power tools for the esl classroom

Dr. Jorge F. FigueroaAssistant Professor of English/ESL

School of Social Sciences and Human Studies

Universidad del Estejffigueroa@suagm.edu

787-428-5506

Power Tools for the ESL Classroom

ObjectivesAt the end of this presentations you will be

able to:Understand the Web 2.0Apply emerging technologies to your classroomDesign curriculum activities based on new

technologiesExplain concepts related to Open Source

SoftwarePromote teaching and learning ESL with

TechnologyOrganize your new “Power Tools” based on your

needs.

IntroductionWe all know that for the ELL becoming

proficient in the target language is difficult.For many years we’ve heard about the use of

technology in the ESL classroom.What about the applications?What software is the best?According to Ybarra and Green (2003),

computers can play an integral part in providing ELL students with valuable language experiences as they learn a new language.

Traditional Technology UseOnsite Sites

Onsite uses of technology involve learning that takes place in the classroom or computer lab in a teacher-

led,whole-group setting.

Technology-based activities usually serve as a supplement to the core curriculum and are carried out within normal course meeting times.

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)The most widespread application of technology in

onsite settings to date is the use of software programs designed for language learning.

Onsite SitesExamples of Onsite SitesThe New Oxford

Picture Dictionary CD-ROM

Rosetta StoneEnglish Language

Learning and Instruction System.

Blended UsesTechnology serves as a supplement to the primary

course curriculum and is used both within classes or labs and outside the classroom (e.g., in the home, library, or community center) without the teacher.

According to Chapelle (2008), technologies that lend themselves to blended uses include software, and computer-mediated communication (CMC), in which learners in a program interact online among themselves or with learners in other programs and settings, and Web-based learning.

Examples of Web Based Learning According to Gaer (2007), in Project-Based

Web learning, learners work together to complete tasks that are primarily Internet-based and may involve the use of e-mail and word processing.http://www.susangaer.com/stude

ntprojects/

Examples of Web Based LearningWebquests are a specific type of Project-

based Web learning that focus on inquiry and group work and involve gathering information and resources from the Internet.

http://zunal.com

Smith –Stoner & Willer (2005), mention that Web-based games can be accessed from the classroom and other locations Examples include crossword puzzles, games based on grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, matching games etc…

Examples of Web Based Learning

www.englishclub.com/esl-games/matching.htm

Online LearningOnline learning is entirely Internet-based. While there may or may not be teacher

involvement, teachers and students rarely meet onsite.

Communication and the transmission of course content take place online.

Reynard (2003) has named this type of learning for ESL computer mediated distance education (CMDE)

Online LearningThree examples of online learning

programs are English for All, USA Learns, and Learner Web.

But…Where is the power?The answer is nowhere.These are just typical tools for the classroom.The teaching part is not that active.It’s only machine.

Power ToolsThey are Internet based tools that enhance

the teaching and learning process.Tools, applications, that move away from

the traditional desktop.

Let’s start with the Web 2.0According to

O’Reilly(2004), the Web 2.0 are web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web.

The evolution of traditional technologies into web applications focusing on the end user.

Web 2.0 is an attitude not a technology

Web 2.0 DirectoriesWeb 2.0 Directory (http://www.go2web20.net)

Find all Online tools and applications on one page, get a short description, compare, read reviews, see what people are saying about each one on the web.

Listio (http://www.listio.com) Listio is a directory of web 2.0 applications and tools. Users can submit new web 2.0 sites, or vote and comment on the best web 2.0 websites

Web 2.0 Power Tools for ESL teaching?Let start by BloggingBlogs is a website where entries are commonly displayed

in reverse chronological order.Many blogs provide commentary or news on a

particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries.

A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic.

The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs

Create a BlogBlogger (http://www.blogger.com)

is a free blog publishing tool from Google for easily sharing your thoughts with the world. Blogger makes it simple to post text, photos and video.

Wordpress (http://www.blogger.com) is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog.

Blog (http://www.blog.com) provides a fully-featured publishing platform for free. Blog by yourself or establish a writing community, all under an address

Continue with a Wiki….A Wiki is a software that allows users to easily

create, edit, and link pages together.They are easy to read and follow up by the

learnersThey combine video and audioThey are used for creating collaborative

websitesA Wiki empower communities

Create a WikiWikispaces (http://www.wikispaces.com)

Wikis are simple web pages that groups, friends, and families can edit together. Starting your wiki at Wikispaces is fast, free, and easy.

PbWiki (http://www.pbwiki.com) Wiki website where you can start your project and have a cool online collaboration.

Wiki (http://www.wiki.com) A web site that makes it simple for anyone to create and share web pages, images, and much more in an instant. If you can browse, you can wiki!

Let’s PodcastA Podcast is a collection of digital media files

which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.

Create a PodcastPodomatic (http://www.podomatic.com)

Best mixes on planet Earth. DJs, radio, performing artists, educators, and more. Get a free podcast, share your faves. Only on Podomatic.

GabCast (http://www.gabcast.com) Is a podcasting and audioblogging platform that offers virtual communities, individuals and organizations an easy way to create and distribute audio content.

Web Streaming Anyone???Web Streaming means taking the video and

broadcasting it live over the Internet. The process involves a camera for the

video, an encoder to digitize the content, a video publisher where the streams are pushed to and a content delivery network to distribute and deliver the content.

The URL can then be viewed by end Users live.

Web Streaming PlatformsUstream (http://www.ustream.com)

Broadcast video LIVE to the world from a computer, mobile or iPhone in minutes, or watch thousands of shows from news to entertainment

Live Stream (http://www.livestream.com) Broadcast and live stream your own channel for events, performances, sports, ... Sign up for a Producer account to stream live to millions from Livestream.com.

Instant MessagingInstant messaging (IM) is a form of real-

time direct text-based communication between two or more people using personal computers or other devices, along with shared software clients. The user's text is conveyed over a network, such as the Internet

Some IM SitesSkype (http://www.skype.com)

Skype-to-Skype calls are always free but with Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly subscriptions you can call friends and family on any phone.

Windows Live Messenger (http://explore.live.com/windows-live-messenger) Windows Live Messenger lets you send instant messages, video chat, share photos, play games and more. It's the best free IM software for PCs and mobile

Flash Presentations and ModulesAuthor Stream (

http://www.authorstream.com) A platform for sharing PowerPoint presentations on the Internet. Allows users to download presentations as video.

Udutu (http://www.myudutu.com) No technical knowledge is needed with this award winning web-based course creation tool.

Virtual Flash DriveCan provide completely secure space.

Only if you save confidential data in such space, nobody can rip off your data.

Provide online file storage.Part of the cloud computing family.

Some VFD’sBox (http://www.box.net)

Collaboration tools adopted by over 50000 companies globally. Box simplifies online file storage, replaces FTP and connects teams in online workspaces.

Fileden (http://www.fileden.com) Offers a free, secure and reliable file storage service with direct link sharing to 3 million individuals and businesses worldwide.

Open Source SoftwareIt’s a development method for software

that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process.

Open Source SoftwareOpen Office (http://www.openoffice.org)

A multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, free to download, use, copy, and distribute.

Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net) Audio editor for recording, slicing, and mixing audio. Site includes help, downloads, and developer information.

File ConverterZamzar (http://www.zamzar.com)

Online file conversion, covering a wide range of different image, document, music, video and compression formats. Free for files up to 100MB.

Learning Management SystemA learning management system (commonly

abbreviated as LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content.

Some features include:centralize and automate administrationuse self-service and self-guided servicesassemble and deliver learning content rapidlyconsolidate training initiatives on a scalable web-

based platformsupport portability and standardspersonalize content and enable knowledge reuse.

Moodle is an example of an LMSMoodle

Is a Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a Free web application that educators can use to create effective online learning sites.

Moodle HostingKey to School (http://www.keytoschool.com/)

At Key To School (KTS), we believe that Moodle is indeed a gift to all educators.

Gnomio (http://www.gnomio.com) If you are interested in having your own free unlimited learning site with admin privileges fill the next form and you will have it online within seconds!

Global Classroom (http://www.globalclassroom.us/) Create your own school.

Web Conferencingis used to conduct live meetings, training,

or presentations via the Internet. In a web conference, each participant sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants via the internet.

Web Conferencing ToolsDim Dim (http://www.dimdim.com)

Easy, open, affordable. Collaborate and share voice, video, slides, whiteboard, even your desktop.

Elluminate (http://www.elluminate.com) "Elluminate Live! is a true virtual classroom. Implementation was immediate with the convenient hosted environment, and we are already using Elluminate .

Video EnginesYoutube (http://www.youtube.com)

is a place to discover, watch, upload and share videos.

Teachertube (http://www.teachertube.com) Our goal at TeacherTube.com is to provide an online community for sharing instructional teacher videos. Upload your lesson plan videos or watch students.

HULU (http://www.hulu.com) is an online video service that offers hit TV shows including Family Guy and 30 Rock.

Web 3D and Virtual RealityWeb3D was initially the idea to fully

display and navigate Web sites using 3D.is a term that applies to computer-

simulated environments that can simulate places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds

Second Life (www.secondlife.com) is a free 3D virtual world where users can socialize, connect and create using free voice and text chat.

Web Sites GeneratorsWebnode (http://www.webnode.com)

is the best way to create and manage your own website or blog for free. You can add picture galleries, discussion forums or widgets and gadgets.

Wetpaint (http://www.wetpaint.com) is the largest network of free websites. Wetpaint sites are great for fansites, groups, classes, and more; start your free website in 3 steps.

WIX (http://www.wix.com) Create a free website with Wix.com. Use Wix free website builder to design stunning Flash websites designs with drag and drop website builder.

Smart PhonesA smart phone is a mobile phone that

offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity.

Smartphones and feature phones may be thought of as handheld computers integrated within a mobile telephone, but while most feature phones are able to run applications based on platforms such as Java ME.

The Real DealApple Platform Phone Android Platform

Phone

The War of the Apps

Get Ready for your Next PurchaseThird Generation Tablets

Now you got the POWER TOOLS!!!

Be a risk taker and use them in your ESL Classroom

Thank you!Questions?????

References