Enhancing Language Learning with Technology Dr. Michael Rost

Some images of new technology – memory techniques – collaborative learning – mind-body training – interactive scaffolding – adaptive instruction – speech recognition – multimedia access – connectivity – networking

The plan… Explore our own orientations toward language learning and technology Identify areas for enhancement Give a quick review of “Best in Show” prototypes Review keys to successful implementation Entertain Q & A

Personal Orientations

Task: What are 3 tools that are essential in your teaching? Explain reasons for your choices.

MR’s Backstory: Incorporating technology Togo – the value of Zero Technology Thailand – the value of New Technology UCB – the value of Collaborative Use of Technology LEI – the value of Packaging Technology Michael Rost 2011

Looking at theories of using technology in language learning Task: What are the learners doing in each scenario? (Use a POV student perspective.) What technology (instructional or electronic) is being used? What is the “learning value” in each scenario? Personal Orientations

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

Differences lie in… Degree of learner action &/ participation Type of task, length of task, type of outcome Instructional “world” = “learning culture”, “position of teacher”, “position of co- learners” Michael Rost 2011

What does the research suggest? Classroom only > Distance (TD) only Hybrid (Classroom + TD) > Classroom only Hybrid > Classroom only > Distance (TD) only

The upshot: TD learning alone is generally not as effective as classroom learning alone => Attempt to have appropriate balance of classroom to TD. TD learning + Classroom learning is almost always more effective than classroom learning alone. => Find ways of supplementing classroom learning with TD learning.

Differences in effect are due to: teacher involvement learner strategy training accountability of Ss (record keeping) choice (and variety) of online tools choice (and variety) of content Michael Rost 2011

The Challenge! Limited Time to achieve: - Intermediate language proficiency in 4 skills - Readiness for academic study in the L st Century learning skills

What kinds of enhancements are needed? Goal 1: Language Acquisition Reading = increase in speed/quantity, comprehension, semantic depth, strategy development Listening = increase in speed/quantity, comprehension, semantic depth, strategy development Conversation=increase in accuracy, depth, participation strategies, presentation quality Writing= increase in accuracy, semantic depth, appropriateness

Aside: How long does it take to learn a L2?

What kind of enhancements are needed? Goal 2: Academic Readiness Massive Vocabulary Growth Comprehension of Lectures Participation in Discussions Self Management of Tasks and Goals

Aside: What strategies lead to readiness?

What kind of enhancements are needed? Goal 3: 21 st Century Skills Connection Communication Collaborations Critical Thinking Creative Expression

Aside: What are 21 st Century Skills

Best in Show Language Acquisition Academic Preparation 21 st Century Skills

Power of Five

Best in Class: Teacher Blogs English with Jennifer English Raven ELT from A to Z That’s Life TEFL Matters Critical mass elt

Best in Class: Learning Management Systems Wordress Blackboard Drupal Joomla -example-sites.html?groupid=567 Moodle

Best in Class: Grammar Grammarly “World’s most accurate grammar checker” – checks written texts Azar Grammar Teacher-created worksheets on discrete grammar points Many Things Simple interactively scored activities, organized topically Activities for ESL Range of self-scoring quizzes Listen and Write Dictation practice, lots of dictation practice

Best in Class: Listening Broadcasts from the BBC A range of audio and video broadcasts available for online streaming. YouTube Selection Selected YouTube videos, subtitled by members Free TV Watch your favorite TV shows. Anytime. For free. English Language Listening Lounge Massive number of interesting interviews, tasks, vocabulary and cultural notes Awesome Stories “The story place of the web” Tell yours, listen to others’.

Best in Class: Conversation Google Voice Free phone voice messages, transcribed automatically (80%), feedback mechanism ESL Gold includes situations, conversation topics, speaking tasks Chatterbox Challenge – variety of controlled conversations with chatterbots Voice Thread – Group conversations (asynchronous) around images, documents and video clips English Baby – Forums and chat rooms for conversation

Best in class: Vocabulary Vocabahead – short videos to illustrate vocab for standardized tests Word a Day – receive a new word each day Visual Thesaurus – Visualize word webs Corpus Based Learning – Use large database of spoken English to learn collocations and contexts Listen to English Focuses on short pedagogic podcasts and vocabulary building

Best in Class: Academic Prep Khan Academy Learn almost anything (mostly about science) Academic Earth Online courses from the world's top scholars. Brain Pop animated, curriculum-based content that engages students Wikiversity – Audio and Text-based courses, “set learning free” Literacy Net Graded and supported readings on a range of topics, with skill building exercises

Best in Class: Connection and Collaboration The Common Language Project Inform each other on “crucial human issues of our time.” Language Exchange Meet other international students and communicate via Skype Livemocha “Welcome to the world’s largest language learning community.” Social Networks Connect with others, locally and internationally, promote yourself and your interests; pre-fab communities Online Communities Connect with others for specific purposes

Best in Class: Critical Thinking TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Leading innovators, short illustrated talks Survey Monkey Inquire about people’s opinions, analyze results (with e.g. Compelling Conversations) Critical Thinking Course Students learn about claims, arguments, validity, conclusions Qualia Soup A YouTube channel discussing controversial topics and arguments h9XntsSEro&feature=relmfu Journal Writing Prompts 300 prompts for reflective journal writing

Best in Class: Communication (Self-Expression) Write and record your own story Direct and post your own videos Assemble and narrate multimedia shows slideshows Share your own presentations Design original multimedia presentations

Best in Class: Learning Games The Experiential Learning Group Offers listening games oriented for adults. ESL Games World Flash-based games for lower levels Multiplayer Games (MMOG) Interact with other players around the world English Wizz A Jeopardy style board game on over 300 world topics Free Thinking Games A variety of critical thinking games

Best in Class: Free Tools Skype (+ Ecamm) - record your conversations Google Docs - use spreadsheets to track students’ tasks Facebook - create a class page Drop Box keep a portfolio of student work i-Tunes Post and access audio, video, learning apps

Keys to Successful Use of New Technologies Compelling Content State of the art navigation **** Injecting Learning Strategy Instruction Keeping Learner at Center: Presentations and Peer Teaching Adding Evaluation (+/-, Performance Scales ) Valuing Learner Feedback (Likert Scales, “Yelp!” suggestions) *** Integrating technology with sound teaching approach Monitoring, Coaching, Supplementing, Personalizing Keeping Records of learner performance Teacher Commitment, Confidence, and Passion Michael Rost 2011

Thank you for your participation… Michael Rost latcomm.com/blog Please contact me with feedback–and let me know your own “Best in Class” ideas!

Some References Healy, D. et al. (2011_ TESOL Technology Standards. TESOL. Horizon Project MSU Michigan State's Confucius Institute and MMOG for Chinese: ine_learning ine_learning Thorne, S. L. (2009). 'Community', Semiotic Flows, and Mediated Contribution to Activity. Language Teaching, 42(1): Thorne, S. L. & Reinhardt, J. (2008). “Bridging Activities,” New Media Literacies and Advanced Foreign Language Proficiency. CALICO Journal, 25(3): Wesch, Michael (2011) The Machine is Us:

Some ( advance organizer ) aphorisms No ______to lose 3000 _____________a day all learning is __________learning acquisition is initiated by “_________” best teaching is through “_________”