Week 3 Reflections

In the third week of our class, we learned about using technology to help people learn languages. 

We looked at MOOCs, which are free online courses for many people. We also learned about CALL and TELL, which are about using computers and technology in language learning. We found out about blended learning, which mixes online and in-person learning, and how to make online courses. We learned how to tell stories using digital tools and how to use online tools to find information. We also learned about making podcasts and designing blogs. We talked about how to manage a class using technology and how to use programs like Hot Potatoes and Google Drive to help students learn languages. We learned how to use different technology tools in language learning.

Tricider:

We also learned about a tool called Tricider.  Tricider is a versatile online tool designed to simplify collaborative brainstorming and decision-making. It excels at gathering ideas from diverse groups, making it ideal for teamwork, educational settings, and community feedback. Unlike simple idea collection platforms, Tricider facilitates a more comprehensive process by enabling users to vote on their preferred options and engage in discussions about the pros and cons of each suggestion. 

This fosters informed decision-making and helps groups reach a consensus. Its user-friendly and intuitive interface, often requiring no registration, ensures accessibility for a broad range of users. Being web-based, Tricider is accessible from any device with an internet connection. Whether used in classrooms, business meetings, or for general group decisions, Tricider provides a free and efficient way to streamline the process of idea generation, discussion, and selection.

It helps people share ideas together. We found out that it's great for writing because it follows steps like thinking of ideas, collecting them, writing them down, organizing them, fixing mistakes, checking the language, proofreading, and then publishing. We were happy that Tricider is a free website. We learned that you can add your own ideas on Tricider, or you can agree or disagree with other people's ideas. You can also create an account. To get others to share their ideas, you can send them a link. The website is open for ideas for 14 days by default, but you can change the time.

In the second class of our tech exploration, we delved into a fascinating array of online tools, each designed to enhance language learning in unique ways. We came to know about several resources that can significantly aid in phonetic transcription and vocabulary building.

Phonetic Transcription Tools: 

We explored several tools that simplify the often daunting task of phonetic transcription. Firstly, the IPA Typewriter offers a practical, self-assessment approach, allowing users to type phonetic transcriptions directly, reinforcing their understanding of IPA symbols. Photransedit takes a more direct route, converting text into phonetic transcriptions instantly. Similarly, Phonetizer provides a straightforward conversion feature, with the added benefit of login options and a downloadable desktop version for extended functionality.

News and Interactive Learning: 

We also learned about Breaking News English, a valuable resource that leverages authentic news items from newspapers. This platform facilitates the creation of interactive activities like fill-in-the-blanks and phrase matching, making language learning more engaging. Notably, it adapts sentences lexically and syntactically, offering leveled content to cater to diverse learning needs.

Decoding Meaning and Building Wordlists:

To address vocabulary acquisition, we discovered Lingro, a tool that simplifies the process of finding word meanings within web pages. By pasting a webpage link, users can click on unfamiliar words to reveal their definitions and grammatical forms. Lingro also allows users to create personalized wordlists and provides hyperlinks to related webpages, expanding their learning horizons.

Interactive Assessments through Cloze Tests:

Finally, we explored the creation of interactive assessments using cloze tests. This tool allows users to paste text and specify which word types (e.g., prepositions, modals) to remove, generating customizable gap-fill exercises. This interactive approach transforms traditional testing into an engaging learning experience.