Mission U.S.

Mission U.S. is a game designed for both entertainment and language learning. I think it is even an innovative version of content based instruction! By playing the game, learners can absorb American history and the knowledge of language itself as well. Language teachers and instructors have spent years to try to figure out ways to blend language learning with fun and this game is one of the representatives. However, it has limitations, too.  Vocabulary in the game is somewhat outdated and history is not appealing for some learners. Furthermore, adults might find cartoons in it childish and boring. But, I still think with an revised and advanced edition, it can be a successful learning tool!

American English Online

American English Online:

American English online is a language learning website aimed at improving English level as a second language.  In my view, it is a comprehensive website with different levels covered in color. What intrigues me most is the feature of dictation. In my country, there is a TEM4 test – Test for English Majors. In that test, the first unit is dictation. So, when I noticed that there are dictations on this website, I was thrilled. However, to my disappointment, the dictation on the site is too simple and simplistic and can only be applied to beginning level learners.  Moreover, each sentence is read twice! I think it is not beneficial to language lovers overall!

TED

Ted talk has emerged as a main source of knowledge learning and acquisition in recent years. I think it operates like Youtube. But, their contents are totally different. On Youtube, participants post whatever video clips they like to while on Tedtalk, videos are all about meaningful and useful speeches given by luminaries and world renowned persons from every academic field and from all over the world. This is a real content based instruction. Learners can improve their listening skills at the same time when they are absorbing new knowledge.

The best part is that there are over 40 kinds of subtitles. Hence this website can be used in many countries for English learning as a foreign language classroom. I always believe that intensive listening is more beneficial than extensive one in that students need to review what parts they have problems with and rewind to listen to those parts for more times with the help of caption. Subtitles are necessary for learners. If learners do not need subtitles, then they are not learners anymore.

Audacity

Last week, the tool of “audacity” was introduced to us. Simply put, audacity is a free audio editor and recorder tool used in language instruction. It is similar to digital story but with more advantages. It takes for more time to create a digital story than just an audio recording. Since both technology is aimed at improving speaking and listening skills, audio alone is enough for classroom teaching. That is the main reason why I love it.

Besides, it provides a chance for shy and withdrawn students to get to open their mouths and talk. Communication is the main purpose of learning a language and using it; therefore, “audacity” can play a prominent role in teaching English!

Students can talk about certain topics and record them. Later, teachers can review these recordings and give feedback regarding their pronunciation and grammar. Teachers can also do their own recording and let students listen to it and do dictation or other practices to improve their listening skill.

Rosetta Stone is a very useful learning and teaching website. On Rosetta Stone, students can learn a new language, practice it and play games to reinforce it. This interactive learning mode has literally turned the boring process of acquiring a language into an intriguing one.

Its live online sessions with studio coaches is my favorite feature. In my view, to really command a language, interaction and communication with native speakers is essential and beneficial. In a traditional way, we are supposed to find a native speaker on the street or even go to that country to find a speaker and practice the language. Now that Rosetta Stone has provided such a sophisticated platform, students can learn the most idiomatic language at home with the instruction from tutors who may be in the other end of the world!

Also the online community is where learners can exchange ideas of learning a new language with others. By playing games with other online learners and native speakers, language ability is improved gradually.

The only thing I dislike is that Rosetta Stone is not free! 

Questgarden is a website on which teachers and language learners can create and share webquests. So, what is a webquest? In my view, a webquest is like a language learning process involving role play. Usually, a group of four students is required to take up a webquest in which tasks are distributed to each group member, instructions are listed to help students proceed in their tasks. In doing these tasks, students need to refer to various resources. This is where they learn the language. For example, if the task is about finding world renowned architecture in the U.S., the students will check relevant websites and read tidbits on famous landmarks. They can absorb words and expressions used in description of tourist attractions by input. The following task may be about giving a presentation in which those students can make a speech on what they have studied and oral production takes place.

There are endless ways to design a webquest. It can be multifunctional and integrate four skills so that English learners can improve their comprehensive language levels. One of the shortcomings I have observed is that it takes a alarge amount of time to producing a webquest. Yet, the good news is that we can use those that already exist.

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/ is a fun way to learn English. As we all know, children like having fun rather than sitting quietly and orderly in a classroom. However, I think this website about comic can change the awkward situation. Since children love comics, why don’t we use it at our disposal as a tool for learning English instead of blocking it out of their lives? Dialogues and narratives can be added to cartoon images and kids can learn basic grammar points like past tense and WH question patterns. Students can even carry out role play so that they can have a chance to practice and improve spoken English. Teachers can help scaffold and correct their pronunciation and intonation. In a word, it is suitable for kids to learn English.