Using Online Resources for Listening and Speaking in the Classroom #ELTchat Summary 23/09/2015
#ELTchat Summary for September 23, 2015 written by
Most of the Twitter chats I participate in are hosted in North America and I have a few I try to catch regularly. #ELTchat is UK-based and it took a long summer hiatus; consequently, I missed the first week. I came across the #ELTchat by chance yesterday because of @juliacphang’s #ELTchat comments appearing in my news feed. The chat time alternates between morning and mid-afternoon, my time; therefore, I was able to catch most of the chat during breakfast.Watch movie online A Cure for Wellness (2017)
#ELTchat differs from most chats I participate in, since there are no questions posted in advance for discussion. The topic for each chat is chosen from submissions by popular vote. You can view the open forum for topics here on Saturdays and the topic is selected by followers on Sundays.
Chats take place on Wednesdays, alternating each week between 12:00 and 21:00 BST, or 7:00 and 16:00 EST.
Yesterday’s topic piqued my interest: Using Online Resources for Listening and Speaking in the Classroom, moderated by @Marisa_C, @angelos_bollas, and @Shaunwilden. The resources mentioned included:(an aside: @Marisa_C said that this was a slow chat. I can’t imagine collating all the suggestions in a busier chat; look at this list!
| Source/Website | Details | Comments/Suggestions for Use |
http://www.TED.com |
Recorded global conferences“Ideas Worth Spreading” |
Used over the summer; a little dry @angelo_cullosGood, but might be a bit long for class; @Marisa_C likes it as a resource @EmmaSegev Choosing talks based on students’ interests @juliacphang |
| Tiny Texts |
Read, listen, and learn in English | @cioccas – Likes it because it’s small texts, although there haven’t been new additions recently |
http://kahoot.it/ |
Game-based learning tool | @DARLnamic – Likes to use it with class |
| BBC Clips | Today Programme | Enjoys the short clips @JennyLewin-JonesHas used BBC Radio clips as well @juliacphang |
http://www.esl-lab.com/ |
Randall’s Cyber Listening Lab |
Lessons for class or self access @Marisa_C |
http://film-english.com/ |
Lessons designed around short films | Good length and good for discussion @HanaHainsworth@cioccas, @angelos_bollas agreed |
| Podcasts on iTunes | Various | “Obsessed” with podcasts @ShaunwildenUses as content for distance ss @patrickelt |
http://vocaroo.com/ |
Online voice recorder | Ss record written work as listening source for others @angelos_bollas, @Marisa_C |
http://audacityteam.org/ |
Open source, recording software | Recording podcasts @patrickelt |
http://www.podbean.com/ |
Podcast hosting | Free publishing @patrickelt |
http://lyricstraining.com/ |
Learning English through music videos and songs | Great for listening to and writing down lyrics; multi-levels @Marisa_C; @GlenysHanson |
http://www.soundcloud.com |
Podcast-creating audio platform | Suggested by@ambartosikto record podcasts and as an alternative to vocaroo, which isn’t available for mobile phones@cioccas agreed |
https://voicethread.com/ |
Gathering place for digital conversations | Good for speaking/listening; can play truth or lie; links to Action Research @cioccas |
http://www.rrrrather.com/ |
Conversation starter with difficult choices | Promoting discussion with older students @EmmeSegev |
http://flipquiz.me/ |
Templates for make-your-own gameboards | Competitive games in class, vocabulary practice @DARLnamic |
http://www.voxopop.com/ |
Voice-based e-learning tool; message board for the spoken word |
Generate online stories; good for analysis and peer review as well @Marisa_C |
http://www.elllo.org |
Conversations in different accents of English |
Good for unscripted interviews @GlenysHansonDifferent accents of English@ambartosik |
https://storycorps.org/ |
People’s real stories | Good for encouraging discussion @EmmaSegev |
http://www.eltideas.com |
Lesson plans for listening activities | First day with a new class @cioccas |
http://www.englishcentral.com/videos |
Videos for different English learning | Good for self-assessed pronunciation, too @iatefl_ltsig |
http://www.twitter.com |
Does it need an explanation?? | Can use for “speaking” where Internet is limited @angelos_bollasHas many things in common with speaking, like informality @patrickelt |
http://secondlife.com/ |
3D virtual world | Place for conversations <tongue in cheek> @Marisa_CUses too much bandwith, unfortunately @cbsiskin |
http://www.humansofnewyork.com/ |
Still photos of New York residents | Images for discussion @EmmaSegev |
| Google Hangouts or Skype | Connect with another teacher for a Mystery Skype@ambartosikUse for guest speakers @Marisa_C |
These blogs were also mentioned in the chat:
“Would you Rather” activity shared by @EmmaSegev
Teaching Students Persuasive Techniques shared by @patrickelt (connected to TED talks)
VoiceThread for Students shared by @cioccas
And this link to a podcast blog, thanks to @iatefl_ltsig and @cioccas
Here is a link to my Storify of the chat so that you can follow the conversation thread as it unfolded.
I consider myself knowledgeable about online resources and edtech, but there are a few suggestions in the table above that I have not tried before. My mind is buzzing with ideas and possibilities. I definitely need to go update my Live Binders with some of these great online tools and apps for listening and speaking. I’m especially interested in Voxopop – students don’t have many opportunities for practicing speaking online, and this one gives students authentic spaces in which to practice. Putting it on the must-try list immediately.
Thanks to everyone who shared their suggestions and for participating in the chat. @juliacphang, I wouldn’t have written this summary had it not been for you.
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