Using Online Social Networks ( )to Improve English Language Learning

Andrew Cohen, M. Ed TESOLDonna Hurst, M. Ed TESOLKaren Rosenbaum, M. Ed TESOL

teenagers have used social networking technologies

96%

teenagers say they have visited their social network in the past three months

81%

largest country in the world: Facebook

6th

social networks as tools for increasing English language learning

There are clear advantages to using the Ning in the classroom.

What does research say about computer-based project learning?

?

"Always-on Communication..." (Ito)

"Masses of input"Good 'ole Krashen

"Superior instructional methods"

Spoken language + Print

Choice + Relevance

Engagement

Creative output + interaction

Experimenting + refining hypotheses

Grammar/ vocabulary

Authentic content

indirect learning

"Low barriers [lead] to self-directed learning..."

... from which the outcome emerges... (Ito)

Limitations

authentic materials?

multi-media resources?

receptive & expressive types of communications?

Multiple variables

extensive materials?

American Thai

Chinese/Taiwanese

OtherJapanese

Korean

High School

High School

17 % ESL

English Language Workshop

Integrated Skills

English Language Workshop

Beginner(11)

Intermediate (28)Advanced

(46)

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #1: Your Cultural Identity

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

How Topography Affects the Culture of Cleveland

The topography of Cleveland, Ohio has had many effects on the culture of the people. Since the Cleveland area has many fertile plains, it is a good place for agriculture. Consequently, farmers in the region raise livestock and grow corn, wheat, and soybeans in the summer. Thus, Cleveland is known in Ohio as a very important farming center. Additionally, Lake Erie is a significant topographical feature. Due to its cool water on a hot summer day, many people like to spend their free time there swimming. Because there are many types of large freshwater fish in the lake, people also like to charter boats and go fishing on weekends. For this reason, going to Lake Erie is a popular place for Clevelanders. Lastly, as Interstates 77, 80, and 90 are major man-made topographical features of Cleveland, people can easily move from place to place. The effect of these superhighways is that the steel industry of Cleveland has a road network to transport goods across the nation. Therefore, American citizens all over the United States can receive steel goods produced in Cleveland factories. In summary, as a result of fertile plains, Lake Erie, and superhighways, the culture of Cleveland, Ohio has developed in unique ways.

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

Assignment #4: Geography & Culture

Assignment #6 - Creating a Voicethread

http://voicethread.com/#q.b146564.i769774

ELW Ning Survey

1. Did using the Ning help you learn? If yes, how? If no, why not? 2. Did you learn about how values and geography shape people's lives? 3. Did you enjoy the Ning ELW? Was it hard? Easy? 4. How will you use what you have learned? 5. Do you think your reading skills improved? 6. Do you think your writing skills improved? 7. Do you think your listening and speaking skills improved? 8. Did you read the directions to each assignment carefully? If no, why not? 9. Did you open all the links in each lesson? If no, why not? 10. Were the directions clear enough to understand each lesson? 11. Did you get enough help from teachers during class? 12. How does using the Ning to learn English compare to not using the Ning to learn

English? 13. How does the quality of your writing in the Ning compare to the quality of the

writing you do in other ESL classes? 14. Are you proud of the work of you completed in the Ning? 15. In the Ning, did you read people’s work and comment on it who were not in your

ELW section? 16. Would you like to use the Ning again in ESL classes? 17. Please leave some comments about your Ning ELW experience. This greatly helps

your teachers improve their teaching. You may write about things that you liked or disliked. Be honest!

79%Percentage of students who enjoyed

working on the Ning.

89%Percentage of students who felt their English

language skills improved.

· Better writing· Students had more peer exposure· Public venue· Authentic· Being in ESL is cool!

Why ?