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
Gracesinda,
ReplyDeleteI think you have created a vision for teaching your students by preparing them to communicate with the English language. Giving students the opportunity to learn English is a skill that is much needed in specific regions around the world. The multimedia resources you have chosen namely mobile learning, Podcasts and presentations will give you the leverage needed to attract people of a region where the demand for it is great. With these multimedia resources instructing students to learn English is endless.
Putting together Podcasts and presentations are relatively simple for instructors and learners to create. Podcasting is a growing strategy that is being used in many schools. “In general, radio broadcasting is now a reality for the vast majority of schools that can’t afford radio stations. Podcasting is yet another way for them to be creating and contributing ideas to a larger conversation, and it’s a way of archiving that contribution for future audiences to use” (Richardson, 2010). It is highly recommended for teachers to practice the types of presentations they wish to broadcast in order to “smooth out any kinks in the road” before using them with students.
Mobile learning devices can also be instrumental in achieving teaching and learning goals in an educational setting. When students have quick access to their classroom for activities and assignments it helps them stay engaged in the learning environment oppose to becoming lost. What is the age group of students in the population of the Dominican Republic that is interested in learning English? Will you be teaching younger or older students or both?
Robin,
Reference:
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Robin,
DeleteThanks for reading and comment on my blog. I agree with you that giving students the opportunity to learn English is a skill that is much needed in specific regions around the world. The Dominican Republic is one of those countries and students of all ages are interested in learning English, especially the ones that travel back and forth to the US. Adults want to learn the language because it would benefit them in gaining employment, especially in the touristical part of the country. They would be able to work at a resort, hotel, car rental, etc. Many business are opening call centers in the DR so knowing the English language is important.
When I open my English School I will cater to both young and old. The age range will start as young as 6 – till ? For my degree I am focuses on the adult portion for right now, I may take another course to learn about teaching the younger students.
Mobile devices are very big in the DR however, they are not used to their full advantage. I hope to teach my students how to use them for learning and not just for talking and playing games. One of the challenges would be the internet (WIFI) since this is a poor country not many can afford the service and some of the schools do not have internet yet. The country is now just starting to give (have) 24 hour electricity and running water.
I hope I answered your questions.
Gracesinda
Gracecinda!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using techonology to enhance learning to match the way people learn today. If people have continuous access to mobile devices I can see how it would be easy to integrate podcast to facilitate learning - they are 24/7 learning mediums... Great post and amazing organization of your thoughts!
Please visit my blog to gain an understanding of how I will use techonology to teach insurance agents and financial advisors how to use techonology in their practices.
DeleteSincerely,
Gabrielle Blohm
financiallyfitish.com
Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting my blog. As we know all students do not learn in the same way, it is important for us as educators to know and understanding the learning style of our students. That why I think technology is great and that allowing students to bring their own devices into their learning environment is a plus. Each students has their own device that they feel comfortable using and learning from, and having those at hand allows them to succeed.
Thanks again,
Gracesinda