Power Tools for the ESL Classroom Dr. Jorge F. Figueroa Assistant Professor of English/ESL School of Social Sciences and Human Studies Universidad del Este jffigueroa@suagm.edu 787-428-5506
Objectives At the end of this presentations you will be able to: Understand the Web 2.0 Apply emerging technologies to your classroom Design curriculum activities based on new technologies Explain concepts related to Open Source Software Promote teaching and learning ESL with Technology Organize your new “Power Tools” based on your needs.
Introduction We 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 Use Onsite 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 Sites Examples of Onsite Sites The New Oxford Picture
Dictionary CD-ROM Rosetta Stone English Language Learning and Instruction System.
Blended Uses ď‚— Technology 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. ď‚— According to Chapelle (2008), technologies that lend
themselves to blended uses include software, and computermediated 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 ď‚— 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/studentprojects/
Examples of Web Based Learning ď‚— Webquests 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
Examples of Web Based Learning 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… www.englishclub.com/esl-games/matching.htm
Online Learning Online 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 Learning ď‚— Three 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 Tools ď‚— They are Internet based tools that enhance the teaching and
learning process. ď‚— Tools, applications, that move away from the traditional desktop.
Let’s start with the Web 2.0 According to
O’Reilly(2004), the Web 2.0 are web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, usercentered 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 Directories ď‚— Web 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. ď‚— 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
Blogging
Blogs 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 Blog Blogger (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 learners They combine video and audio They are used for creating collaborative websites A Wiki empower communities
Create a Wiki Wikispaces (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 Podcast  A 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 Podcast ď‚— Podomatic (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. ď‚— 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 Platforms ď‚— Ustream (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 ď‚— 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 Messaging ď‚— Instant 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 Sites ď‚— Skype (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. ď‚— 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 Modules ď‚— Author Stream (http://www.authorstream.com)
A platform for sharing PowerPoint presentations on the Internet. Allows users to download presentations as video. ď‚— Udutu (http://www.myudutu.com)
No technical knowledge is needed with this award winning web-based course creation tool.
Virtual Flash Drive Can 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’s Box (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 Software  It’s a development method for software that harnesses the
power of distributed peer review and transparency of process.
Open Source Software ď‚— Open Office (http://www.openoffice.org)
A multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an opensource project. Compatible with all other major office suites, free to download, use, copy, and distribute. ď‚— Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net)
Audio editor for recording, slicing, and mixing audio. Site includes help, downloads, and developer information.
File Converter ď‚— Zamzar (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 System A 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 administration use self-service and self-guided services assemble and deliver learning content rapidly consolidate training initiatives on a scalable web-based platform support portability and standards personalize content and enable knowledge reuse.
Moodle is an example of an LMS ď‚— Moodle
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 Hosting Key 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 Conferencing ď‚— is 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 Tools ď‚— Dim Dim (http://www.dimdim.com)
Easy, open, affordable. Collaborate and share voice, video, slides, whiteboard, even your desktop. ď‚— 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 Engines Youtube (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 Reality Web3D 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 Generators Webnode (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 Phones ď‚— A smart phone is a mobile phone that offers more
advanced computing ability and connectivity. ď‚— 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 Deal Apple Platform Phone
Android Platform Phone
The War of the Apps
Get Ready for your Next Purchase ď‚— Third Generation Tablets
Now you got the POWER TOOLS!!!
Be a risk taker and use them in your ESL Classroom
Thank you! Questions?????
References