Using Online Blended Learning Tools to Enhance the ELL Experience

CATESOL Northern Regional Conference May 4, 2013

Barbara Tassa, Co-Founderbarbara@weblishpal.comtwitter: @barbie_t or @weblishpalSkype: barbara.tassa

As an ESL/EFL Teacher, what is your job?

I’m here to make you successful.

1 - Empathizing with ELLs2-  Behavioral Change Techniques3 - Why blended learning (& how)4 - Sourcing Content5 - Using digital tools to create video courses6 - Using WeblishPal In the Classroom7 - Tips on growing your ESL thought-leadership

Overview

Language learning involves CHANGES in BEHAVIOR

Watching a movie in English with 1st language subtitles

(= adding salad to a single meal)

Easy

Difficult

Delivering a speech in English(= forming long term healthy habits)

Behavior Change Techniques

Abraham & Michie, 2008

Blended Learning?

What is it...Where does it come in?

Blended learning is a practice of flipping the classroom - assigning lectures as homework and using class time discussions with teachers.

It’s more effective than classroom or online only.

http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

Listening

Easier

More Difficult

Writing

Speaking

Reading

General order of difficulty in learning the

4 English skills.

Listening

Easier

More Difficult

Writing

Speaking

Reading

In the classroom, you will be constantly repeating similar topics over and over again...

How can blended learning

help?

Listening

Easier

More Difficult

Writing

Speaking

Reading

This is my favourite bakery! The carrot muffin is my favourite!

Create one lesson, record it, and let students review the materials own their own time...

Behavior Change Techniques then works extremely well with blended learning

Abraham & Michie, 2008= Make lesson videos to leverage these behavioral change techniques for tasks that require repetition & which are difficult or stressful to learn in a group setting for your students learning English.

= Track with Online tools

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

Every English Skill Development Lesson Can Be Made Into Videos to Enhance

In- and Out-of-Classroom Learning

ELLs

English Proficiency Globally

http://www.ef.com/__/~/media/efcom/epi/2012/full_reports/ef-epi-2012-report-master-lr-2

3 Learner Categories

Kids StudentsProfessionals

Business CommunicationResumes, Cover lettersInterviews

For KidsFun activitiesVocabularySpeakingLanguage progress

High School /UniversityIELTS/ TOEFLEssays, Applications

So how do you make it work?

Creating a Course

1. Plan

2. Script

3. Record + Edit

4. Upload +Share

Target Learner? Outcomes?Learner Environment?

Prepare Outline, Contents, MediaCaption TextSimple Language

Record (Several Takes is Normal!)Check Audio, Video QualityEdit: Captions, Transitions, Zooms/Pans

The simplest part!Go to weblishpal.com, log in, +create a course

Lesson Plans

http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/teach-ielts/ielts-teaching-resources

Actual Lessons

www.khanacademy.org

lynda.com

Animation Tools

www.goanimate.com

WeblishPal Classes - Asynchronous

See it for yourself here: www.weblishpal.com/classes/detail/2892

Outline Example

Video Capture SoftwarePC

Brand Free Screen Capture

Webcam Capture Editing URL

Camtasia (TechSmith)

30 days/ $179

www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html

Screenpresso www.screenpresso.com/

Video Capture Software

Brand Cost Screen Capture

Webcam Capture Editing URL

Camtasia (TechSmith)

30 days/ $99

www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html

iMovie $15 Go to the App Store

Mac

Camtasia Screen-casting Example

Record: Screen, Audio, Webcam Video

Edit, add music, transitions, text on screen, etc

How to Upload a Class on WeblishPal

1. Log in (teacher account)2. Click Classes > Create a Course3. Next screen has the upload page4. Then preview + publish + invite students!

InformationalArea

Course Image

Videos, Files, Modules

Sharing Materials

The Anatomy of a Great Online Course PageDescriptive Title

Use your title to specify & excite your prospective

students

Tags: Use searchable keywords to

highlight the skills to be covered in the course

Description: Provide a detailed learning plan/outline on

your course page with learning outcomes. It will help students see if that’s right for them

Modules: We love video classes, especially the interactive kind you can create with

Camtasia software, but nearly any format can work. Upload as many as you need!

WeblishPal in the Classroom

1. Aggregate & share relevant content for your class (share page link via email, FB, twitter, etc)

2. Easy to organize

3. Saves time in lesson planning

Your Course Page

Thought Leadership

Create the materials that YOU want to see.

Become your own publisher.

Your Teaching Portfolio

Teaching Portfolio AnatomyPhoto + Video

Get in Touch

Ratings &Reviews

Credentials

Sample Classes

Social Connections

...scrolling down

1 - Empathizing with ELLs2-  Behavioral Change Techniques3 - Why blended learning4 - Creating your 1st Course5 - Using digital tools6 - Using WeblishPal In the Classroom7 - Tips on growing your ESL thought-leadership

What we’ve covered...

Next Steps...

1. Review the

Resources

2. Start Creating

Your Course

3. Share with us or a

colleague for feedback

4. Post & Start

Teaching!

...come say hello!

I hope you have questions :)

Thanks!

Barbara Tassa, Co-Founderbarbara@weblishpal.comtwitter: @barbie_t or @weblishpalSkype: barbara.tassa

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