Learning new words with languageguide.org

General information and functions for language classroom

This website is http://www.languageguide.org where you can present the students new vocabulary items. Not only English could be learn here but also other languages such as Japanese, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

The vocabulary is allocated in categories for example, body, food, and animals. It is very easy to access the website. First, choose your mother language.
Next, suppose that we want to learn vegetable vocabulary, then click on vegetable. The next page will be shown;


The audio will pronounce the words when you place on the picture. Therefore, you can listen and see the spelling at the same time.

Finish the word study, then you can test yourself by selecting the quiz types at the left corner;

You can either choose the options or the difficulty levels.

Suggested activities to do with this technology

1. Vocabulary competition (remember as much as possible)
2. Pronunciation drill
3. Writing sentences with the new vocabulary

The advantages

The students can learn from visuals as well as the spelling at the same time. Furthermore, the American pronunciation is being pronounced, therefore; it is useful for non-native speaker teachers to have a tool on the internet (so we do need other audio!). Lastly, the students can use this site at home as much as they want. Otherwise, we can assign the students homework in order to revise their vocabulary or study before hand.



Disadvantages and some limitations


However, according to the sensitive audio player, you might find it is too quick to pronounce words. Therefore, you need to be slow to place the arrow down on the picture.

Overall, it is a good site to build up vocabulary with the correct pronunciation.

My BrainShark, pleasant presentation is easy to handle

Tom and Jenny

 No More Presentation Phobia!!! My BrainShark

General information and functions for language classroom 

My BrainShark http://www.brainshark.com/ is a good site for presentation making. Powerpoint, podcast, video, and pictures could be uploaded and narrate the story at length 15 minutes. It is easy to follow the steps but first you will be asked to register. In addition, you are better to prepare microphone and earphone before you process your presentation.

However, not only can we make our presentation, but also we can look at other presentations. There are a plenty of examples in several categories. Therefore, when you finish making presentation, you are required to tag or label your types of document. In so doing, others can search for your presentations as their example. It is the floor of exchanging ideas and works.





Sample presentation

Suggested activities to do with this technology

1. Presentation with powerpoint and pictures
2. Story telling, create the story and narrate it
3. Listening practice, teacher read through the lecture, and students do the dictation or answer the question
4. Extra lecture class, where the students can learn at their own pace at home
5. Podcast lecture, where the students can download and listen to the lecture anytime and anywhere


Advantages

My BrainShark is a good tool for high potential presentation making with a low risk of failure. In other words, the user can achieve the task with a low afford. For example, the students can upload their powerpoint and pictures, then they can record as many times as they want (if they make mistake, they can redo again and again). Therefore, it is good for the students to practice their presenting or public speaking, especially, for the ones who have presentation phobia. Furthermore, the document can be deleted or added, and the background sound also can be attached.

Moreover, this site can be a channel where the teachers and tutors can share the information of the lectures or presentation examples. In other words, you can study from others' works or vice versa.

Finally, for the autonomous learners, they can study via podcast or powerpoint presentation at their own pace. For example, you might have an extra lecture or homework for them to review or preview beforehand, then they are asked to access My BrainShark to get the information. In so doing, not only can they repeat as much as they want but also we can save the classroom time.

Disadvantages and limitations

There are some limitations in terms of presentation time since we can have only 15 minutes for the recording, and extra gadgets are used: microphones. Therefore, you have to ensure that the learners have the necessary tools.

Lastly, sign up is required in order to upload the documents (i.e. power point slides.)

Vocabulary by Learning Chocolate

General information and functions for language classroom

Learning chocolate is a website where the studnets can learn a set of vocabulary in a time.The website allocates the vocabulary in several categories where the students can choose for themselves. Moreover, the pictures are colourful and attractive. Therefore, visual learners will like it.

Noting that pronunciation guide is included, by clicking on the amplifier icon next to the word, the correct pronunciation will be uttered.

Moreover, after learning each category, the students can test their understanding and memory by doing the exercise showing at the top menu bar.







http://www.learningchocolate.com/

Suggested activities to do with this technology

1. vocabulary competition (the students learn and try to remember as much as possible, then write down without open the page)
2. dictation (study as a homework then have dictation on the next day)
3. pronunciation (see the word and pronounce together in class, and recheck by the teacher clicking on the pronounce icon)
4. writing a sentence (the students write a sentence from the shown vocabulary)
5. grammar (write the sentence from studied grammar with presented vocabulary on the website.)

The advantages

The students can learn autonomously and chose what interesting to them. In addition, colours and pictures are attracting to them to learn vocabulary instead of writing in order as the tradition way. Therefore, with the website itself and the convenient time and place for the learners, this condition can enable vocabulary learning in a positive way: learners enjoy learning at anytime they want.

Disadvantages and some limitations

After using this website two or three times, the students might get used to it. Therefore, the teacher should balance and use it not too often. Furthermore, the vocabulary set does not cover all wanted words, then the teacher may be required to supplement necessary word outside.

Get started!

Hello!

The smart looking boy is Tom and the nerdy looking girl is Jenny ;) We're your friends and we can help your English. Don't worry if you think English is crazy!


Yes, it is!!!! but trust us, we have lots of fun and exciting activities for you.

Just follow us ;) on this blog and we'll bring you to English Wonderland!


Nice to meet you, indeed!

Your new friends, Tom and Jenny