Using Social Media & Technology in ESL Instruction

Cyn Hatch, B.Ed Secondary Arts, MA TESOL (exp. 2011)

In this workshop we will:

Discuss the types of technology used in ESL classrooms.

Present types of technology appropriate for different skill types.

Answer teachers’ questions about how they can learn more about the types of technology discussed.

Provide “how to” links for additional information.

Technology in ESL Instruction

Computer and audio/visual equipment

Computer labs Mobile devices

smart phones tablets video cameras

Podcasts and YouTube

Blogs Twitter and Texting Blackboard Facebook and IM Wikis Social Bookmarking

Why Should We Use Technology in ESL? Web tools are increasingly collaborative and foster self-

directed learning—key principles of adult SLA instruction

Workplaces and colleges increasingly require digital literacy

Colleges try to engage students with the content outside of the classroom

Devices enable both content and learning to be highly mobile

Devices are ubiquitous and are used recreationally

Applications of Technology Listen to podcasts or music, and watch YouTube videos

Authentic, theme-based supplemental reading and listening

Podcasts used in 1975: Music used in 1894: Voice of America “Cold Feet” Tracy Chapman This American Life California Distance Videos used in 1975:

Learning Project “Seinfeld”

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/431/see-no-evil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbJ3kfTS_Qg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGVSIkEi3mM

Applications of Technology (cont.)

Blog Promotes connection to

content outside of class

Provides authentic reason for writing

Blogs used in ESLA1975/85: Author’s blogs Student-created blogs

Applications of Technology (cont.)

Audio or video record interviews role plays, presentations, debates, etc. Speaking output

and viewing input http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXNDXPG

1gN8

“Her pronunciation was pretty good. She spoke slowly and clearly.”

“She used eye-contact while she's saying, but it's not often. She still looks at the note.”

“It'd better if she uses body gestures often because it'll reduce somewhat the pressure in her.”

“It will help the conversation between the speaker and the listener that is more exciting.”

Applications of Technology (cont.)

Facebook Conduct polls for

research Post videos for

students to comment on

Utilize a familiar environment

Blackboard Collaborative tool Content management

system

Applications of Technology (cont.)

IM, tweeting, and texting Replicate spoken

exchanges in writing Collaborative

research and information sharing

Applications of Technology (cont.)

Wikis Collaborative writing

tool https://blackboard.american.edu/webapps/po

rtal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_28701_1%26url%3D

Social Bookmarking Resource sharing and

collaborative tool http://www.delicious.com/cynhatch3

Where Do I Learn More? How to blog using Wordpress.com

http://learn.wordpress.com

How to video record using a Flip camera http://support.theflip.com/en-us/home

How to social bookmark using Delicious http://www.delicious.com/help/getStarted

Links to Podcasts and Articles Used in 1975: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/431/see-no-

evil http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home http://www.cdlponline.org