My Favorite Language Learning Technology

Language Learning and Technology

In recent years, technologies have been developed and innovated to assist and enhance language learning for both teachers and learners. Many teachers incorporated various formats of technologies into their class, which encouraged students to be involved in their language learning and maximize their learning opportunities. 

Those technologies play important roles in supporting teachers to manage the learning materials and learning environment; moreover, it also motivates language learners to engage them in the learning process of the target language and culture. 

However, it always confuses teachers and language learners when they take the new technologies into their learning environment. As a language learner and a MA/TESOL student, I have been looking for a technology that is useful and easy to use for both teachers and learners. It is also important that both of them don't need to spend money to utilize the technology.

"LearningApps.org" is a website that teachers can use for free to create learning materials for language learners and other learners. 

When you click the "Browse Apps," you will find various subjects with examples. Teachers can use those pre-made learning apps if they find one for their classes. 

When teachers want to create their learning apps, they can create them from various templates. For example, it contains the matching pairs, multiple choices, cloze activity, and the millionaire game. 

After teachers create a learning application, you will have some options to share your learning apps. You will have a link, an embed code, and a QR code. Thus, teachers can copy and paste the link on their slideshow or share it with learners during the class by using a QR code. The application can use on the smartphone, so it will be useful for learners who don't have a computer. 

On this page, I introduced LearningApps.org as one of my favorite technologies. I will keep looking for different technologies for language learning and future teaching!!

My Favorite Language Learning Website

My favorite language learning website is TED, which contains varieties of lectures from the presenters across the globe. As a language learner, I find this website to be beneficial. Not only does it help improve my language skills but it also allows me to be educated about the topic. Another significant feature of this website is that it offers subtitles in multiple languages, which enable listeners to test their comprehension in the original audio. This website is accessible to anyone interested in academic lectures. The only thing that I do not like about this website is that this website does not necessarily serve the purpose of language learning. Depending on the students' English level, some people might find the videos to be too challenging. Especially for those who are new to English learning might encounter academic words and be discouraged from learning further. Overall, TED is an excellent resource for advancing English skills and gaining knowledge of the topic by diving into the academic world! You can check out the website by visiting this link. https://www.ted.com/

TED Presentation related to language learning

Language learning sites

Learning language on the internet

Personally, I like to challenge myself to improve my language skills via Netflix, YouTube, and audio books.  These are all great resources to develop listening skills, cultural awareness, and vocabulary.

For this blog, I’d like to discuss lyricstraining.com with you. I’ve used this website with my students before from intermediate to advanced. Essentially, the website has a giant catalog of popular songs that students can select from.

Then, they choose their level of difficulty.

Once the song begins playing, it will ask them to choose (basic) or type in (advanced) the correct word in a CLOZE activity with the lyrics. It will pause if they make mistakes or fall behind. They can also see the music video as they play.

Pros of this website: interactive, accommodates different skill levels, appeals to students who like music, integrated skill practice, uses popular music, vocabulary exposure, pronunciation practice, allows independent study, can compare scores among classmates.

Cons: music videos and lyrics can be inappropriate (if your students are at an age/maturity level where you need to control for that), can be overwhelming for lower level students, no resource to explain/define unfamiliar vocabulary within website, CLOZE words chosen at random.