Tuesday 25 August 2015
Monday 17 August 2015
CALL Module for PGCTE
Creating Ms Word Based Activities
Using
Web 2.0 Tools in Teaching
·
Spiderscribe: Using online mind mapping and
brainstorming tool
·
Vokis: Creating a digital avatar for
Listening and Speaking
·
Storyjumper: Using a digital storyboard
to create and publish a story
Authentic
Websites for Teaching and Learning
· Meritnation
·
Khan Academy
·
Lit2Go
·
Corpus of Contemporary American English
Free
Software for any Laptop/Desktop, Tablet or Smartphone
·
Curriculet (https://www.curriculet.com/)
·
ThingLink (https://www.thinglink.com/)
·
MicNote
(Google play, Chrome Web Store, App Store)
·
Moodle (https://www.rieni.org/moodle)
Stand
Alone Technology/Battery –Driven Devices: Tools for Low Tech Situation:
Games and Apps
·
Plickers
·
Smart Pens/Audio Pens
·
Talking Books
·
Scrabble
·
Osmo
Creating
Online Community of Learners through Social Networking Sites/Groups
·
Blogs
·
Twitter
Evaluation
Language Lab - Teacher Platform and Student's Console
1. |
Computer
Assisted Language Learning
|
|
2. |
Using
Clarity SnetV7.0 Class Software
|
|
3. |
Multimedia
Language Lab
|
|
4. |
Benefits
of English Language Lab at a Glance
|
|
5. |
Multimedia:
An Educational Tool
|
|
6. |
Internet Resources Accessed in a Language Lab | |
1.
Computer
Assisted Language Learning
Introduction
It has been
observed that in India the speech of an average student may not be intelligible
enough whether at international, national or the regional level. It is due to many reasons. The sound system from
the mother tongue of the speaker invariably influences the way they use
English. Additionally, students have
grammatical inaccuracies and inadequacies at the lexical level, both in their
speech and writing, which affects the meaning of the text produced by
them. In order to be able to use
language appropriately whether in speech discourse or in writing enough
practice is needed in different formats and in different situations. Due to
lack of practice in using language in different situations, students generally
do not have confidence to express themselves well. To address these needs a
complete multimedia lab may be established in educational institutions which
can act as teacher support and also provide for self access learning where they
can choose to and at the pace more suitable to their individual pace of
learning. Modern day innovation in the form of Computer Assisted Language Learning
(CALL) is an interactive method through which both the learner and the teacher
can achieve their goals suitably. CALL assists teaching by serving as an
additional/virtual teacher and by providing an alternative to the lecture mode
of teaching.
Resources for CALL
The vast
wealth of teaching and learning materials that is offered free of cost through
computer and information technology is successfully used by CALL. The emergence
of internet in the early decades of nineties has completely galvanized
communities into the concept of one global village. The minimalistic
requirements such as a computer, a modem and direct access to internet services
has notably bridged the barriers across communities and has also revolutionized
communication across the globe. The network that connects millions of computers
can also be used for effective teaching/learning of English which over the time
has proved to have holistic advantages.
Platform for Language Labs
CALL can be
further facilitated by the use of software, dependent on the language lab
platform, which creates virtual classroom connectivity. The platform should be
user-friendly and should assist the teachers rather than intimidate them. They
should be at ease while using the language lab. A well-designed platform which
supports most software available in the market is required for establishing
language labs. Generally, the software is licensed to be used for 15 learner computers
and one ‘Teacher Console’ which facilitates the teacher in monitoring and
helping the students from the teacher computer.
The
platform should be able to support software that has communicative activities
based on different approaches in learning. It should be able to support text
files as well as audio and video files. From the ‘Teacher’s Console’, the
teacher should be able to facilitate group work between students sitting at
different workstations by way of digital ‘student to student’ conversation and
‘student to teacher’ conversation. It should enable the teacher to look at the
student screen as and when s/he wants to and as many times. Facility of being
able to block them from using the
keyboard for doing any other activity is also an important feature which helps
teachers to prevent students from getting distracted by the presence of
multimedia tools. Teacher should also be
able to broadcast teacher screen to facilitate different classroom activities.
Recording student performance and storing it are other features that a good
platform needs to have. This enables the teacher to use the recording for
providing a more comprehensive feedback to learners and also acts as a
self-check activity where students record their voice, listen to it and notice
their problems. It should also give teacher flexibility to use the method s/he
chooses for language development of students. Language lab tools should lend
themselves for all kinds of teacher requirement; whether they want to impart
individual skills or integrated skills to their learners. Internet connectivity
helps teachers to use web based resources as they are or customize them for their
students.
The
Language Lab Software
The
most important point before buying software for language labs is to remember
that it should be original in content and should not have any copyright
problems. The language lab software is of two types, platform software and
learning software.
(i)
Platform
Software
It
is essential for users to know about the mechanisms of platform software. It
offers different features and possibilities. The following are the prominent
features of a good CALL platform software. It allows teacher to:
- monitor all the
students without moving from the teacher’s console.
- speak to all the
students or a set of students at a time.
- block the
students’ monitor and take control of the keyboard.
- conduct on-line
examination.
- help students listen
to and record their voice, and check and compare the recorded voice with
the original voice.
- transfer video and
audio files to the students.
- transfer teacher’s
monitor to students or a student’s file to another student.
- observe student’s
monitors, listen to students’ voice and respond.
(ii)
Learning
Software
Learning
software is of two types:
- Online learning
resources
This
comprises of all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The
information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not,
serves as specific media to implement the learning process is essentially the
computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge.
- Networking
software
This
material is designed especially for students who already have some knowledge of
English. A variety of language items such as grammar, comprehension, speaking
and writing tasks are included.
There
are some software available which use scanned copies of books as their input
material. Such software is not highly interactive and therefore does not
fulfill the purpose. The programs to be installed in language labs should be
easy to handle for the teachers who may not have strong computer skills; have
good audio and video files that enable students to listen to samples of good
speech that have clear voice accent and pronunciation. The instructions to the
users should be precise, grammatically correct with clarity of sound and
vision. It should have competence activities at various levels, having appeal
at global level and should relate to local culture. A good language software
needs to be skill-focused. It should include activities on vocabulary, grammar
and use of language that helps learners in making appropriate lexical and
grammatical choices in their everyday communication. The programme should have
activities that focus on language skills such as listening, speaking, reading,
and writing developed through contextual activities on everyday communication.
In addition, the programme should include some methods for testing these skills
with scope for feedback and remediation.
On
surveying the market, it was found that there is a range of language learning
software available that have scope for authentic reading from newspapers, the
Internet, fiction, etc.; writing; building soft skills; and promoting personal
development. These software programs majorly address areas as report writing,
grammar, study skills, pronunciation, intonation, fluency and language skills.
These programmes are rich in audio/ video content and can be connected to the
local network in a computer lab.
It
is advisable to buy the platform and the software for the language lab from the
same source to avoid compatibility issues. Additionally, it also helps in
gradually updating software while being able to use the same platform.
This
is just the beginning. CALL supported by internet resources is on the path of
revolutionizing how we teach and learn in the 21st century wherever
we are in our country.
2.
Using Clarity Snet V7.0
Software (installed in the Language Lab Computers)
The
Clarity Snet V7.0 software enables teacher to manage the classroom and
communicate with them without leaving the teacher’s computer. It is a network based teaching software which enables a
teacher to remotely control, monitor, broadcast, and assist students through
teacher’s computer. The software will enable teacher to
·
broadcast the desktop and voice to
students
·
allow students demo software to be
shared by the teacher and other students
·
monitor and take control of the
students' desktops
·
stream many kinds of video files and
camera pictures to students
·
record desktop operations to a file and
play them back to students
·
remotely shut down students' computers
·
send files to the students
·
send messages to the students
·
collect files in the defined directory
of students’ computers
·
distribute interactive quizzes; and
·
prevent students from accessing
unlimited web sites and applications.
Logging on to the
Clarity Snet
To
start a class, the teacher must login to it software and help the students to
connect to the teacher’s computer.
Steps to log in:
·
Double click on the shortcut icon on the
desktop.
·
When the login interface pops up, the
teacher will provide the correct user name and password. If the password does
not match, the teacher will not be allowed to login.
·
The
teacher's name will be displayed
on each student's
desktop so that
each student will know which teacher to connect to.
·
Click on the advanced button on the
‘Login’ dialog, select one or more channels ranging from 1 to 32, and then
click ‘Login’ to enter the operating platform for teacher side computers.
Title Bar
From the Title Bar one
can
·
view the software name and version
·
drag and drop the main window
·
minimize the software clicking on the
upper right-hand button
·
restore the program by double-clicking
on the tray icon or right-clicking on the icon and selecting ‘Show Window’ from
the pop-up menu.
·
configure the software
·
view ‘Help’
·
close the software.
Function Bar
To
start a function the teacher needs to click on the function's icon. To stop a
function that is running, click on the same icon again. Each Function Icon has
four states -
·
Normal state - function is ready to be
executed.
·
Hot state - the mouse pointer is on the
icon.
·
Down state - the function is executed.
·
Disable state - the function is
disabled.
The
main functions of the software can be divided into five parts:
·
Class
- Manage Class Model, Sign-In and View Mode.
·
Show
- Screen Broadcast, Voice Broadcast, Voice Chat, Student Demonstration, Net
Movie and Camera. Remote: Monitor & Control, Remote Command, Remote Policy,
Silence and Silence Off.
·
Group - Group Management, Group Chat
and Group Teaching
·
Quiz- - Create Quiz, Start Quiz, Quiz
Grader and Instant Quiz
·
File - File Distribution, File
Collection and File Submitting.
·
Others
- Screen
Record and so on.
Class
This
allows the teacher to manage the class model of the whole classroom, set the
view mode of the class icons and register the class.
Class
mainly includes three parts –
Manage Class Model
Manage Class Model
The
Class Model feature is used to show all the students who have joined the class.
With Class Model, teacher can view the student list, view student state, view
student property, select
students to start
function, add students,
delete students, and edit student names. (The teacher can
manage the Class Models
by deleting an
existing Class Model, exporting a Class Model's member list
to plain text file, and saving to another file).
·
Student
State (state of student computer)
The
Class Model feature uses computer icons to indicate the students and the
different states of their computers. For example, one computer icon indicates
one student, and a black computer icon indicates that the student has not
connected to the teacher. If a computer icon becomes bright, it means the
student has logged in.
·
Student
Property
The Student
Property feature can
remotely collect students'
summary information for the teacher: computer name, IP address, MAC
address, operating system name and version, CPU speed and memory size, and any
applications and processes that are running.
To view a student's
property information
·
Right-click on a student icon.
·
Select ‘View Student's Property’ from
the menu.
·
Click
on the ‘Information tab’,
‘Application tab’, or
‘Process tab’ to
view different properties.
·
Raise
Hand by Students
If the student has a
question and needs to ask the teacher for help, they may draw the teacher’s
attention by using the ‘Raise Hand Function’.
If the Raise Hand function is executed,
the student's icon
on the teacher-side
computer will change into a Raise
Hand status.
·
Delete
Class Model
ü Click
the Manage Class Model icon in the main window to launch the Manage Class Model
dialogue.
ü Select
the ‘Target Class Model’ from the ‘Class Model’ list in the Manage Class Model
dialog and press the ‘Delete’ button.
ü Press
the ‘Yes’ button in the confirmation dialog box.
·
Activate
Class Model
ü Click
the ‘Manage Class Model’ icon in the main window to launch the ‘Manage Class Model’
dialogue.
ü Select
the ‘Target Class Model’ from the ‘Class Model’ list in the ‘Manage Class
Model’ dialog and press the ‘Activate’ button.
ü Press
the ‘Yes’ button in the confirmation dialog box.
·
Students
Register
ü This
function allows students to check into required online lessons.
ü To
Prompt Students to Register
ü Click
on the ‘Student Register’ icon on the ‘Function Bar’.
ü The teacher
can then select
the information that
the student will be required to complete.
ü Then
press the ‘Start’ button in the ‘Student Register dialog’.
ü The
‘Student Register dialog’ will appear on the student's screen.
·
Stop
Student Registration
ü The
student will fill in the registration information in the ‘Student Register
dialog’.
ü The teacher
clicks the ‘Stop’ button
on the right
side in the
‘Student Register dialog’.
·
Registration
Report
Student
registration details can be exported to a file. When all students have
registered, do the following:
ü Click ‘Export’ in the ‘Student Register
dialogue’.
ü Select
a path and a file name for saving the information.
ü Click
‘Save’ in the File ‘Save As’... dialogue.
·
View
Mode
In Class Model area, student icons can
be viewed in three modes
ü Thumbnail mode
- Thumbnail mode is the default mode for applications. When this mode is selected, students'
computer desktops are displayed as thumbnails in the Class Model area on the
teacher side computer.
ü Icon mode-
When this mode is selected, students are displayed as icons on the teacher side
computer, and the status of the icons shows the current status of the students.
ü Detail mode
- Detail mode provides the teacher with advanced information about the student
side computers, such as names, IP addresses, MAC addresses, etc for currently
running programs.
Show
The
Show function is the main function of the software. With the Show function, the
teacher can send to the students all kinds of information in real time, via
several means. The ‘Show’ function is mainly composed of the following
components:
·
Screen Broadcast
·
Voice Broadcast
·
Voice Chat
·
Student Demonstration
·
Net Movie
·
Camera
[Discussed
in Chapter 4]
·
Remote
–This
helps with remote management and control
methods as described below:
·
Monitor
& Control helps the teacher monitor and control
the student activities remotely, and provide individual students with remote
tutoring.
·
Remote
Setting facilitates setting the system properties remotely
for all students.
·
Remote
Command helps to remotely run or close all students'
programs, and perform shut-down, reboot operations.
·
Student
Policy remotely controls students’ usage of some
applications, websites, and USB Disk; s/he can also block students’ instant
messages.
·
Silence
and Silence Off remotely blackens students’ screens to
control their attention.
Using Monitor &
Control
Using
the software, the teacher can monitor the desktops of the students. The teacher
can simultaneously view multiple students' screens, each in its owner window,
even in a windowed or full screen view. The floating monitor control bar can
help you scroll from one screen to the next, auto scroll to the next screen
after a specified time, reset the window position, and change the display mode
in each monitor window. The teacher can take control of a student's desktop or
share control with the student. It also has the provision for talking privately
with a student, while controlling his desktop.
Monitoring Students
To
monitor a student:
· Click on the student's icon in the
‘Class Model’ area.
· Click on the ‘Monitor’ & ‘Control’
button in the ‘Function Bar’.
· The student's monitor window will be
displayed on teacher desktop.
The
software can simultaneously monitor an entire class of students. However, it
cannot display all the students’ monitor windows on the screen at the same
time. The default number of monitor windows is four and the maximum is sixteen.
Nevertheless to change the monitor window count
· Click the ‘Option’ button in the ‘Title
bar’.
· Select ‘Monitor’ from the ‘Set List’.
· Change the maximum monitor window count
in the setting page.
While monitoring
students, the software displays a floating
control bar at the top of the desktop.
Group
The
Group function allows the teacher to divide and save all the students into
several different groups to perform personalized teaching activities based on the
actual situations. The Group function consists of the following
components:
·
Group
Management - allows the teacher to divide the students in the
‘Activated Class Model’ into different groups in order to perform ‘Group Chat’
and ‘Group Teaching’ activities. It provides new operations and modifies
grouped operations.
·
Group Chat - allows
all students to do text
or voice communications in
groups
·
Group Teaching - divides
all the students
into groups and
then perform
different teaching functions accordingly.
Quiz
The
software enables the teacher to quickly perform teaching evaluation activities.
It includes the following major function components:
·
Quiz
Maker - a tool for the teacher to create, edit or save quiz
papers. The quiz paper consists of different question groups which can be
created by the teacher. Each group contains several questions which can be
categorized into 4 types: one-answer question, multi-answer question,
alternative question, and essay question.
·
Start
Quiz
- includes quiz paper distribution, quiz and quiz paper collection. In special
cases, the teacher can also use it to suspend a quiz for later resumption.
·
Quiz
Grader- allows the teacher to evaluate the students' quiz
papers, give
appropriate scores,
add annotations and
send the results
to the corresponding students.
·
Instant
Quiz - allows the teacher to launch a quick
one-question quiz or
in-class survey and give results immediately.
File
This part includes the following functions:
·
File
Distribution - allows the teacher to distribute file
or directory to multiple students.
·
File
Collection - allows teacher to collect files in the defined
directory of students’ side.
·
File
Submission Management - allows the students to submit their work
to teacher.
Others
There
are some others functions:
·
Screen
Recording and Playback - allows teacher to record
operations into a file for playback later.
·
Manager
Request Help - allows students to send a request for
help to the teacher.
Digital
Multimedia Language Lab
3.
Multimedia Language Lab
What is a Multimedia
language lab?
In
principle, a multimedia language lab system is a collection of tools that
enable a teacher to create student activities, assign student activities, and
monitor and evaluate student progress.
Additionally, a multimedia language lab system enables students to
execute activities (including listening and speaking activities). In general,
for any subject, a lab differs from a regular classroom by providing students
and teachers with the tools they need to facilitate hands-on practice with the
subject materials as they do science labs. This applies to multimedia language
labs too.
What does hands-on
practice mean for language learning?
Basically,
Multimedia language labs facilitate a broad range of activities that involve
students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking the target language. In a
multimedia language lab, students are supposed to play an active role. They
·
listen to (and/or watch) multimedia
materials in which native speakers of the target languages are speaking in an
authentic context.
·
record themselves and listen to
themselves speaking the target language.
·
converse with their fellow students in
pairs or in groups using the target language.
Why use a Multimedia
Language Lab?
The
underlying role of the multimedia language lab has not changed dramatically
over time: As mentioned earlier, the
role of multimedia language lab is to help students to master their reading,
writing, listening, and speaking skills in a new target language.
While the traditional
role of the lab has not changed significantly, both the technology of
multimedia language labs and the teaching methodologies employed in multimedia
language labs have changed dramatically. Today, multimedia language labs are
more supportive of communicative learning and student interactivity. While most
multimedia language labs use a dedicated room, there are portable options too.
These portable systems can be taken from one room to the other.
There are growing
numbers of multi-discipline labs that help facilitate learning in a variety of
different subjects – including languages. And, in this era of computers,
networks, Internet, and the ICT (Information and Communications Technology),
there are possibilities for having virtual multimedia language labs, in which
students and teachers participate from a mix of self-study classrooms,
libraries, and at times from their homes.
There are three main
layers of functionality that are associated with multimedia language lab
systems:
·
Media
Player/Recorder - Years ago, the audio cassettes and
the recorder were the basis of almost every multimedia language lab system, but
today, this it has been replaced by a computer program – called a virtual
recorder or media player/recorder - that runs on a personal computer, and
enables students to listen and watch multimedia program materials and record
their own oral or written responses.
Media player/recorders are functionally similar to audiocassette
recorders, but without the fuss and bother of tapes!
·
Intercom
System – Many multimedia language lab systems include an
Intercom function that lets teachers remotely listen to students, talk with
students, and organize students into pairs or small groups for collaborative
projects. Communications can be configured as one-on-one, one-to-many, or
one-to-all.
· Computer
Management System – If a lab is equipped with individual
student computers, it is really helpful to be able to share screen information
among stations. This capability allows teachers to broadcast their own screen
(or that of a model student) to all students. Also, teachers are able to
remotely monitor student screens and even take remote control of student
computers. Most systems also include a
“Blank Screens” function, that lets teachers blank student screens and lock all
keyboards and mouse – to take students away from possible distractions and
force their attention towards the teacher.
Many multimedia
language lab systems also include extra utilities for remote powering on and
powering off student computers, for launching programs or websites, for
restricting student access to applications, for communicating in a written chat
message style, and many others.
·
Lesson
Materials (the content)
Multimedia
language lab Systems typically does not include any lesson materials. Lesson materials may be created by teachers
(using authoring tools provided with the multimedia language lab system), may
be re-purposed from existing materials, or may be sourced from content
providers.
Multimedia Language
Labs and Role of Teachers
There
will always be some students who are able to work individually and master any
subject – including the learning of a foreign language. Having said that, most
students will benefit immeasurably when they have someone to help guide them
through the learning process.
4. Benefits of English Language Lab at a Glance
Advantages to Teachers
The
English Language Lab is a network based teaching software designed to improve teaching
environment in the computer labs.
English Language Labs enables a teacher to remotely control, monitor,
broadcast, and assist students in teacher PC directly. With powerful functions
and friendly user interface, English
Language Labs not only facilitate the teaching process but also bring fun and
efficiency to learning. They have been greatly used in schools, colleges, and
the Universities in the West. It has been observed that they bring the
following benefits to teachers. The language labs
·
allow for creative work
·
save time for more challenging topics
·
replace ineffective learning activities
·
increase student contact time for
discussion
Advantages to Students:
As
each student has his/her own console with a headset, they have one of the main
advantages of practicing on their own i.e. in other words privacy. So they can
do their pronunciation, listening, reading, writing & speaking comfortably
on their own. If they have any doubts they could discuss with the teacher
directly from their own console, instead of disturbing the entire class.
Moreover, the virtual recording feature in language labs helps them to listen,
repeat, record and compare, which may be considered as one of the most
important aspects of any Language Lab. Besides, they also bring immense benefit
to the learners as they enable them to:
·
work at their own pace and also control
their learning path
·
learn from an infinitely patient tutor
that does not have problems of repeating things for learners.
·
actively pursue learning and receive
feedback
Using Multimedia as teaching tools benefits both
teachers and learners in the following ways. Multimedia tools can be
conveniently used for
·
drill and practice to master basic
skills
·
the development of writing skills
·
problem solving
·
comprehension of intangible mathematics
and science concepts
·
simulation or promoting life like environment in the class itself
when teaching science and mathematics
·
manipulation of data for different
purposes
·
acquisition of computer skills for
general purposes, and for business and vocational training
·
communication to understand general
population and students
·
accessing information in remote locations helping both
teachers and students
·
individualized and cooperative learning
·
management and administration of
classroom activities.
Main Functions
Screen Broadcast
Screen
Broadcast is one of the key functions of English language lab software. Teachers
can broadcast the screen to one or more of the students in a class in either
Full Screen or Windowed mode. It also can transmit teacher voice and system
sound at the same time.
Voice Broadcast
Voice
Broadcast is such language lab software that generally allows teacher to
broadcast audible files (interactions) to all the students through microphones,
a headphone and speakers.
Student Broadcast
Good
language lab software also allows students to teach other students by
transferring their screen & voice. It also enables them to do group work
while being seated in their own work stations.
Group Discussion
The
feature of group discussion available in the language lab software allows
teachers to divide students into several groups. Students in each group can
chat with one another. The teacher can select a group to join and chat with
another group.
Net Movie
Teachers
can play media files on teacher computer and broadcast the media to the entire
class. Students do not have to download the media file from the teacher’s disk
to their machine. The teacher also does not have to share the media file with
students.
Virtual Recording
Teachers
can to transfer any media files to students, make them to record & compare
their voice with the master track that has the provision for displaying a
graphical wave form to improve their pronunciation skills.
Screen Recording &
Playback
Good
Language Lab software should allow students to record operations from their
desktop into a file, and then playback the file to students as in Clarity
Snetclass software made available to schools.
Student Screen Lock
Teacher
can get the attention of one or more students in your class by locking their
mouse devices, keyboards and desktops and presenting them with a simple message
on the screen. This would save learners from getting unfocused because of
availability of infinite computer applications.
Remote Control
The
Language Lab software generally allows teacher to remotely wakeup, shutdown
monitor & record students’ PCs with only one mouse click. Teacher is able
to block students on surfing internet, applications and using USB storage drives
while conducting classes.
Speed Variations
Students
can adjust the level of the speed of Audio / Video files according to their
levels.
Paperless Examination
Teacher
is able to conduct multiple formats of exams like one word answer, multiple
choice format, blending texts and images and many more. Automatic grading of each student’s result and
transferring the result to every student is also possible that helps students
to get immediate feedback along with the advantage of being able to notice
their mistakes.
5. Multimedia: An Educational
Tool
(Adapted from Multimedia as an Educational Tool
available at http://www.cemca.org/EMHandbook/Section2.pdf)
For
many of us, the lure of computers is a powerful one. However, many of us also
refrain from using computers for fear of failure. We want to hone computer
skills, but are scared to make the effort because we lack those very skills.
Too many of us, especially in the field of learning, are caught in this modern
tug-of-war.
Throughout the 1980s
and 1990s, the concept of multimedia took on a new meaning, as the capabilities
of satellites, computers, audio and video converged to create new media with
enormous potential. Combined with the advances in hardware and software, these technologies
were able to provide enhanced learning facility and with attention to the
specific needs of individual users.
A primary application
of the interactive multimedia for instruction is in an instructional situation
where the learner is given control so that he/she may review the material at
his or her own pace and in keeping with his/her own individual interests,
needs, and cognitive processes. The basic objective of interactive multimedia
material is not so much to replace the teacher as to change the teacher's role
entirely. As such, multimedia must be extremely well designed and sophisticated
enough to mimic the best teacher, by combining in its design the various
elements of the cognitive processes and the best quality of the technology.
With today's multimedia courseware, once a programme has been designed and
built in with the appropriate responses, it should be flexible and permit
change and alteration.
Defining
Multimedia
‘Multimedia’
is a term frequently heard and discussed among educational technologists today.
Unless clearly defined, the term can alternately mean a judicious mix of
various mass media such as print, audio and video or it may mean the
development of computer-based hardware and software packages produced on a mass
scale and yet allow individualized use and learning. In essence, multimedia
merges multiple levels of learning into an educational tool that allows for
diversity in curricula presentation. Multimedia may be taken as a combination
of computer hardware and software that allows the user to combine video,
animation, sound, graphics, etc. to make useful and a coherent program on a
computer.
The Need for
Making Multimedia Courseware
Of what use is
multimedia in education?
Besides
being a powerful tool for making presentations, multimedia offers unique
advantages in the field of education. For instance, text alone simply does not
allow students to get a feel of any of Shakespeare's plays. In teaching
biology, an instructor cannot make a killer whale come alive in a classroom.
Multimedia enables us to provide a way by which learners can experience their
subject vividly. Having simultaneous graphic, video and audio, rather than in a
sequential manner is the key to providing this experience to the students.
Why use multimedia at
all?
Technology
does not necessarily drive education. That role belongs to the learning needs
of students. With multimedia, the process of learning can become more goal
oriented, more participatory, flexible in time and space, unaffected by
distances and tailored to individual learning styles, and increase
collaboration between teachers and students. Multimedia enables learning to
become fun and friendly, without fear of inadequacies or failure. Moreover,
under conditions of constant under-funding, multimedia can provide an enhanced
or augmented learning experience at a low cost per student to provide long-term
benefit. Multimedia enables learning
through exploration, discovery, and experience. The appeal of multimedia
learning is best illustrated by the popularity of the video games currently
available in the market.
Advantages of
Multimedia
The
pedagogical strength of multimedia is that it uses the natural
information-processing abilities that we already possess as humans. Our eyes
and ears, in conjunction with our brain, form a formidable system for
transforming meaningless sense data into information. The old saying that
"a picture is worth a thousand words" often understates the case
especially with regard to moving images, as our eyes are highly adapted by
evolution to detecting and interpreting movement.
For
example, a photograph of Ganges in Varanasi, apart from being aesthetically
pleasing, can contain a wealth of information relating to the culture,
religion, geography, geology, climate, history, and economics of the area.
For
the student, multimedia courseware scores over the text-based variety because
it looks better. If the courseware includes even a few images, it gives relief
from screens of text and stimulates the eye, even if the images have little
pedagogical value. The inclusion of non-textual media into courseware adds
pedagogical value to the application. For example, a piece of courseware
describing a dig at an archeological site would be more valuable to the student
if images of the location such as where the digging and scanning took place are
included in the course structure.
Practical Disadvantages
of Multimedia
Multimedia
requires high-end computer systems. Sound, images, animation, and especially
video, constitute large amounts of data, which slow down, or may not even fit
in a low-end computer. Unlike simple text files created in word processing,
multimedia packages require good quality computers. A major disadvantage of
writing multimedia courseware is that it may not be accessible to a large
section of its intended users if they do not have access to multimedia-capable
machines. The financial and technical issues also need to be addressed.
Developments in multimedia are very high and the process of developing
effective multimedia takes time. Time spent on developing the costs multimedia
package requires money so that the true cost of an interactive programme mounts
with each delay. For these reasons, courseware developers should think very
carefully about the type of multimedia elements that need to be incorporated
into applications and include only those that have significant value. Further,
using multimedia for education implies that the user must possess a minimum
level of computer literacy in order to exploit the capabilities of this medium
for learning.
Use of Multimedia in an
Educational Setting
Traditionally, the primary source for
obtaining any information would be the encyclopedia generally available in the
library. But with access to interactive multimedia, the students collect
various textual materials about things from sources on a CD-ROM. In addition,
the student may be able to copy an image too on what he wants to know about.
The learner may even open a site which might add to the information s/he is
seeking and blend this information into a report/ or an anecdote.
Besides, teachers
should find multimedia of great use in delivering their lessons. For example, a
history teacher could use a multimedia CD to create a lecture on the
non-violence movement by using film clippings and audio tapes on Mahatma Gandhi
or Martin Luther King, also by incorporating other audio visual information
with text to make the subject come alive. Simulated learning can take the place of
actual hands on training by using all features of interactive multimedia.
Training can thus take place individually at the learner's pace and on his/her
own time.
6.
Internet Resources Accessed In a
Language Lab
This chapter lists some useful
internet resources that can easily be accessed in a network ready language lab. There are a lot of resources that
teachers can easily use in the classroom available on the Internet. These
materials if used discreetly can go a long way in not only acquainting the
Internet surfers with the latest knowledge but can also help them in achieving
whatever the objectives of the teacher may be of using them. The chapter also
provides URL links to the sites that teachers can follow to register their
accounts.
Blogs
A blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are
usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary,
descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.
Wiki
A wiki is a website that allows the creation and editing
of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor. Examples include community websites,
corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note
services. The software can also be used for personal note taking.
URL
Internet forum
An Internet
forum, or message board,
is an online discussion site where members/
visitors can hold conversations in the form of posted messages.
URL
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February of 2005, on
which users can upload, share and view videos.
URL
Google
Earth
Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographical information
program that was originally called Earth Viewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004.
It maps the earth by the superimposition of images
obtained from satellite
imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3Dglobe.
URL
RSS
RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently
updated works— such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and
video in a standardized format. An
RSS document (which is called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel") includes full
or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and
authorship.
URL
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files (either audio or video)
that are released episodically and often downloaded through web
syndication. The word replaced webcast in common use with the success of the iPod and its role in the rising popularity
and innovation of web feeds.
URL
Skype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video
calls and chats over the Internet.
It also offers applications such as the interactive board that can be used for
teaching.
URL
Twitter
Twitter is a website, owned and operated by Twitter Inc., which
offers a social networking and micro
blogging service, enabling its users to send and read messages
called tweets.
URL
Facebook
Facebook is
a social networking service and launched in February 2004,
operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. Users may create a personal profile,
add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic
notifications when they update their profile.
URL
LinkedIn is
a business-related social networking
site. LinkedIn is mainly used for professional networking and is quite
useful for people in the same profession who get connected through LinkedIn. It
helps in sharing viewpoints with networked members and also in finding people
who you want to connect to.
URL
Twiducate
Twiducate is a free resource for
educators. Developed in 2009, the website creates a medium for teachers and
students to continue their learning outside the classroom.
URL
Delicious
Delicious is
a Social Bookmarking service, which means individuals can save all their
bookmarks online, share them with other people, and see what other people are bookmarking.
URL
Picasa
Picasa is an image
organizer and image viewer for
organizing and editing digital photos,
plus an integrated photo-sharing website, originally created by Idealab in 2002
and owned by Google.
URL
7. Some Teaching Websites for Language Teachers
- http://www.sitesforteachers.com Sites for Teachers – You will find hundreds of educational websites rated by popularity.
- http://www.totalesl.com/ ESL/EFL Lesson Plans - Lesson plans designed and donated by total ESL users. You can share
your lesson plans with the world here!
- http://www.eslbase.com/ Good for ESL based
for ESL teachers and employees - You may find many TEFL links for
teachers.
- http://www.teachermagazine.org/ Teacher
Magazine - News and Information
for teacher leaders can be got here.
- http://www.wordsurfing.co.uk/- You may find some useful
English teaching links/word surfing test, internet test, beginner websites, sounds, movies, games...etc.
- http://www.lingolex.com/jstefl.htm/ John and Sarah's Tefl Pitstop – this site is designed more for
teachers than students. You may also find some interactive tasks.
- http://www.edict.com.hk/vlc/ Edict-Virtual Language Centre - Authoring utilities,
concordance, and links found here are motivating for both teachers and
students.
- http://www.oup.com/elt/global/ Oxford University Press - Teacher's club - lesson ideas,
resources and other information, catalogues, etc. Must register to use,
but it's free and easy.
- http://www.longman.com/index.html Longman - Resources for teachers, ELT Forum, teaching tips may be found.
- http://www.gsu.edu/gastate_learning.html/ Georgia State University site. You may get some ideas from academic
articles.
- http://learning.turner.com/ CNN and Turner broadcasting - You may find some ideas on learning
English from news.
- http://www.tiscali.co.uk/ - British Spelling rules.
- http://www.amity.org.uk/Training/training.htm/ - Training Material for volunteer tutors.
- http://school.discovery.com/teachers/index.html/ Discovery School - Great puzzle maker tools and clip art.
- http://www.englishclub.com/index.html/ English Club Teachers Site - Lesson plans, teachers forum, TEFL
articles, classroom games, etc.
- http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/ The Internet Tesl Journal - Lots of categorized links to every
aspect from theoretical to practical (single best link to everything).
- http://www.scholastic.com/ Scholastic Teachers Site - Geared for public school, but some
useful info, like teaching with technology.
- http://www.refdesk.com/ Refdesk - This site is a link to almost anything. A great
starting point for those lessons when students are trying to find
information on something. Dictionary links, encyclopedia links, trivia
links, links to newspapers all over the world, grammar links and biography
links.
- http://www.onestopenglish.com/ One Stop English - Good teachers' site. You will find enough information
on methodology, speaking and listening activities, writing, lessons, etc.
- http://www.englishresource.com/ English Resource - Another good teachers' site. Free
photocopiable downloads for ESL/EFL classes are available here.
- http://www.insideout.net/ - Companion site from CB (Macmillan Publishers). Extra activities to
accompany the CB "Inside Out". Downloadable audio clips, sample
video, E-lesson, news of ESL conferences around the world.
- http://www.teachingenglish.co.uk/ - Links to other sites + professional development tips.
- http://www.eslteachersboard.com/ - Look for lessons and classroom games for ESL teachers.
- http://junketstudies.com/rulesofw/ Rules of Writing - Include 11 rules for good written English.
- http://esl.about.com/ About English as 2nd Language - Language center
site. Business English for foreigners.
- http://gabiscott.com/bigdog/ Big Dog's Grammar - Writing and grammar. Easy English use. It
is about a dog's story.
- http://www.doghause.com/ Dog Hause - Learn English from quotes about animals.
- http://www.cycnet.com/englishcorner/ English Corner - Everyday English use. You will find many
Chinese characters on the front page but you fill find English inside.
- http://ec.hku.hk/epc/ English For Professional Communication - Business English of
the University of Hong Kong site.
- http://www.hoadworks.com/ Hoadworks - Loads of English games are available here.
- http://www.autoenglish.org/ - Free Interactive and Handout Exercises for EFL and ESL Students and
Teachers are available here.
- http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/ -Free ClipArt’s, Pictures - Lots of clipart and pictures to
decorate your teaching materials are readily available here.
- http://www.animationlibrary.com/a-l/ -Free Animation Library - Thousands of free animations are
available here.
- http://www.gamequarium.com/ -Cool links to ClipArt’s and Animations.
- http://www.jpl.org/-Internet Public Library. Loads of stuff. Links to other websites,
things like biographies, dictionaries, science and technology, etc.
- http://www.crosswordpuzzlegames.com/ Create puzzle games to use in classrooms.
- http://www.schoolworld.com Creates dynamic, functional teacher websites quickly and easily. You
may find an option for free trial.
- http://www.bestsampleresume.com Information on resume writing with many free sample resume templates.
Guidance for writing a resume, resume templates and resume examples are
available here.
- http://www.kentaylor.co.uk/die/ - Many lesson plan links (include drama) are available here.
- http://www.uinversalteacher.org.uk/ -
Andrew Moore's
teaching resource site (Drama, Literature and Poems)
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