4 Tech Tools to Enhance English Language Learning

Purpose & objective

Lots of tools are now available for teachers, but many times they may not know how to effectively use them in the classroom or how to go beyond their main functions and find new ways to use them for learning.
The purpose of this poster session is to present different ways in which tech tools like Alexa, Makey Makey, Ozobot and Merge Cube can be used in the English Language Classroom so students can present their learning or to make thinking visible and so as to develop students who are deep thinkers, creators and collaborators. The tools and activities presented in this session were planned and tried out at a English Language private institute, with students of various ages and language levels. They were tried out as pockets of innovation within the school, as a group of teachers was invited to take part in an innovation group in order to try out new strategies to engage students. As teachers tried out activities, other teachers started getting interested in the tools as well and innovation has been spreading out.
During this poster session, the presenter will first provide a brief description of the tools. Then she will provide samples of activities that have been tried out in class. Participants will leave this poster session with a bank of new ideas to be used with all four tools presented.
Alexa can be really helpful when it comes to English Language learning. It can be an aid to the teacher and students. It can help teachers manage the classroom by setting timers or choosing students randomly, for instance. For students, it can be a real assistant to learning helping them with synonyms, definitions, acquiring good pronunciation, intonation and learning how to ask questions properly.
Makey Makey and Ozobot both help students learn coding, which is also a way of expressing themselves. When teaching a language, especially English that is so spread out nowadays, we have to give students a chance of using it meaningfully, using it as a means instead of only an end.
Merge Cube brings augmented reality to the palms of students' hands. The many apps available can be used in various ways beyond there mais functions so as to serve the needs of English Language learners.
In this poster session, all tools will be available to be tried out and sample successful activities will also be displayed. Educators will leave with ready to use ideas and lessons for their classrooms
Participants will be able to get acquainted with the tools presented and learn new ways in which they can be used in the English class.

Supporting research

https://georgecouros.ca/blog/the-innovators-mindset-book
http://www.pz.harvard.edu/resources/maker-centered-learning-empowering-young-people-to-shape-their-worlds
https://learn.media.mit.edu/lcl/