feedback again and again.
    2. Ss can use Jing to do presentation. It will make the preparation 
        work more interesting, and it is also helpful to promote Ss' 
        motivation.
    3. It's extremely easy to use. There are more possibilities in Jing 
        than in paperwork.

How can Jing be used in / outside class?

    1. T can give feedback on Ss' writing by using Jing. During the 
        process, it is not necessary for T to correct all the errors for 
        Ss. Instead, T can just mark the error and ask Ss to think about 
        it then revise a new version.
    2. Ask Ss to do presentations (individual or group) or storytelling. 
        The presentations or storytelling will become more attractive 
        with both visual and audio effects.
    3. After doing some activities in class, T can provide an overall 
        feedback to all the Ss by sending each S the link.
    4. Ts can implement Jing in different teaching activities. For 
        example, explaining grammatical concepts, introducing 
        new vocabulary, providing supplementary or distant teaching.

What limitations are there?

    1. The maximum of video is only five minutes. Sometimes the 
        time limitation is not enough for Ts to give all the feedback at 
        a time.
    2. It requires users' speaking ability. Also, there is no way return 
        after pressing "record". So if the user makes mistakes all the 
        time, it will take a long time to finish a video.  
    3. It is time-consuming for Ts to give each S feedback by using 
        Jing. Take myself for example, I can finish checking a short 
        article in five minutes; however, the whole process of using 
        Jing may take me more than ten minutes. This factor may 
        result in Ts' unwillingness to use it.

Sunday 27 January 2013

My Brainshark - A Fantastic Way For Presentation

What is My Brainshark? What does My Brainshark do?

My Brainshark is a simple, fast, and free web-based tool which enables users to combine videos, photos, documents, or PowerPoint slides with voice for presentations that can be viewed online any time.


How to use My Brainshark?

    1. Go to www.brainshark.com and register for your free My 
        Brainshark account.

    2. After logging in, click "upload content" to upload for example, 
        PowerPoint files. You are also able to add some information 
        such as title, description, categories, and tags.

    3. Click the microphone to record your voice. Then you can 
        make the recording for each slide.

    4. Click "End Recording Session" and then everything is done. 
        You can preview immediately, get the link, embed in your 
        blog, or even share it on Youtube.

The following is a self-made presentation about my hometown. Enjoy it!

Why is My Brainshark relevant to language teaching?

    1. It's a great tool for Ss to practice speaking, from pronunciation 
        to presentation. Moreover, in order to protect their 'face', most 
        Ss will practice a lot in advance for better recordings.
    2. It increases Ss' learning opportunities. For example, in my 
        context, I have to be responsible for large class. Thus, I hardly 
        have time to help Ss with their speaking. Also, some Ss are too 
        shy to speak in public. By using My Brainshark, each S can 
        practice as many times as possible after school until they are 
        satisfied. 
    3. Ts can use My Brainshark in / outside class, even for distant 
        teaching. If Ts only have limited time, then he / she can do  
        supplementary teaching by using My Brainshark and embed it 
        in blog for Ss to watch. It really breaks the limitation of time 
        and space, and makes teaching more flexible.

How can My Brainshark be used in / outside class?

    1. T can use My Brainshark to design warm-up activities. For 
        instance, introducing the main topic today, asking pre-reading 
        questions, and so on. 
    2. T can select one or more topics for Ss to make a presentation. 
        However, it is necessary to make regulations of time limit 
        based on Ss' abilities. Storytelling is another amazing activity 
        which matches well with My Brainshark. They do not need to 
        spend a lot of time making PowerPoint slides. Instead, they 
        can present their stories with only a few pictures. 
    3. My Brainshark can be used not only for individual 
        presentations but also team / group presentations. When 
        preparing team / group presentations, Ss can improve their 
        English as well as the abilities to cooperate / collaborate with 
        peers.
    4. T can provide supplementary teaching to overcome the lack of 
        time. Also, T can provide distant teaching when necessary. 
        (e.g. The school is closed due to weather condition.)

What limitations are there?

    1. The maximum of recording is 15 minutes. It may not be 
        enough for advanced learners to give a presentation.
    2. The video is not downloadable and can only be played online.
        This will be a problem if there is no sufficient computer / 
        Internet equipment at Ss' homes.
    3. It is a bit time-consuming for Ss to go through the whole 
        processes (selecting the topic→making PowerPoint 
        slides→thinking about oral presentation→doing technical 
        work). Some Ss may give up or choose to be perfunctory.
    4. T may spend much more time checking Ss' works. It will be 
        even more time-consuming for T to give individual feedback. 
        This disadvantage may result in T's unwillingness to use this 
        tool.

Saturday 26 January 2013

Dvolver - An incredible moviemaker

What is Dvolver? What does Dvolver do?

Dvolver is a free and convenient Internet tool that enables you to produce your movies. What you need to do is to select characters , backgrounds, scenarios, and add your own dialogues in the bubble. It is very easy to use and also a great choice for language teaching, especially for younger learners.

How to use Dvolver?

    1. Link to www.dvolver.com and click "make a movie."
    2. Select one of the backgrounds and sky images for your movie.
    3. Click “next” and then select a plot scenario.
    4. Click “next” and then select the characters you want.
    5. Click “next” and type the dialogue text for each character.
    6. Click "next" and select a background music.
    7. Click "next" and add another scene to repeat this process, or 
        you can continue to finish the movie after entering the title and    
        the author.
    8. Preview your movie and send it to others. You can also embed 
        the movie in a blog or website and share it with the world.

The following is a self-made movie. I adapted the dialogue from the textbook in my context (Taiwan), which is for nine graders.






Why is Devolver relevant to language teaching?

    1. It makes teaching more interesting. Compared with the 
        texbook picture above, the movie is more vivid and attractive   
        to Ss. The learning environment will also become much  
        friendlier. 
    2. It is free, simple and quick to use, but gives very professional 
        looking results which can be shared. Movies / animations are  
        great at showing Ss the chronological order of the dialogue as 
        they actually do exist in time. The convenience is also an 
        advantage for Ts to use it in language class.
    3. Ts can use this tool to design various language teaching 
        activities which will be described in the following part.

How can Devolver be used in / outside class?

    1. T can use Dvolver as warm-up activity or as a tool to teach 
        dialogue / conversation. For example, T can make a movie 
        about today's topic and have Ss to guess what it is. Like 
        riddle-guessing, Ss will pay more attention and involvement 
        to what they are learning.
    2. It is a good way for T to ask Ss to give group presentations 
        via Dvolver. Ss will learn how to choose and organize the 
        most important concepts together to make a movie.
    3. It promotes Ss' creative thinking. For example, T can ask Ss to 
        'create conversation' based on specific ideas such as a word, a 
        place, a festival, and so on. Besides, Ss can practice telling 
        English jokes by using Dvolver. If Ss have their own blogs, 
        they can also embed the movie in their blog.
    4. It is also possible to do storytelling with Dvolver. Ss who are 
        interested in cartoons, animations, and movies will have more 
        motivation in language learning.


What limitations are there?

    1. Limited technical support:
        (1) The maximum of each sentence is 100 letters, the 
              maximum of scenes is 'three', and the maximum of 'movie 
              title' is 20 letters. Sometimes they are not sufficient when
              using. 
        (2) When playing the movie, the flow is a bit too fast and there 
              is no 'pause button'. This will be a disadvantage for mixed-
              ability class, especially for low achievers.
        (3) No audio. Listening is a significant factor when learning a 
              language. However, Dvolver can only provide 
              background music during the process.
        (4) You can not edit the movie afterwards. What you can do is 
              to repeat the whole process again. Sometimes the inability 
              to edit is inconvenient and time-consuming.
    2. Ethical considerations:
        (1) Some of the characters dress improperly, which may result 
              in negative influence for younger learners.
        (2) It is possible for naughty Ss to put inappropriate words or 
              sentences into the conversation if T does not remind them
              in advance.

Friday 25 January 2013

TodaysMeet - A Free Online Chatroom


What is TodaysMeet? / What does TodaysMeet do?

TodaysMeet is a free instant online chatroom which can be used for interaction. Users can create and enjoy chatrooms immediately without registering in advance. It is a very convenient tool for Ts to use for interaction with Ss. 

How to use TodaysMeet?

For Ts


  1. Link to www.todaysmeet.com
  2. Name your room (e.g. Class305), check its availability, and then copy the web address (e.g. todaysmeet.com/Class305)
  3. Decide how long you want the chatroom to last (from 2 hours to a month)
  4. Press "Create your Room" and tell Ss the web address.

For Ss

  1. Link to the right web address (e.g. todaysmeet.com/Class305)
  2. Enter your name then press "Join" to enjoy chatting

Here's a demonstration video about how to use TodaysMeet.


Why is TodaysMeet revelant to language learning?

  1. It creates more chances for T and Ss to have more instant interaction, especially for large classes. Moreover, the interaction is not only between T and a single S but also among the other Ss.
  2. It provides a relatively-friendly and attractive learning environment. For most Ss, learning online is interesting, and it may promote Ss' language learning motivation. For 'shy' Ss who are not willing to speak in class, they can also express opinions by using TodaysMeet. For Ts, it is easier for them to collect Ss' feedback.
  3. It dismisses the limitation of time and space. Learning can last after class and it can happen in various places. For example, Ts can implement TodaysMeet to 'distance instruction'.
  4. It is extremely simple to use and totally free. For most Ts, simplicity and cost-effectiveness are two significant factors when deciding whether to use technology in class. After discussing, T can easily print the whole transcription for further use.

How can TodaysMeet be used in / outside class?

  1. For warm up activities, T can do 'brainstorming' by using TodaysMeet. T can see Ss' thoughts clearly and immediately, and everyone can also bring up comments on one another's ideas.
  2. Through typing, it is also useful for Ss to review spelling. Also, Ss can practice making sentences, or even they can take turns to make stories (cooperative writing).
  3. Ss can do reflective writing or give T feedback at the end of class. Using TodaysMeet is helpful for Ts to collect these data in an easy way.
  4. Ss can organize group discussions after school. If necessary, T can also participate in their discussion to give suggestions.


What limitations are there?

  1. Passive Ss may keep silent and have little involvement; it is also possible that they choose to ignore some of the information.
  2. It is inevitable that in large class, Ss' response would disappear soon on the screen because the flow is too fast.
  3. Naughty Ss may easily type something improper in chatroom if T does not manage the class well.
  4. Though it is free, it still requires computer equipment and Internet access for every participant.