Valdosta State University Using Online Tools to Stimulate Presentational Speaking Skills among International Students Victoria Russell, Associate Professor of Spanish & Foreign Language Education Valdosta State University CRIE Conference 2018

VoiceThread VoiceThread (VT) is a discussion board where students may post audio, video, and/or text-based responses. Up to four VTs may be created for free. https://voicethread.com/products/highered/ VoiceThread login: hint (GoView)

Benefits of VoiceThread Auto input Students write scripts and practice before posting Deeper engagement than traditional written discussion boards Student interest and motivation is increased by alternating VT discussions with traditional discussion boards

Example Note: You must be signed into VT to open the link below. This is the VT that I created at the conference to demonstrate this tool. Feel free to use it for practice. https://voicethread.com/myvoice/thread/10214980/59288234/57592752

VoiceThread in 5 Steps (1) Sign up for a free account Go to https://voicethread.com/ Select “Register” from the upper left portion of the screen Go to the “Home” area at the top left portion of the screen and sign in Select “Create,” and add your media (Ppt. file, image, video, etc.)

VoiceThread in 5 Steps (2) 4. Comment on your media by hovering over and selecting the “Comment” area at the bottom center of the page. You will have four options: A written text message An audio recording using your phone An audio recording using an external microphone An audio/video response using your web cam Upload a previously recorded comment

VoiceThread in 5 Steps (3) 5. Share your VT with your students: After commenting on your media, select the “X” in the upper right hand corner of the screen Select the “Share” button Allow anyone with the link to “View” and “Comment” Copy the link or the embed code to embed in your course Or, post it on FB or Twitter Remind attendees that they only get four free VTs. If they want to create new ones, they will have to delete the old ones by selecting the “trash can/delete button” on the main slide page and also by deleting the VT from their trash can (on left hand portion of screen).

Other Voice Recording Tools Open Access (Free) Resources: Vocaroo.com Online-voice-recorder.com Speakpipe.com/voice-recorder

TalkAbroad for Synchronous Speaking Practice www.talkabroad.com TalkAbroad (TA) is a synchronous conversation tool where students engage in 30 min. conversations with native speakers of a foreign language. Conversations may be downloaded or played on TA website. This would be a great resource for students who are preparing for the TOEFL.

TalkAbroad for Synchronous Speaking Practice The instructor may provide guiding questions and all conversations are recorded and stored on the TalkAbroad Website. There is a fee: Four conversations ($45) or $15 per conversation.

TalkAbroad While TalkAbroad is a tool that is specific for language learning, it has revolutionized online language class delivery because it allows students to practice in the interpersonal mode of communication (synchronously). In addition, students may schedule conversations at their convenience.

Other Conversation Tools Free tools: WeSpeke http://en-us.wespeke.com/index.html HelloTalk (mobile app) https://www.hellotalk.com/about/ Products for Purchase: LinguaMeeting https://www.linguameeting.com/ https://www.hellotalk.com/?lang=en WeSpeke: Get a GREAT score on the TOEFL iBT® and other English certification tests Our highly acclaimed and very affordable English test prep and vocabulary Lessons are just the thing to get ready for the TOEFLiBT®, IELTS, and other English certification tests. Check them out in the WeSpeke Shop. Looking for Target Language English. Learn more!

Other Conversation Tools

Digital Storytelling Digital storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. Typically, digital stories combine text, digital images, recorded audio narration, and/or music.

Photo Story 3 This presentation will demonstrate how to use Photo Story 3, a free application, to create digital stories. Photo Story 3 is an easy way to add motion to still images via panning and zooming (the Ken Burns effect).

Benefits of Digital Stories Students engage in presentational speaking Learners benefit from auto input Photos, images, and music can be used to create a meaningful cultural context Students may express their creativity Meaningful use of technology

Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum Digital storytelling helps language students practice speaking & pronunciation skills How could digital storytelling be used in other disciplines? Could digital stories be used in your classes? If so, how?

Creating a Digital Story To get started, you will need to do the following: Download Photo Story 3 Gather 10 – 15 digital photos for your video Select your background music (MP3 file)

7 Key Steps Import and arrange your pictures Add titles to selected slides Adjust the custom motion (panning and zooming) as needed Type in script and record narration for each slide Select music and volume level Be sure to “Save Project” for future editing Save “For Playback on your Computer” (MP4 file)

Free Resources Photostory Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u3HDMfXpdI PhotoStory Website: http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/page.cfm?id=23&cid=23

Live Demonstration

Contact: varussell@valdosta.edu Questions? Contact: varussell@valdosta.edu