Week 8 assignment 1- 3 Technologies for the future of Adult Education

Wow we have reached the end of 8 weeks for this course.  While it was quit challenging at times, it was also very enlightening and informative.  I never knew how to create a blog until this class. While I found it to be scary at the beginning I really enjoyed reading and learning from my colleagues blog. 

For this weeks’ assignment 1 we had to choose three technologies that we discovered through reading our colleagues’ blog that we thought would be beneficial to adult teaching and learning and that we might consider using.  This has been quit and enlightening and informative 8 weeks. I have discovered many technologies that could enhance adult learning.  In reading the blogs many of us had similar ideas in what technologies could be used to enhance adult education learning. 

The 3 technologies that caught my attention were mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), smart boards and TED Talks. 

We all own one or more mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets no matter what they are (IPhone, IPad or Samsung, etc.,) they all allow us to have 24/7 access right at our finger tips. We are able to make phone calls, text, and email, even listen to music, as well as keep in contact with family and friends both close and far and much more.  Robin Cureton discussed smart phones, tablets in week 4 discussion.  She believed that both smartphones and tablets are great for adult educations.  Both offer flexibility and allow students to engage more in their learning process.  There are many applications that we can download for free that we can use in teaching adult such as literacy skills, digital citizenship, etc.  WE can down load Prezi for free (www.prezi.com).  Prezi is a zooming visual presentation software alter to Power Point.  It allows for collaboration between authors, as well as supports idea organization by topic, promotes presenting in a flexible manner and is graphically refreshing.  Also google apps (some are free) (http://www.google.com).  Google apps offer tools that promote ways for your library to interact with and engage adult learners.  It arouses the learner’s interest (Google+, Blogger, Picasa) or presenting information (YouTube, Calendar, Sites) to facilitating hand on activities and providing a means of practical application (collaborating using Docs).  Google has an application for almost everything.

Smart boards - (http://www.smartboards.com).  Smart boards replace the old traditional overhead projectors, they make the learning environment more fun, and it provides hands on collaboration and creates a perfect learning setting.  Smarts boards (1) provide flexibility (2) enhances the teaching/learning experience, (3) students interact and share, (4) low-maintenance, (5) access to online information & tools, (6) going green, (7) technology integration, (8) communication.  Students find it easy to engage with lessons and gain a better understanding of the over lesson when smart boards are used.  Honestly, I cannot remember which of my colleagues suggested smart boards, but ever since it was mentions in one blog, it has stuck with me as a great tool to use with my students. 

TED TALKS - WWW.TED.com – has over 1400 short (18 min) videos from some of the most engaging speakers around the world.  Some of those speakers are Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking.  Videos cover almost any topic, such as technology, entertainment, design as well as learning a 2^nd language.  TED Talk could be incorporated into the classroom, to spark conversations, has a great platform that enables one to create entire lessons around specific TED talk, have students give subject-specific TED talks and finally students can create TED Talk units that allow students not only to brainstorm, but also allows them to put all the information together in a compelling, cogent and convincing manner.  TED Talk are great resources for adults learning a second language especially for advance listening activities.  TED Talk was discussed in Charles (Jim) Schooler blog on July 23, 2015. 

The education fields needs technology like TED TALKS, Mobile devices, Smart boards in order for students, learners and educators to continue to grow in their learning process. 

Technology no matter what it might be mobile devices, TED Talk, smart board, etc., our education system needs them so that students, learners and educations can continue to grow in their learning process.  Technology is here to stay, is we need to be abreast to what is new and what is working and not working. 

References

Cureton, R. (2015, July 23).  Week 4. (Blog post).  Retrieved from http://www.rcuretons.blogspot.com/2015/07/week-4-assignment-1.html

Russo, B. (2015, July 30). Week 5. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://brittanyannarusso.blogspot.com/

Schooler, C. (2015, July 23). Introducing Two Great Mobile Apps for Education [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://jimschoolersedtech.blogspot.com

Week 7- assign 1- DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Digital Citizenship

Weeks 7 blog assignment is about Digital Citizenship.  Digital citizenship is defined as the norms of appropriate (safe & respectful), responsible behaviors with regard to using technology (Ribble, M. (n.d.).  No matter what we call it, digital citizenship, digital wellness or digital ethics, we need to have rules, regulations in place to teach our students the proper way to behave.  Digital citizenship covers a whole range of important issue such as netiquette, bullying on the internet, how to access technology, safety and privacy online, plagiarism, copy write, laws and procedure and many more.

The way we communicate today has change since years ago.  We know can communicate and keep track of things 24/7 with the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. We can send emails, as well as message.  Using these devices to communicate has created a whole new way of interacting with people the who, how and when.  Communication being the key word.  When using technology to communicate one should know the proper forms of digital etiquette. Digital communication and digital etiquette to me go hand in hand.  Learning how to communicate appropriately for each vehicle of communication is as important as selecting the best option for communicating in each situation. Digital communication is electronic exchange of information and digital etiquette are the electronic standards of conduct or procedure (Ribble, M. (n.d.).    All electronic communication should be treated in the same way we would handle face-to-face communications with students, parents and colleagues.  Netiquette is the term being used for internet etiquette, they are rules for internet behavior.  .  For examples when writing an email it is important to include all of the following: (1) identify who we are, (2) include a subject line, (3) avoid sarcasm, (4) acknowledge and return message promptly, (5) copy with caution, (6) no spam (a.k.a. junk mail), (7) be concise, (8) use appropriate language, (9) use appropriate emptions and (10) use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning (Roblyer, & Doering, 2010).

In my research this week I came across the following resources and technology one can use to teach digital citizenship. 

            BrainPop - https://www.brainpop.com/technology/freemovies/digitaletiquette/

BrainPop has over 1000 short videos that can be used for educational purpose to help students understand certain complex topics.   25% of the schools in the US are currently using BrainPOP.  Any of the videos on BrainPOP could be used as icebreakers to start off a new content.   

The above URL will lead us to great short video on Digital Etiquette that discusses the best way to communicate on the internet.  It is very easy to understand, it also includes a quiz and activity to review with your class.  This video is free for everyone and it is part of a larger series of subscribers on Digital Citizenship.  When teaching digital citizenship (any of the 9 elements) we as educators need to make it a point to tell our students that we must treat others, how they would like to be treated, so it is important for us to keep our messages and post honest and positive, we always need to double check our message before sending and never disclose information you do not want the world to see. 

             Ikeepsafe.org - http://ikeepsafe.org/about-us/

This is a nonprofit international group with over 100 people from all parts of the world, with different careers.  Some people are political leaders, business leaders, educators, police enforcement, experts of technology, doctors, nurses, etc. IkeepSafe keep tracks of all the new trends that are available globally pertaining to digital products, and how they may affect people who use them. IkeepSafe can help guide on how to use certain devices and platforms in a healthy and safe way. It has created many products and tools that can be used within a a learning community of digital citizens.

Some other resources teachers can use, I thought they were good and interesting for me to share. 

Web 2011 - http://web2011.discoveryeducation.com/ - Web 2.0 for 2011. Access great content on
Internet Safety, Media Literacy and links to Web 2.0 Tool. The site is rich
with little flash videos detailing the explanation and use of Web 2.0 Tools in
the classroom. This is a great resource for new teachers and veterans to learn
about Web 2.0 tools.

New Teacher Survival Central - http://discoveryeducation.com/survival/ - Includes Tech Tools for teachers and students, new
teacher blogs, classroom tools, and curriculum resources, Tips/tricks on:
Classroom Environment, Classroom Management, Parent Communication, Cool tips on
Green Screens and more!

            Incorporating digital citizenship into our curriculum means (1) always model appropriate behavior (lead by example) - students watch what we do, even if we don’t realize that they are looking and starring at us.  They watch how we act, how we treat others and how we engage with the world around us.  A great example is if we do not want our students to check their cell phones during class, then we should not check ours as well; (2) we should openly discuss online etiquette – students are engaging online every day, without having supervision.  They may be reading, looking at things they should not be.  One could incorporate a discussion on celebrities and their high profile and how they have gotten into trouble using say social media; (3) incorporate social media into our lessons - a great way to model behavior, discuss online actions, and provide a safe environment for students to learn and explore. Establishing a blog, for students to post work, comment and engage in online discussion (Carey, 2015). 

            No matter what we do, the most important factor I believe is leading and setting the example for our students. 

                                                          
                                                           References

Carey, J. (2015). 3 Quick Tips for Building Digital Citizenship.  Retrieved from http://edtechteacher.org/3-quick-tips-for-building-digital-citizenship-from-jen-carey-on-edudemic/

Ribble, M. (n.d.). Nine elements: Nine themes of digital citizenship. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html

Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010). Netiquette: Rules of behavior on the Internet. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/

Week 6- assign 1 - Distance Education

Distance Education

Wow I cannot believe we are already in week 6.  This has been quit a learning experience for me.  So much information has been given in such a little amount of time.  At times it has been over whelming. 

For this weeks’ blog discussion we had to research open and distance education and choose two technologies that could enhance adult education and incorporate into our teaching. 

Distance learning technology

Animated pedagogical agents (APAs) – APA is a software agent that guides user through virtual (computer-based) environments.  They are commonly presented as an image and voice.  The animated figures operate in a learning environment which aims to support learners in their learning process and path.  These images come in many different guises, including humans, animals and animated object. It also helps with problem-solving and critical thinking as well as being a great motivational tool.  With this tool students want to learn because it is fun.

APAs have many pros and cons. Anxiety can be decreased as well as enhancing students to key elements.  According to Lin & Tseng, (2012) the animations play important role in the field of educations and different subjects can be learned by using this tool, it is especially good for language learning.

Years ago when learning English as a second language students depended heavily on printed text and audio materials such as cassette tapes, audio CDs and radio broadcast (Xiao & Jones, 1995). The animated characters help students with their pronunciations of new words.  Because learning English was growing different approaches were used such as Assisted-Language-Learning (CALL) - and Mobile-Assisted-language-Learning (MALL).  Both are very important as virtual aids teaching student pronunciation, vocabulary, articulations and so forth.  The animated talking head animation help with saying words and telling stories to students. (Wik & Hjalmarsso, 2009). 

As a future educator I could incorporate Voki (www.voki.com).  Voki allows students to create their own personal avatars and it is also free.  They are great in practicing speaking, writing and reading skills with students of all ages.  Creating an animated character and giving it a voice can be fun to do and helps in breaking down the inhibition that many students face with recording themselves speaking in English.   Students will be ask to create virtual presentation using Voki speaking avatars on what they have learned thus far in the course. Depending how long the course is on could incorporate 2 of them, one half way thru the course and one ant the end of the course.  Students have fun creating them as well as the peers have fun listening to them.  Voki allows students to demonstrate their learning and test their stylistic devices, it reinforces classroom instructions, and it’s fun.

Open Education

            Below are two resources I am across in my research this week and feel could be incorporated into my teaching.  Like all each have its pros and cons, but with proper planning and organizing each could be used. 

OpenLearn (www.open.edu/openlearn/)

OpenLearn allows student to have free access to over 8,000 hours of materials to use for their studying as well as getting expert opinions on various topics available thru English Open University courses.

 LnaguageBox - (www.languagebox.ac/uk)

Languagebox – a tool used for organizing, managing, storing, and publishing ones’ own teaching work (resources) on the web.  It is great for sharing activities, exercises, handout, podcast, videos, etc. One can store anything you could ever imagined.  It is fairly , signup is free and one will be able to take advantages of its resources. 

 
                                                                   References

Lin, C. & Tseng, Y. (2012). Videos and animations for vocabulary learning.  A study on difficult words.  Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 11(4), 346-355.

Wik, P. & Hjalmarsson, A. (2009). Embodied conversational agents in computer assisted language learning.  Speech Communication, 51 (10), 1024-1037.

Xizo, X. & Jones M.G. (1995). Computer animation for EFL learning environments.  Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the International Visual Literacy Association, , Chicago, IL

Week 5 - assignment 1 - Games, Simulations, and Virtual Environments

Week’s 5 assignment 1 has to do with games, simulations and virtual environment.  We had to choose 2 and explain how I would incorporate them into my professional practice.

As we have seen throughout this weeks’ research there are many games, simulations and virtual applications on the market and that can be used to enhance adult education. The most important thing I have learned this week is that we as educators need to find out what will and will not work with our students.  We know that all students have their own needs and wants and we have to be able to try to accomplish meeting their needs and wants.  I believe that no matter what we use whether it be games, simulations or virtual environment, adult can learn from them all with proper guidance, ongoing feedback, and rules. 

The 2 technologies I would like to incorporate when teaching my adults the English language are: (1) Virtual Environment - Second Life - http://secondlife.com/

Virtual worlds is a learning environment in which teachers and students can interact with each other, while playing different roles and develop their own online identity (Lynch, 2002).

Second Life is leading in the 3D virtual world.  In this imaginary world one builds an avatar to your liking, you can travel anywhere you like, you can have beaches, buildings, people, cafes, mountains, stores, streets, etc. eat at the best restaurants, we can shop at the most expensive stores across the world, etc. One will have fun with people from all parts of the world, we can listen to live performances (music), we can play games, and we can even create a space for a virtual classrooms that are very similar to ‘real-life’ classrooms.  One can act out real life situations.   The use of Second Life with my adult learners will help with their communications, listening, speaking skills.

3-D virtual world provides students with immersive and interactive real-life communications with people around the world.  SL has opened many doors to learning a second language. Two ways of communicating within SL (1) text-based chat or (2) live chat.  Besides communication via, text messages and conversation via audio, avatars can also interact with each by using simple gestures, waving, thumbs-up or down.  Other things that students will benefits from (1) creating a strong environment, (2) opportunities for strong interaction and building communities (3) cooperation skills will be taught, (4) they will learn how to share (5) motivation, and involvement will increase and anxiety will decrease. One downfall is that they can be very costly (Hismanoglu, 2012).   

SL allows us to set up different scenarios to act out real life situations allow one to learn new words rather than just memorizing them.  A way to incorporate this is role-playing.  Example - I am waitress and student is customer ordering food. They will practice vocabulary words as well as learn new ones.

The second application would be games. http://www.eslgamesworld.com/.

 There are many games on this site that can be used for both adults and children. Games liven up and motivate students to want to learn.  Bonk (2009, p, 289) suggest that “as gaming experiences grow, today’s learners are seeking richer and more engaging educational experiences.” Games are used to test vocabulary, practice conversing, learn tenses, etc.  Games can be used before a lessons, during a lesson or even to take a quick break from lecture.  This site offers the following ESL games: Snakes and Ladders, Hangman, Spelling games, Wheel of Fortune, TV Games (Betting Game), Mazes, Memory Games, Matching exercises, Sequencing exercises, Picture Quizzes and more.

 

Thanks, hope everyone is having a great week thus far. 

Gracesinda

References

Bonk, C. J. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

ESL Game World (2015).  Welcome to ESL Games World- Fun Games for ESL/EFL Lessons.  Retrieved from http://www.eslgamesworld.com/.

Hismanoglu, M. (2012).  Integrating Second Life into an EFL classroom: A New Dimension in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching.  Retrieved from http://www.ijonte.org/FileUpload/ks63207/File/09.hismanoglu.pdf

Lynch, S. (2002).  Preparing language teachers to teach in virtual worlds.  Retrieved from lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3470&context=etd

Week 4- Assign 1- Mobiel Learning Technology

Mobile Learning Technology

For this weeks’ assignment 1 we had to investigate the different mobile technologies available and chose 2 that we think could enhance adult learning.

What is mobile learning?  According to Park (2011) mobile learning (M-learning) refers to the use of handheld, portable and wireless devices that students can use when they are on the go.  M-Learning allows them to have access 24/7.  As we know mobile technology is playing a big part in the lives of many people (students, professors, business people, etc.).    There is a large rang of devices that one can chose from such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and e-book readers and much more.  All these devices connect users to the real world instantly, by accessing information and enabling interactivity with others.  

The 2 devices I want to focus on for this assignment is the smartphone and tablet (Samsung). I chose Samsung because that is what I personally prefer to use, as we know there are many name brands out there.  I prefer Samsung over Iphone because they are cheaper, most application on say the Galaxy (Google play) are free and on the Iphone (iTunes) you have to pay for each application, androids voice assistant types as you talk, works offline, as well can be activated hands-free, google maps is easy to use, I love there organizing apps, they let you put important ones on home screen and hide less important ones, there widgets are great, key board is much easier to use and understand, for example punctuation on the same screen as letters, and much more. Iphone to me are more about style and appearance than performance.   Androids phones in general have more customization, with emulators, widgets, custom ROM, etc.  We all have our preference, we need to use the one we feel most comfortable with. 

Many would say that smartphones and tables are the same, but really they are not.  They each have their own function.  Tablets are portable, while smartphones are pocketable; tablets are mostly used for say in ones living room, while smartphone can be used within the home, and also on the go.  Mobile phones are more personal and tablets can often be shared more likely than ones phone (Etter, 2015). 

Why I think smartphones (whether it is a Samsung or Iphone) should be use, plain and simple everyone now a days owns one.  I doubt anyone would forget this devices as home, like their textbooks.  Smartphones go where ever you go, information is available 24/7. Many adult learners own smartphones, and in fact a lot of low-income areas around the country, smartphones is the only internet-enabled device they ever used (like the Dominican Republic).

Smartphones allows students to go beyond 4 walls of learning, learning can happen from anywhere, in a car, on a bus, at a park, and in one living room.  A student can take notes, transfer them to a laptop or share them online with a study group.  Students have instant access to many websites for questions that need to be answered, for a video assignment students can record films using a smartphone and send them to a computer for editing, access to e-mail, discussion boards, assignments 24/7, access to discussion boards, assignments,  great for keep track of schedules and dates. 

             Tablets are personal mobile computers which have a camera, microphone, speakers, and a touchscreen.  Tablets are a little bigger than smartphones, they used to be used primarily as entertainment, but no matter what tablet you use, Samsung, Ipad, etc., they all enhance students’ technology skills and provide opportunities to reinforce and enhance classroom learning. Student can access information quickly whole doing research, great for educational games, the future of e-book (easy to read on tablet than smartphone).  Adults who are new to technology, the use of tablets helps them cross over to technology. Tablets are the best way to show textbook (e-book), they enhance e-book featuring imagines, video and audio; they fit both students and teachers lifestyles.  They are thin, lightweight, have longer battery life, they fit with current educational technology trends, student can work from anywhere and anytime; tablets save paper and keep notes organized in one place and much more.  The way I would incorporate both smartphones and tablets into my teaching is by encouraging my students to check e-mails, discussion, assignments on a regular basis.  Smartphones use to collaborate and communicate – for my adults learning a second language, I would have them record a real life scenario (order food in a restaurant) and have peer review and assess them; I would allow student to video or audio record my assignment instructions; I would establish a Facebook account for the course, where students can ask for questions as well as share their class assignments and reminders, students can use google translate to break down language barriers. 

            Use smartphones and tablets to use dictionary and thesaurus apps, as well as google play to get the following apps for learning English: (1) Learn English, ESL, TOEFL-  This ESL app offers flashcards and a phrasebook that includes pictures, text, and correct audio pronunciation. Lessons can be tailored to all needs and levels of learning, including adults, children, beginners, and advanced; (2) Learn English - contains over 800 commonly-used English phrases and vocabularies for travelers and beginners. Using this app, you can learn from our English speaking parrot. The parrot works together with you to practice your speaking and listening skills, wherever and whenever you are; (3) ESL Podcast -  unofficial -  This app is not only a great study tool for those studying English as a second language, but also for those hoping to better understand culture. The app offers educational American culture, famous people or songs, and other interesting information; (4) ESL Cafe Podcast - This popular English as a Second Language Podcast offers lessons that can be downloaded right to a user’s mobile device and played on the go. Users have access to a huge library of ESL resources and once accessed, the podcasts can easily be played without access to the internet (Masters ESL, 2015).

Proper planning, implementation and professional development is needed in order for the success of mobile devices in the classroom. 

 

References

eCycle Best (2015).  Smartphones as Tools for Education: Getting Smart with Smartphones.  Retrieved from https://www.ecyclebest.com/resources/smartphones-as-tools-for-education

Park, Y. (2011). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(2), 78–102. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Etter, S. (2015) Smartphones vs. Tablets: Forrester Reveals the Differences.  Retrieved from http://www.monetate.com/blog/smartphones-vs-tablets-forrester-reveals-the-differences/

Masters ESL (2015).  The Essential Guide to Apps for Learning English as a Second Language.  Retrieved from http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/ http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/ http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/

Webjunction (OCLC) (2015).  Tablets and Apps: A World of Possibility.  Retrieved from http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/Tablets_Apps_World_of_Possibility.html

Week 3- assign 1- Social Networking Technology

Week 3 assignment 1 entailed selecting 2 social networking technologies and discuss why they were chosen and how will they be incorporated into our professional practice. 

As we know internet communications such as blogs, podcast, tags, swapping of files offers our learners new ways on researching, creating and learning.   Social networking is a software that allows people to come together around an idea or topic of interest. Smith (2007) suggest that we no longer call it social networking, but academic networking. 

Facebook (WWW.FACEBOOK.COM) has been growing over the years and millions of people all over the world is using it.  Many are using it frequently and comfortably as a means of communication, keeping in touch with family, friends, colleagues, etc. Using Facebook in teaching a second language will enhance the student learning experience.  It also creates for learning environments that are independent and collaborative.   Facebook is free which is great.  Technologies in which Facebook can be used are desk top computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets. 

Second Life (WWW.SECONDLIFE.COM) is a 3D world in which one can see a real person and every place one visits is built by people like ourselves.   Second Life is an anxiety free, language learning online language learning in which one has a character that can walk around and meet people. Using Second Life with foreign language learners can help increase their learning skills, helps with grammar and spelling as well as increase the students’ conversational skills. It can be used both with adults and children.   Learning though Second Life hopefully will help students as well as instructors further understand the notion that intentional learning can happen outside of a classroom and outside of traditional learning environments (Brown, 2008). Second Life can be used with the following technologies connected to the internet - desktop or laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, Second Life software, second life character.   

         Both Facebook and Second Life can be incorporated into my teaching because they are free, they can be fun, they encourage students to share work socially, hold a real life class (second life).  Example on my Friday class I can tell my student instead of lecture hall, we will meet in Second life.  Further instructions will be sent to them by email. 
       As for Facebook I would use it for class projects, for enhancing communication and for engaging my learners in ways that could not be done in a traditional class.  Example using a series of games such as Farmville, Name Analyzer, and Fishville.  All these games can will help the students develop their thinking skills. 

The most important thing as a future educator I first must be familiar with all aspects of using Facebook and Second Life before using it within my class.  Guidelines and rules need to be established so that there will be no misunderstanding or misuse of either one.  . 

 

References

 Brown, J. (2008). Teaching 2.0: Doing more with less. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/765098

Smith, F. (2007). How to use Social-Networking Technology for Learning.  Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology

Wk2-assign 1 - Applications and Multimedia Resources

Application and Multi-media Resources

This week assignment 1 we had to explore applications and multi-media applications that can be used to meet educational standards.  

I am going to focus on to common core standards for adults learning a second language (English). I must first say there is a lot of information out there.  Many adults who want to learn the English have their own reason for doing so, such as communicating with their kids, schools, etc., as well as for seeking better job opportunities and learning how to communicate in general. 

Common core standards contain crucial skills that adults will need both in their personal and professional lives.  In my English School I want to prepare my adult learners for the real world.  How they can communicate in the English language and how important it is to know.  I hope that they will be able to learn or improve their skills in each of the four components of reading, alphabetics (phonemic awareness and word analysis) fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension. These skills will help them both in their personal and profession life.  Once again preparing them for the real world.  My students will learn how to listen, speak, read, and write the English language. According to the US Department of Education (2012) the content standards describe what learners should know and be able to do with a specific content area of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Learning languages with the use of mobile technology reflect the many and varied ways we as educators are using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, Ipads, laptops, etc., and with internet the use of Wi-Fi. Use of all these mobile devices allow us as educators to create a whole new learning environment for both the learner and educator. They will be learning on the go.

In order to meet this standards of learning English as a second language I would like to use the following two application in my course:

Listen to - or create - a Podcast

            A podcast is a series of audio or video recordings, which one can subscribe to and listen to whenever you like.  Access is 24/7 on-the-go and on smartphones, tablets, etc.  Some podcast are free and others offer membership.   There are several podcast that English learners should listen too. Podcast are easy and quick, they can help with a learners listening skills and proficiency.  They also have a written version of the audio.  One can listen and read at the same time. One can even have learners to create their own podcast to document their progress through the course and discuss ideas and views on different issue of the course (Haynes, 2015).  Podcast and digital media are similar.  Digital technology enables one to use video and use sound such as the podcast. 

Give multimedia presentations – or have your students give them

            This helps make classes more alive by using PowerPoint presentations that incorporate photos, diagrams, sound effects, music or video clips.  They can develop a presentation of what they have learned in the course and one can use it as part of their final grade (Haynes, 2015).

 

Reference

Haynes, K. (2015). 12 Easy Ways to Use Technology in the Classrooms, Even for Technophobic Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.teachhub.com/12-easy-ways-use-technology-your-classroom-even-technophobic-teachers