Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Session 12- reflection

Think back to the tools, activities, concepts that you have learnt about in this session. What are the potentials for using one, or some, of them in your teaching situation?

I don't enjot nearpod very much. Because I need to say next to the computer. Our school doesn't provide wifi to teachers. Usually with my powerpoint slides, I have a 'remote control'. I can then walk around the classroom while going through the slides. However, nearpod requires me to stay close to the desktop. If my school has more technical support, which allows me to use iPad to control the 'big screen' of the room, I am happy to use Prezi, nearpod in class. 

Nearpod is a presentation tool rather than a learning game tool. It's great that you can use it as slide, as test. But I don't like how it works for reading comprehension. I constantly need to go back to the previous page to find the answers while the question is on the next page. 
Goformative is rather using friendly for reading comprehension tasks. Everything is on the same page. I don't need to go back and forth. 

Go formative - an article from Young Post

Session 13 - reflection

Think back to the tools and activities you have visited or tried out in this session. Which of them has/have potential application in your teaching situation? Why?

Quizz.com is very similar to Kahoot!
I knew Kahoot from the teacher's development day last month. It took all teachers by storm. Everybody was so engaged in the activity. Reading the question on the projector screen, then choose the right colour with a tab. You must be fast! Sometimes I heard 'aiya' because they picked the wrong colour because their finger was faster. It was definitely my first time to have such an 'emotional' development day :)
Kahoot is definitely suitable for students and teachers.
There are ready made quizzes. It's very handy as long as we have wifi and ipad at school.
I have already tried Kahoot in my lesson and will talk about it in the assignment. 

What's so special with all these quiz app is that it allows students and teachers to know the results and feedback right aways. More interaction between students and teachers. It's something that traditional paper grammar practice can't do. Traditional ones are teacher-led lesson. With quiz app, students lead the lesson. 

I love using app in lessons. But still, we mustn't forget that traditional are good also. We always need to strike a balance and cater for learner diversity. Some learners just don't like the idea that grammar practices become 'un'tangible. Some like. 

Friday, 25 November 2016

Prezi - conditionals

http://prezi.com/m9jgvwcmhqtb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Session 11 - reflection

Use of padlet as a dashboard
I asked students to copy everything from my powerpoint slides and stick all the worksheets onto their notebooks. I never give them a soft copy of what I prepared.
The first reason is because I want them to pay attention in class. The second reason is uploading various files onto e-class is very troublesome.
Now, with padlet, the dashboard function is easy to read and download. I just need to give students the link of the padlet before the exam. They can visit the page for revision. I can further upload other revision notes/ exercises.
The best thing is it is very organised and easy to read.

Pinterest
Thanks for showing me the use of that small icon on the left hand corner. I heard of pinterest. I browse it sometimes. But I have no idea how to create my own board! It is similar to 'bookmark' function except it is image-based, which is more eye-catching and easy to read through.

Prezi
With prezi, it is tricky. I have a prezi account with my edu. email but I constantly forget the login passowrd of Prezi. Receiving a password reset email in my edu.email takes time... I have been waiting for 5 mins now and the mail has yet to go through all the 'filters' set my the edu.email.

Anyways, I like prezi because of it layout. I don't use it a lot also because of its layout. Because it can be quite 'dizzy' if you don't have a clear organization of what your work or when you are only having a free account.

Still, it is a gimmick to arouse students' interest in class :)

Gimmick is a positive word




Padlet - conditionals (F. 3 grammar)


Made with Padlet

Friday, 18 November 2016

Session 10 - reflection

Think back to the resources, sites, activities you have visited or tried out. What are their strengths, and the potentials for using them in your teaching situation?

Grammar checking tools
It is really upsetting that Paul confirms the unlikelihood of  having an accurate grammar checking tool.
Thanks for confirming the value / worth of English teachers.

Storybird
This is amazing!!!
I love the pictures. I love the layout. It is all big, colourful and fancy! Looking at the pictures, I really want to write something and express myself! The pictures really touch my heart.
I planned to use Adobe Spark Video for my term paper. Within minutes after exploring storybird, I changed my mind.
It gives so much freedom to students! They can write creatively, or share something personal!
Again, it is free of charge!

Mystorybook
This isn't as attractive as storybook. I have to say, among the three digital story making tool (mystorybook, storybird, adobe spark video), it ranks last. I am sorry for being frank. Reasons are simple -->
The 'book' is not big and the 'characters' aren't pretty.
Of course, it is very easy to use and allows me to attach my photos. But honestly, I don't think students would like to see their face on the screen. They prefer pictures.





My story book - my summer in Japan

https://www.mystorybook.com/books/278997/

Friday, 11 November 2016

Session 9 - reflection

F.1 -5 students in my school are required to complete online reading tasks designed by Wiseman (English Builder) from time to time.

I found 'readtheory' is very similar in nature - give students extensive reading tasks. The difference is that 'readtheory' is absolutely free while the school has to pay for Wiseman subscription. 
Is Wiseman any better than the free website? I am not sure. 
One thing I am sure is that some students are so tired of doing Wiseman that they actually pay their classmates to finish their homework. The most impressive case was that 1 boy was credited the highest scorer in school and he actually did nothing. 
I doubt the effectiveness of online extensive reading platforms. 

Actively Learn
I think one of the best parts of actively learn is that there is a catalog with lots of articles. The main reading source for my students is SCMP. They rarely read English outside the classroom. The articles on actively learn are relatively shorter in length. They are from difference places, LA times, Newsweek ...  (I understand that Wiseman serves the same purpose. But why Wiseman is so 'hateful' because students have to do it every week. They have no choice.  However, actively learn is class-based so teacher and students can discuss the schedule together. I guess in this case 'cheating' can be avoided.)


Actively Learn

Class code: 57b38

https://read.activelylearn.com/#student/reader/280444/notes


J Cross - Word puzzle

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ruo7tvgiu144g72/US_election_wordpuzzle.htm?dl=0



J Cloze - US election

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cfi987jsv3fmq5y/US%20election.htm?dl=0

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Session 8 - reflection

Think back to the activities, sample resources, etc., applications, etc., that you have viewed, or tried. What are the potentials for using the tools, or trying out the activities, in your teaching situation?
What are the advantages for students and/or the teacher)?

 Making a video is easier than ever with help from Adobe Spark Video.
 It is free and provides templates (background, music, even photos).

 I was very afraid of making a video. Watching Zoella (famous UK vlogger), I thought producing a video means to have your face being 'magnified' on the monitor. However, it is not the case! Your voiceover narration with relevant photos, plus lovely background music cam already make your video 'look' and 'sound' professional!

 After watching the videos made by HKUGA students, I think my F.2 students are capable to produce something similar! Not only can they practise speaking, they also gain a great sense of achievement! 

In November and December, there are many school activities, such as school picnic, Christmas party. Students for sure will take tonnes of photos these occasions. It is very handy to ask them to produce a short video about one of these activities. I can ask them to draft first then show them how to use the software. They can then produce one after school or at home. The best part of the software is that it is FREE to use! Students can then share the videos with their family and I can play one or two during lessons as well.

Friday, 28 October 2016

Session 6 - Reflection

Think back to the activities, sample resources, etc., that you have viewed, listened to, or tried. What are the potentials for doing/using them in your teaching situation? What are the advantages for students (and the teacher)?


My school encourages reading aloud. Junior student has an English activity passport and they can get credits by completing various tasks, such as reading aloud. Therefore, read aloud is something that students in my school are familiar with.

Fluency tutor is definitely a must-try for me. As mentioned, reading aloud is no stranger to students. Instead of doing it face to face, a digital way will be a 'fresh' and interesting format. I just worry that they may take it too seriously and spent too much time recording the perfect one.
Because I have a big class, I don't think I will ask all of them to complete Fluency Tutor at the same time. I won't have time to listen to all and grade them. Asking 5-8 of them each time is more manageable for me.

Fluency tutor is good because students can read texts outside their books. The pre-installed texts of the website is relevant and 'understandable'. I hope students will enjoy reading something not from their textbook/ SCMP (they complain there are too many words)

Fluency tutor is good. I just wonder if English Builder (by Wiseman) gets the same function or not. I shall check.

Audacity is a handy tool. I use it often for editing listening files. I havent tried adding special effects though. Listening exam doesnt need gimmicks :)

The poem that I have recorded during the lesson wasnt read in a good way. It was all done in a hurry. I am looking forward to making a digital story with it next time.



Session 6 - audacity link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aj1cg7fq1jybuss/1155038442.wav?dl=0

It was recorded in a hurry. sorry >-<

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein
Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly
in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions
of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying
flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go? 

Friday, 14 October 2016

Session 5 - reflection

Think back to the tools, resources, activities, etc. you have visited or tried in this session? What are their advantages and what are the prospects of using (some of) them in your teaching situation? If you like, you may focus on one or two examples.

I am subscriber of BBC the Inquiry on iPhone. It is for my self-development. It's informative (also allow me to feel educated). 

I always wanted to use podcasts in lesson. Each programme is downloadable (FREE!). The hosts' English is clear. They set an good example for English learners. There are a wide range of podcast channels you can choose, from History to current affairs. Surely there will be one that suit your interest. 

However, I have never ever tried once (use in lesson) because it's too much to prepare. A podcast is only an audio file. To make the lesson meaningful, I have to prepare worksheetsss (pre-teach vocabulary, listening comprehension questions, post-listening tasks).  So much preparation just for that few minutes listening file. I am sure that it is going to be good if I have time to produce one. 

Since it is likely that I won't use it in class, Podcast should be introduced to students as an extensive listening tool. I am sure some keen learners will tune in and try to listen. It is so accessible. Simply tap 'podcast' on your iPhone and you have channels to choose from. I can suggest students listening to it during their daily commute to school. 

I always have this thinking --> even you may not understand the English, but the more your listen to the 'sound' of English, the better you will sound.








Session 5 - Edpuzzle - the gold mine in South Africa



https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/5800d09d9eeb56a908bfacbc/watch

Session 5 - TedEd lesson

https://ed.ted.com/on/WRHX3sFl


Friday, 7 October 2016

Session 4 (Oct 7): Spicing up vocabulary teaching with technology



Think back to the tools for vocabulary teaching and learning you have learnt about in this session. Which of them might you find useful in your teaching? Why? How might you use it with your students?


I think Quizlet is very useful and relevant in my teaching. I will use the tool mostly for revising.

For junior form students, they have exam questions based on vocabulary from textbooks. This part accounts for 20-25 % of the total mark in Paper 2 (General English). For weaker students, this is the part which can help them secure a pass. Memorising vocabulary is always challenging. With the help of Quizlet, revision can be less dull. 

 The design of the application is very modern, with large fonts and clear layout. I especially enjoy the 6 different options it comes with. Teacher just needs to input the definition and the word. The application automatically processes the data and turn them into flashcards and games. The most amazing part is that Quizlet offers audio support too! How handy the tool is for teaching/ revising vocabulary.


However, I worry that parents may not be too happy when students spend too much time on their mobile devices. 

The mind map website is of course a fun tool to use. Inviting students to create their own mind map will be another good revision activity for them. 


Session 4 - Quizlet

Friday, 30 September 2016

Session 3 - Hot potatoes + Google form

Think back to the tasks you have tried out, or the ones you have created. How might they be useful for your work?


Once again, Google proves its worth.

I have tried both Hot Potatoes and Google form in this session. I feel so at ease while using Google form. (possibly because I use many of the google applications e.g. mail, drive, map, Excel, word...) It saves automatically. It has a colourful (not very, but at least it's not black/ grey scale) layout. It looks very high-tech. It's next to perfection. 

The only flaw is that we cannot just import a word file and have that converted into a quiz. I'm sure Google is working on that. According to Vanise, Schoology can't do this conversion neither. My experience with E-class told me that a PDF file can be uploaded and I can create options for students to click on. That's how it goes at this moment. 

Hot Potatoes is equally useful in setting quizzes. It has JMix, JQuiz and JMatch.  I didn't have chance to try out JMatch today (probably because I arrived late. Sorry >.<). I created a JMix quiz about passive voice and a JQuiz quiz about gerunds/ to-infinitives/ bare infinitives. 

The moment you choose to open JMix or JQuiz sets the nature of your quiz, whether it's a MCQ or sentence arrangement. However, this is the very point that Google form takes the lead. Google allows different question formats in the same quiz. Hot Potatoes doesn't. 

As mentioned above, Google form 'looks' GREAT! Hot potatoes, sadly, it looks very old-fashioned and the grey background is kind of 'discouraging'.  I am more 'tempted' to complete a Google form than a Hot Potatoes quiz.

I can't wait to try more different tools! 

p. s. sorry for being late ><
p.p.s I feel incredibly proud of myself after creating a form and 2 hot potatoes quizzes~~

Hot potatoes - Jquiz

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a6jtdk4tjsrg4jh/gerunds.htm?dl=0

Hot potatoes - Jmix

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3igcnezeklgkkyx/passivevoice.htm?dl=0


google quiz - session 3

Friday, 23 September 2016

Session 2 - Investigating language

Think back to all the resources you have sampled and the activities you have tried. Which of them do you find particularly useful to your work? How/Why?

Thesaurus
Definitely the most relevant dictionary I need at work (particularly, my essays). 
I may know a number of useful vocabulary items but they won't come to mind when I need them. That's where Thesaurus comes in.
Like I was preparing F.2 lesson today. I tried to share (connectives) more ways of talking about the reason or the cause of action. Grammar book only mentions because, as, since and because of. I would like to have some more for the class since they have no problem in using those connectives. Thesaurus has helped a lot. I type 'because' and 'because of' in Oxford Thesaurus and it gives me a number of synonyms. 
Actually, if you want to skip using 'because', the choices you have are mostly for formal contexts. For example, 'for the reason that', 'owing to'. These phrases are more suitable in formal situation. 
I am definitely introducing Thesaurus to this F. 2 elite class. To be honest, I think so of them are using one already but they have this tendency to use the 'long, big' words. They ought to know 'sophistication' doesn't equal to grade A writing. 
Using Thesaurus will trigger a series of action as you have to ensure that word is used in an approiate context, correct collocation/ preposition...
Thesaurus --> Dictionary (Cambridge + Oxford) --> corpus/ sentence.yourdictionary.com/ ozdic.com/ Google


P.S 
I am so glad that I live in a city where Google and websites aren't blocked. My friend in Beijing taught in Hong Kong before and now returns to her hometown. She continues teaching but she has no access to Google. She said she struggles to find games, ideas and resources online. Even busyteacher.org is blocked...

Google rules!! <-- the Communists RULE










After using THEAURUS

Original
On the first day, we met our class teacher Mr Wong, we thought he would be very strict to us. After one week, we found Mr Wong was very nice! We like this secondary school and we like to be in 1A. This is a good school and 1A is very good. The teachers in this school are very kind and nice and our classmates are also kind, friendly and nice. We like each other very much.

After using theaurus

On the first day, we met our class teacher Mr Wong. we thought he would be very strict. After one week, we found Mr Wong very nice! We like this secondary school and are happy to be part of 1A. This is a good school and 1A is excellent. The teachers in this school are very amiable and gentle. Our classmates are also lovely, friendly and kind. We enjoy each other's company very much.


.

Using blogs as a teaching/ learning tool

What are the prospects (and problems) in using blogs as a teaching/learning tool in your work? This will be your blogpost for Session 1.  (Attach a photo to it later.)


I have never ever thought of writing a blog. I read blogs but have never written one. Now, Paul suggested that blog can actually be used for teaching and learning English! It's UNBELIEVABLE. The idea looked unlikely at first, but after reading Ms Jenny Leung's and Ms Zoey Chan's blog. I have a better concept.

It's CONVENIENT!
Basically, blog can be used to upload anything. For 'ordinary' blog, it's about sharing your feelings. As a teacher's blog, teaching materials (videos), links to online quiz etc are uploaded instead. Ms Zoey Chan uploaded her videos and actively invited students to leave comments about words they didn't know. It is an effective and straightforward way to have students' feedback. It's easy to manage 'attendance' too (by looking at the number of comments/ user name').
No More Papers!

Blogs as Facebook
I always have a fear that using facebook for teaching is troublesome and risky. Troublesome because I don't want to build another account. Risky because I don't want to 'expose' my personal account to students accidentally.
With blogs, it's PRIVATE and still have similar functions as facebook. I don't have to worry that students have no access to facebook (some of them live in Shenzhen).

Problems
I hope students won't take my blog as an excuse to spend excessive time with computer.

Actually, after typing this blog post, I already want to use blog with my students. I have a few newspaper articles that I want them to read in their spare time. I can just upload the article and ask them to leave a brief comment. It sounds less like a piece of homework because leaving comments under a blog entry is rather informal and short in length. Maybe I should try first!