Digital trends in the English classroom:
My top 5 digital resources
​
​
This resource is mainly used as an assessment tool. Learners have to be aware of the question and the possible answers, and think quickly, showing what they know. This tool motivates learners more than paper tests or other ways of assessment, and is equally effective. It is quite competitive as well, and makes students much more participative. This tool requires several digital devices (tablets, phones…) in the class, so it may not be useful in certain contexts.
A language learning situation this resource could fit in:
Kahoot is ideal to assess our learners’ development at any time. Generally we tend to use assessments at the end of projects or units, but this resource can be used at the beginning as a pre assessment to detect learners’ previous knowledge and those ideas that have to be strengthen. Additionally, we can use it as both a previous and final assessment, to see the progress of students through time.
As a teacher in an English academy I’ve used this tool with my learners as a final assessment and they have enjoyed it. Tough subjects such as grammar rules become more interesting for learners. It has to be taken into account, though, that to make the most out of this resource it is necessary a post reflection on the answers to questions, especially those students answered incorrectly.
For younger kids we can take advantage of images as a support, whereas for older ones we can make more complex questions and shorten the time they have to answer.
Example: 5th grade students have just studied the solar system. As a final assessment we can develop a kahoot test (either individually or in small groups) with questions about the topic, and then develop a debate or discussion around the most interesting answers.
​
​
​
​
​
​
The aim of these two resources is very similar: to create books and stories. The first one is more simple and very young learners can use it autonomously; the second one is a bit more complex and offers more possibilities, so it is aimed at older students. Teachers have to be controlling that learners do not devote too much time to aesthetic aspects and little time to linguistic ones. Writing skills are promoted in a creative and attractive way for kids, and the final product is nicer than in paper writing. Additionally, teachers can create their own stories and then tell them to kids. Reading skills are as well fostered when stories are shared and read by learners.
​
​
​
​
​
​
To promote speaking, this resource allows learners to choose their preferred character and then give it a voice, either by recording their own voice or by typing. Different voices are within students’ reach, so they get used to diverse accents. All in all, learners have to carefully plan wath their character is going to say. This tool can be very useful when doing oral presentations both for kids and teachers, who can present their lessons in a more engaging and creative way.
​
​
​
​
​
​
When developing projects related to history with older students this app can be very useful. Through games, videos and readings learners acquire knowledge of the most significant historical facts an historical figures. The only disadvantage is that it is only available on iOs and it requires payment.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Finally, another way to promote writing in a creative way is to use comics. Comics are well loved among students, who love creating their own stories. Teachers have to check, though, that not too much time is devoted to the artistic part and very little to the linguistic one. Besides, with this resource teachers can check their learners’ progress, assign tasks to be completed with comics or share their own creations as an imaginative way to deliver lessons.
​
​
​
​
Further technological tools to be used in the English classroom are...
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/practicumv17-18
​
​
​
​
​
