Integrating Technology in ESL Instruction Workshop

Using Social Media & Technology in ESL Instruction CynHatch,B.EdSecondary Arts, MA TESOL (exp. 2011)

In this workshop we will: • Discuss the types of technology used in ESL classrooms. • Present types of technology appropriate for different skill types. • Answer teachers’ questions about how they can learn more about the types of technology discussed. • Provide “how to” links for additional information.

Technology in ESL Instruction • Computer and audio/visual equipment • Computer labs • Mobile devices • smart phones • tablets • video cameras • Podcasts and YouTube • Blogs • Twitter and Texting • Blackboard • Facebook and IM • Wikis • Social Bookmarking

Why Should We Use Technology in ESL? • Web tools are increasingly collaborative and foster self-directed learning—key principles of adult SLA instruction • Workplaces and colleges increasingly require digital literacy • Colleges try to engage students with the content outside of the classroom • Devices enable both content and learning to be highly mobile • Devices are ubiquitous and are used recreationally

Applications of Technology • Listen to podcasts or music, and watch YouTube videos • Authentic, theme-based supplemental reading and listening • Podcasts used in 1975: Music used in 1894: • Voice of America “Cold Feet” Tracy Chapman • This American Life • California Distance Videos used in 1975:Learning Project “Seinfeld” • http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/431/see-no-evil • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbJ3kfTS_Qg • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGVSIkEi3mM

Applications of Technology (cont.) • Blog • Promotes connection to content outside of class • Provides authentic reason for writing • Blogs used in ESLA1975/85: • Author’s blogs • Student-created blogs

Applications of Technology (cont.) • Audio or video record interviews role plays, presentations, debates, etc. • Speaking output and viewing input • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXNDXPG1gN8 • “Her pronunciation was pretty good. She spoke slowly and clearly.” • “She used eye-contact while she's saying, but it's not often. She still looks at the note.” • “It'd better if she uses body gestures often because it'll reduce somewhat the pressure in her.” • “It will help the conversation between the speaker and the listener that is more exciting.”

Applications of Technology (cont.) • Facebook • Conduct polls for research • Post videos for students to comment on • Utilize a familiar environment • Blackboard • Collaborative tool • Content management system

Applications of Technology (cont.) • IM, tweeting, and texting • Replicate spoken exchanges in writing • Collaborative research and information sharing

Applications of Technology (cont.) • Wikis • Collaborative writing tool • https://blackboard.american.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_28701_1%26url%3D • Social Bookmarking • Resource sharing and collaborative tool • http://www.delicious.com/cynhatch3

Where Do I Learn More? • How to blog using Wordpress.com • http://learn.wordpress.com • How to video record using a Flip camera • http://support.theflip.com/en-us/home • How to social bookmark using Delicious • http://www.delicious.com/help/getStarted • Links to Podcasts and Articles Used in 1975: • http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/431/see-no-evil • http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home • http://www.cdlponline.org

Integrating Technology in ESL Instruction Workshop