Week 3 Podcast: The new listening tool.

The article “Integrating CALL into the classroom: the role of podcasting in an ESL listening strategies course” was really interesting to me because it talks about a very uncommon tool to have in the listening classes. This is called “Podcast” which allows students with access to an MP3 player or a computer to subscribe to audio or visual content that is automatically delivered over a network, so that, users can download the audio or the material that they want to listen to.

Educational podcast are becoming more popular because it allows audio and video streaming to lots of students. The good thing about it, is that students can review the material once and again until the content is clear while they learn and improve their English skills. In fact, teachers need to be trained and prepared to give the right material that can be applied in the curriculum. Moreover, whenever we use a book or a pre-edited audio, students are limited to learn a specific vocabulary. Nevertheless, podcast can increase information on specific aspects of the language such as idiomatic expressions or grammatical constructions allowing students to face the real English world.

As a conclusion, podcasting usage in listening courses can make the difference. In addition, teachers must choose the right tools and materials and take advantage of them. 

Week 2: Developing autonomy learning

The reading for “Effectiveness of the Integration of ICT Tools and Activities to Foster Awareness as the First Stage to Reach Learning Autonomy” was about students being able to study or have a learning process by themselves. Which is basically that students take responsibility to find the ways to improve their learning process. As a matter of fact, the use of CALL is being recommended to promote autonomy in students. So that, they have access to more tools to practice the language and find a web site that fit their needs. For example, students use computers to watch a video instead of using a book.

Something that I want to mention from the article is the fact that usage of ICT tools can enhance language proficiency on students who take the time to practice in a more interactive way. As a result, they will be able to see their own progress and create a routine. Furthermore, I think that we as a teachers have the responsibility to first, encourage our students and let them know the importance of autonomous learning, second, teachers need to be prepared by looking for good web sites, videos, software, etc. that can help them to make it easier.

As a conclusion, implementing CALL can develop interest in self-studying on students that are helped by teachers to find the right tools.

Week 1 Getting to know CALL

The reading for the first week demonstrates really interesting facts about CALL which means computer-assisted language learning. It talks about technology history in the education area and how it has become a good tool for educators.

What I learned from the article “CALL: an overview” who authors are Mark Warschauer and Deborah Healey, is that at the beginning, not most of the people were worried about how technology can be used in the classroom. However, it has become a tool and a very interesting option to develop student’s skills such as listening, grammar, speaking and writing. As an example, the use of email, which is a real time communication between student and teacher, can have a positive impact in the learning process of the students. Teacher should monitor and provide feedback to enhance students´ proficiency. As a consequence, learning process is more interactive and students seem to enjoy this method.

In my opinion, students can have many advantages of using technology, such as an instant feedback, play while learning, lots of resources to study, the fun factor and more. That is why the teaching methods has changed with the acquisition of software and internet, which help students to have a more realistic and also native-speaker models of the language in a variety of media that do not include extra payment for students.