Technology in English Classes

From Blending to Integration

Edo ForsytheHirosaki Gakuin Univ.

How Wired are You?Please surf to the following URL and answer

the short questionnaire about your educational technology use.

http://tinyurl.com/edo-cue

Sharing our Experiences

In your group, please share how you have incorporated technology into one of your

lessons.

What & Why of Blended LearningIncorporation of any technology into the

educational process (Bersin, 2004)

Need to address needs of today’s studentsDigital Natives? – Shockingly, don’t exist

Students desire to use technology but only when they see practical need

No technology for technology sake!

What tech should we use?Major studies (US Educause): keep tech separate

for personal / professional uses

Need balance between teachers’ demands & students’ comfort levels – don’t ask too much

Personal use tech: cell phones, social networks

Professional tech: computers, interaction facilitators

Choose wisely or risk alienating students

Student PerceptionsEducational benefits of technology:• Maintain connectivity to peers / teachers• Quick access to information• Enables flexible studying

Limits to students’ technological abilitiesNeed to be taught how to use basic toolsLOTS of practice & hand-holding with new tech

They want tech, but don’t assume anything!

What Can You Do?Demonstrate practical application of

technologyWhy should they follow your lead?

Focus on 21st century skills & need for tech proficiencyWorld is flatRegardless of occupation, English communication is

important in the global marketplacePositive experiences lead to increased motivation

Provide the tools for future autonomy

Starting SmallUse tech to each culture and have students

research info

Getting BiggerStudents don’t know Web 2.0, but they can be

taught

International collaborative learning using pbwiki

Requires a LOT of encouragementFrequent demonstrationsPeriodic remindersOnce begun, most enjoy and learn a lot

Presents the world at their fingertips

Time to Share

In your group, please share how you increase the use of technology in your lessons.

Where Will We Go From Here?What’s the future of CALL in Japan?

Mobile-based focus in lieu of computersBYOD efforts may be the first steps

International collaborationsPragmatic language practiceCultural exchangeVirtual exchange

Cross-cultural Collaboration

Finding CollaboratorsLook to sister schoolsTry online collaboration sites ePals The

Mixxer

Time to Brainstorm

In your group, please share how you can take your use of technology in your lessons to

the next level.

Professional DevelopmentLearn from others

Join JALT CALL SIG & Attend JALTCALL Confs

Read DMLL, JALTCALL Journal, tech blogs, TLT Wired column

Join email groups eSchool news eCampus news Edutopia T.H.E. Journal

Are there any others???

Listening Toolslearningenglish.voanews.com

YouTube.com

Reading ToolsVOA News Learning English The Mixxerlearningenglish.voanews.com language-

exchanges.org

Writing ToolsThe Mixxer Writing

Planetlanguage-exchanges.org

writingplanet.net

Speaking ToolsThe Mixxer

Voicethreadlanguage-exchanges.org

Technology in AssessmentProviding reality-based assessments

Edit Wikipedia / WikiTravel articlesCreate videos pamphlets about local

culture

Time to Learn from Each Other

Finally, in your group, please share any questions you may

have about incorporating technology in your lessons.

Any Questions for Me?

If you have any questions for me after today’s workshop, please

contact me at

edosan@gol.com