Computer Applications In English Language Classroom

1.The Evolution of Educational Technology

The classroom environment today is completely different from the traditional classroom we're all used to years ago. The introduction of new technologies, such as document cameras, interactive whiteboards and classroom response systems, have added not only excitement but student engagement and true interactivity within the classroom.

Technologies are consistently changing and improving. Overhead projectors are still being used, however, they have been replaced by document cameras. The ability to project a book or document on the fly allows teachers the freedom to adjust their lesson to the direction of the discussion.

Whiteboards have replaced chalkboards, interactive whiteboards have replaced regular whiteboards, and now interactive whiteboard technology is replacing conventional interactive whiteboards such as Smart and Promethian.
This new interactive technology allows schools to keep their existing whiteboard and add a device which will turn their whiteboard into an interactive whiteboard. No more installing interactive whiteboards on top of the school's original whiteboard!
Educational technology has allowed schools to save money and improve their current setup. Also, this new interactive whiteboard technology allows capture. Capturing physical ink from the whiteboard WITHOUT the use of the projector.

Teacher's now have websites and post their notes and future assignments. The new interactive whiteboard technology, i.e. mimio, allows for regular ink capture and instant uploading to the Internet.
Another educational technology recently introduced to the classroom are classroom response systems or voting systems, also know as "clickers".
There are many different manufactures: LearnStar, Renaissance, InterWrite, and Scantron are just a few. Every student would have a clicker or handheld device.
There are typically two kinds. The small one has only numbers and the large one has both numbers and a full keyboard. A full keyboard allows students to answer multiple choice as well as fill in the blank questions. The most common use are "polling" type questions.
There is a software program specific for clickers, A+Classroom, which has a patented competition mode. Students receive points based on the speed in which they answer the questions. Students are constantly asking for more questions during this mode.
Students who typically don't raise their hand or voluntarily involved in the class are now engaged and competing with the other students. Since there is an option to keep the names confidential, only the students know where they are ranking within the class.
Google "21st Century Classroom Presentation" and research the latest trends in Educational Technology



2.How To Learn A Language Fluently -by Todd Leeds


Although you may not think you're linguistically-inclined, it is possible,with patient application, to become facile in any language within six to eight months. So how do you do this?
First, Immersion is necessary.
It's dificult to pick up any spoken language, or at any rate to acquire it quickly, unless you set about thinking with that language. So just how do you think with a language you're unused to and can't as yet speak?
The solution is to steep yourself within it. Touring abroad permits you to pick up the sounds, cadences, and modulations of any novel language the way it's actually spoken. Your mind will automatically get down to processing and apprehending your new language.
Even more beneficial than just touring is having to "engage" in an unaccustomed language by taking part in a volunteer program, or doing work overseas. The most beneficial altogether is living with locals entirely separate from others who speak your language. Second, think as though you were a child!
How is it children acquire language? By imitation, repetition of speech sounds, and most importantly, by not being timid or overely self-aware. Who cares if the pronunciation is a bit incorrect, or if you can't retrieve the correct conjugation? Just begin speaking, even if it sounds as though you're blathering. Defying your impulse to interpret everything into your native language might constitute your speediest route to fluency.
Keep an eye on the expressions of native-born speakers when they enunciate their words; examine how they move their lips. Imitate these aspects and speech sounds precisely as if you were a child. Whether you interpret what they imply precisely or not, sooner or later you'll start using these speech sounds in suitable situations. They'll come along, magically. This is THE method for how to learn a language fluently.
Third, employ the set phrase "How do you say it?"
In addition to general greetings, the single set phrase you want to learn and always have ready is "How do you say that?" By being curious and always inquiring, you befriend the local folks. You'll discover that soon enough they will open up to you.
Native speakers are your foremost instructors: lay out a regular goal for yourself of having so many discussions, daily discussing with people concerning affairs you're curious about, but may not recognize the words for. Even when you can't complete a discussion, you are on the path to learn a language fluently. Fourth, write it out
After having discussions, notate the things you recall hearing but couldn't originally interpret. Then go back and employ a dictionary. Search their words, assemble the discussion back together in your mind. And then, the next time you have a similar conversation, apply what you acquired.
Fifth, Utilize local television, films, music
Watch films, pay heed to music, and browse newspapers and magazines. It's entertaining and improves your enunciation and understanding.


3.The Best Way to Learn English Quickly

Have you ever wondered why children seem to be able to learn to speak English a lot faster than adults? The reason is mainly because they don't have the fear associated with learning a new language that adults have. The biggest problem that many people face when they start to learn English is a fear of not being able to master the language. They are afraid that they will not be able to pronounce the words correctly or that they will make a mistake that others will find funny and laugh about. Practice is the key to learning any language. You must practice as much as you can and learn from your mistakes, which are bound to happen.
Even if you attend classes to help with your English learning, there are many other resources you can use. The Internet has many sites that offer free instruction in English along with practice exercises and worksheets you can use to complement your classes. If you can, develop a friendship with a native English speaker with whom you can practice and pick up the various nuances of the language and use the rules of correct grammar.
One of the best ways of learning English is to become immersed in the language. If you are learning the language from your native country, you should try to watch English television. However, the best way is to live in a place where everyone speaks English. Then you won't have any choice but pick up the language. Take notes in English, read English books and listen to English music. Speak the language as much as you can to give you practice. As you start developing your language skills, you will find yourself "thinking" in English, which is important.
Watching English language television and films is an excellent way to learn the language. If your TV has closed captioning capability, you could watch the programs in your own language and read the English words on the bottom of the screen. Not only will you increase your vocabulary, but you will also improve the flow of your speech. Cartoons and educational programs for children are also great ways of learning the vocabulary and rules of grammar. Another method is to use books for beginning readers in English because these books usually have pictures with the English words to accompany them.
Listening to songs in English is an effective way of learning the language as well. Learn the lyrics of the songs and sing along with the singer as you listen. You can get the words to many popular songs online. Study as often as possible to increase your vocabulary.
As you read from English texts, record yourself and then listen to how you pronounce the words. On many online sites there are recorded conversations that you can listen to and read along with. Then when you play back the recording of your own reading, you will be able to see where you make mistakes or areas where you have done well. Even though no one likes listening to the sound of their own voice it is an important part of learning to speak English.
Beyond words, keep an eye on native speakers while they speak. Intermixing body language with this new spoken language assists you with more adept communicating.
This has particular significance within cultures where language is intimately associated with gestures. For example, appropriate bowing down and salutation with Japanese are inseparable.
Emotional experiences frequently etch effects onto our memory. Utilize awkward / laughable / irritating experiences by associating them with your new language.
Eighth, set out with other people and then go it solo.
Although private courses of study might be unmatched for personal attention, group courses of instruction with acquaintances can also help you to learn a languange fluently. Getting an acquaintance to drill with assists you in becoming more adept, and you are also able to learn by the other peoples errors.
After this initial learning period, going it alone in a foreign nation impels you to talk with native speakers. It also keeps you from banking on your friend with more greater language skills than you have to do the speaking for you.
If you follow these instructions you should soon find yourself able to to learn a language fluently.
If you want to speed up or jumpstart this process, there are also specialized courses you can take that can literally cut this down to about 8 weeks! These courses offer free starter training so you can see how they work and it costs you nothing.
The only downside I've seen is that there are a limited number of languages they offer. At any rate, if you're interested in how to learn a language fluently in the quickest manner possible, then you should at least check out what they have to offer.