Vanessa’s ICT Journey

Mobile devices sometimes can be a threat in the classroom, as it distracts students’ attention, thus reducing their learning efficiency. But what will happen if teachers can use mobile devices to engage students in the classroom? (source:  https://nearpod.com/ ) Introduction Nearpod is an online tool which allows teachers to combine different types of resources in one lesson. It can be used in mobile phones and tablets. To use it, please visit: https://nearpod.com/ Why use it? 🍬Allow students’ engagement. Teachers can use nearpod to create activities such as quizzes, poll, and field trip that engage every student. 🍬Less planning time. Teachers can upload existing files prepared for the lessons to the Nearpod and add new aspects such as quizzes, field trip instead of using different applications. This may save teachers’ time. 🍬Abundant resources. Teachers can also see other teachers’ portfolios through nearpod, which may give them inspirations...

Watching English videos is considered as an interesting way to learn English. However, it is unlikely to learn English effectively just by watching videos again and again. So how to use English videos to learn English effectively? I hope today’s blog will spark your ideas. Introduction The online tool that I would like to introduce is called Tubequizard. It is a video- based quiz website, which allows learners to improve their English skills through watching or creating subtitled videos.   How to use it? 1. Searching for quizzes: Step 1 After opening the homepage of tubequizard( http://tubequizard.com/ ), you can choose the level, type, category, and variety that fits you the best. Notice that you can choose more than one item in each filter. Step 2 Choose a video you like, and begin your quiz! Once you click the gap, the video will be played and learners require to fill in the gaps.                 ...

In today's blog, I would like to share an online tool that can improve students’ speaking with you. Introduction Vocaroo is a recorder-like online application which can record what people have said. English language teachers can also use this tool to help English learners improve their speaking. How to use it in English language teaching classrooms? Giving oral feedback. Supposed that as an English language teacher, you teach a huge number of students. If you write down feedback for every student’s assignment, it will take a large amount of time. However, making audio feedback will save a lot of your time as you only have to record your feedback and share the link of the feedback with your students! Practicing speaking. Some English language learning materials may lack of recording. On this occasion, teachers can read the passage and record it using Vocaroo. Then, they can send it to students and ask them to read after the recording, thus practicing...

This time, I would like to introduce an online collaboration learning tool called padlet. What is Padlet? Padlet is basically a bulletin board or a wall in which people can share their ideas and thoughts with each other. In terms of English language learning, teachers can use it to elicit answers and feedback from their students. Besides, teachers can also employ it as a pad for students to exchange their ideas with each other. (source: google.com) Make a Padlet with me Step 1 Log in to the website of padlet and here is the URL of the padlet. (https://zh-cn.padlet.com/ ). Or sign in if you already have an account. Step 2 After logging in, click ‘MAKE A PADLET’ to create a new pad. Step 3   Choose ‘wall’ or other selection you may use. (In a language teaching classroom, ‘wall’ may be the most commonly used one, so I will use it to set an example.).  Step 4 Choose the gear-like symbol to modify your wall.   Step 5 ...

Do you feel English textbooks are a bit boring? Do you think those textbooks limit what you can teach to your student? If so, today ’ s post may provide inspiration for you. (From: https://www.simpleenglishvideos.com/) What is it? The Simple English Videos is a website established by a British and America couple and consists of many videos that can help English learners from all over the world to learn English. Main functions ( From: https://www.simpleenglishvideos.com/ ) ✨ Home - In this page, you can register as their member so that you can receive their new videos regularly. ✨ Video - learners can choose to watch different videos to improve their English. These videos are categorized in terms of the target audience and learning targets. Target audience includes elementary, intermediate and advanced learners. In terms of learning targets, learners can find videos relating to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, etc. ✨ Video favourite - Videos...

(Source:  https://kahoot.com/ ) When it comes to quizzes, students may become upset. Actually, it is possible to make them fully enjoy quizzes. But how? I hope you will find the answer from today ’ s post. Introduction The Kahoot is a website where teachers can create quizzes and let students engage in quizzes through mobile devices. As for how to create quizzes, please have a look at this short video: (From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAfnia7-rMk ) Let ’ s join a quiz together! Suppose that you teach the English literature course, and you intend  to examine whether your students have mastered what have been taught.  🌈As for  teachers : Step1 Open the game  and c hoose the mode - Classic or Team mode (Here we choose classic to set an example) . Step2 Inform students of the GAME PIN and let them input it.   Step3 After all the players ’  names appear on your screen, c lick the ‘start’...

(source:  https://www.tripticoplus.com/ ) Introduction Do you want   your class to be more interactive and full of fun?  Do you want your students to be more focused in the class?  If so, this blog may inspire  you. Today, I would like to recomm e nd all English teacher s  a website called Triptico (Please click here to visit the website)   - which will help you design interesting class activities and make your class more attractive. Firstly, let ’ s have a look at a short video about the  Triptico                                                                           (source:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1RGHLBUXNU ) Recommended F unctions I would like to introduce several tools that I think will be helpful in English ...