From the activities described in the Speaking part, one can ...

Published 29 October 2021

Using technology has always been an important part of my teaching, even in the pre-digital age. Like many early adopters, I get super-excited by the ‘wow’ factor of new technology. However, some technology (like VR – virtual reality) is still quite challenging to use successfully. In my own teaching, I’m happy to incorporate tools which are rather more familiar. (...)

EAP (English for Academic Purposes) students naturally use PowerPoint to deliver their presentations. The software is so familiar that they are unaware that they are using technology! Classes concentrate on strategies for making a talk effective, such as incorporating memorable images and reducing text to just key words. Many of my students have serious pronunciation difficulties, so revealing a word at the same time as saying it helps them to be understood by the audience.

Like many teachers, I like the engagement and interactivity afforded by Kahoot! My favourite voting app is Mentimeter because it is quick to create a poll, reliable and easy-to-use. Voting anonymously is significantly different from putting up your hand. Doing it remotely remains an exciting event – watching as students’ votes come in. A great way to finish a discussion lesson on controversial issues is with a class vote.

I encourage fluency in the classroom but also ask students to do more discrete practice away from the classroom using their mobile phones – recording themselves, listening and rerecording. They can try out voice searches which are hugely motivating when you achieve success! (...)

Many of my new students don’t have a system to record and review the new vocabulary we cover in class. As part of their learner training, I present the app Quizlet which allows learners to create sets of digital flashcards. It’s free. Students who choose to try it can decide what to write on the back of a card – a translation or a personalised example sentence containing a new word. The app automatically creates games such as matching exercises and Pelmanism, which some learners enjoy.

I am a big fan of graphic organisers and have long encouraged students to use mind-maps. Having free versions such as Mindomo is beneficial in helping store words in concept groups and in reviewing new language.

SHARMA, P. A teacher’s experience of using technology in language teaching. World of Better Learning Blog. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2021/10/29/technology-language-teaching/. Access on: 20 may. 2024. [Adapted].