Useful websites for class activities

In this entry you will find very interesting websites for you to be able to complement your lessons with some activities, practices, and games for your students to learn easier, and at the same time to have fun. If you know how to use these tools wisely, then you will succeed in doing your lessons more dynamic. Enjoy!

Reading
Find comprehension worksheets for kids for upper elementary through middle school years. These worksheets include stories, poems, essays, and articles.
RHLSCHOOL

Find reading tests for grades 1 to 8. These tests not only measure comprehension, but also analytical abilities.

PEARSON

Here you will find all kind of practices related to reading skills. For example, mini-stories, speed reading, extensive reading, technical reading, and reading while listening.

ESLUS READING LESSONS

In this website you will get sheets to practice comprehension, recreation, and summarizing.

UVCS

This reading games and activities will help you to improve your students reading skills while they have fun.

LEARNING TODAY GAMES

Writing/GrammarBelow you will find some games that students can play to improve writing and vocabulary.

ENGLISH ONLINE

Here you will see some grammar games such as word jungle, wall of words, and grammar blast among others.

ELLWOOD GRAMMAR GAMES

In this website you will find some ideas and activities to teach grammar.

KIM`S CORNER

Here you will find grammar exercises to practice different grammar rules.

GRAMMAR FOR CHILDREN

Find some grammar quizzes that you can apply to your students for them to practice for the school exams.

QUIZZES

Listening

Among these listening activities you will find informal conversations, speeches, and stories.

CCSF

Here you will find listening activities for people from all levels.

ESL

This is a website with free English lessons which include listening activities.

ESLUS LISTENING LESSONS

Here you will find listening quizzes, and also you can listen to different English accents.

ESL LAB

Here there are some conversations about daily activities.

ELLLO GAMES

Speaking/Pronunciation

Here you will find videos and pronunciation exercises through IPA phonetics.

ENGLISH MEDIA

Here you will find some recordings for students to identify different accents.

ESL-PRONUNCIATION

Below you will find some podcasts about English sounds.

PODCASTS

Here you can learn more about pronunciation. There are handouts, tips for you as a teacher, and activities for your students.

SOUNDS OF ENGLISH

Find below more about English phonetics, lessons, and exercises.

IC-ARIZONA

More Websites

ENGLISH ZONE

OWL

ESL

Multiple Intelligences

IntroductionIn this entry you will find some important information about Howard Gardner´s multiple intelligence theory, such as what the theory is it about and how can be applied in a technology class. In addition, you will find an illustrated concept map about the main aspects of the theory.

Importance of Gardner´s Multiple Intelligences in TechnologyHoward Gardner was the psychologist who created the theory of the multiple intelligences. This theory says that they are different kinds of intelligence and each of them works in an independent way, but all are correlated at the same time. His most important work was “Frames of Mind”, a book published in 1983 where he explained this theory. Gardner created the “Spectrum Project” which consisted on developing the 7 different kinds of intelligence through activities, carefully designed, in the classroom. The classroom was divided in 7 sections; one section for each intelligence. So, at the end of the day kids were exposed to all intelligences. This theory can be very useful for any kind of settings; the important thing is to know how to apply it, and to not forget to develop each of the intelligences.
Some qualities that you will develop in your students by applying this theory are:
· Cooperative learning
· Team work
· Inner reflection
· Creativity
· Discipline

Howard Gardner said that this theory is useful because everyone can develop their abilities in any stage of their lives. He said “An important part of understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do.”
In order to apply this theory in a technology class, it could be useful to follow the following 3 approaches that Gardner proposed:
1. A broad vision of Education (develop all the intelligences)
2. Developing local and flexible programmers (detailed curriculum)
3. Looking to morality (be aware of the variety of people)

Examples of how can you apply the theory in class:
Linguistic: Word processing programs, voice recordings, programs to create stories.
Logical Mathematical: Problem solving software, graphic calculators.
Visual/Spatial: Draw programs, 3D Animation, videos.
Musical: Music composing software, videos, recordings.
Bodily-Kinesthetic: Games, animation programs.
Interpersonal: Telecommunication, email, social networks.
Intrapersonal: Brainstorming programs, personal research, and instructional games.

References: Casa Canada

Response 2: Teaching for Understanding

Integrating Technology Into Teaching

The following are some terms related to educational technology, which you might found useful to understand what e-learning is about.

Technology

Technology is the practical application of human knowledge to solve real problems through the design of tools or machines. The main purpose of technology is to apply this knowledge or information in order to improve human´s lifestyle.

Instructional technology

Instructional technology is about us as teachers getting the training to use technology to teach others.

Technology for learningThe concept of technology for learning it refers to the use of technological means to support the students learning. This is about how to apply technology in order to make easier the learning process.

Educational technologyIt is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technology and resources. Some benefits of educational technology are making easier to access to course materials, student`s motivation, wide participation, and improves writing skills.

Elements of the rationale for teaching with technology• Motivation
• Unique instructional capabilities
• Support for new instructional approaches
• Increase teaching productivity
• Require skills for the information age

7 Principles of teaching with technology1. Encourage contact between students and the faculty
2. Develops the reciprocity and cooperation between the students
3. Encourage active learning
4. Gives prompt feedback
5. Emphasizes time on tasks
6. Communicates high expectations
7. Respect of diverse talents and ways of learning.

Response 1: Global Trends in Language Learning in the 21st Century

Quotes

"Education is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge" -Albert Einstein.

"BEING IGNORANT IS NOT SUCH MUCH A SHAME, AS BEING UNWILLING TO LEARN" - BENJAMIN FLANKLIN.

How people learn with technology?

Technology has changed a lot through time, so lifestyles have changed as well. Today`s society is full of innovation, and children are immerge into technology since they were born. Due to this, we need to teach using all the technological tools that we have available.

Teachers have started to introduce technology into their lessons with the purpose of making them more dynamic. Therefore, students are having more access to content and knowledge while using web searchers, wikis, social networks, video, podcast, encyclopedias, etc. Finally, they have become more creative, and they are starting to be producers, publishers, and reviewers of their peers.

Integrating technology into the educational system is not an easy task, so the key for the teacher to succeed is to know how to use the TIC`S appropriately. Also, teachers need to know how the learning process works in order to teach better. Nowadays it is important to teach with technology, but always taking into consideration how people learn. Learning occurs in context because without an appropriate context, comprehension and learning are difficult; and technology can facilitate learning by providing real world contexts that engage learners in solving complex problems. Learning is also an active process, because students need to get involve with the technological tools in order to understand them. Besides, learning is also a social factor because students have to work together with the tools and share perspectives. Plus, learning is reflective because students get involved in projects, built knowledge, and give feedback to each others.

As a conclusion, technology can be very useful if we know how to use it in an appropriate way. Lessons can be more dynamic, and learning can be easier for all of us.