Computer Suite: a room in which a whole class can work together with their teacher, with access to a range of software and the internet, enabling the students to work individually or in pairs to practise a range of language skills.
Back
Laptops in classrooms: as well as use of computer suites we are investing in a stock of laptop computers which will give a greater degree of flexibility in terms of when and where computer-aided learning can take place.
Back
Email: more than just a tool for business communication, email can be used effectively as a learning tool. Real communication tasks can be undertaken using enquiry forms from websites; requests for information from tourist agencies; or even contacting a fanclub for a pop star or footballer. Students at Stars centres may also use email to communicate with fellow students at another location, again exchanging real information with a real correspondent, offering more chances of contact with speakers of other languages, and matching as closely as possible real-life communication situations.
Back
Instant Messaging programmes: software like MSN Messenger can be used in a similar way to email, with the advantage that it is communication taking place in real time. The opportunity to communicate through text in this way can help students' use of langauge, their fluency skills and their motivation for using English. It is a good way for shy students to 'talk' as some of the pressure is removed and thinking time is increased. More able students can also benefit from video messaging, where they can interact with the use of all the visual cues to aid communication. Another example of a technology which can be used to link students in different centres, increasing the opportunities to use English with speakers of other languages.
Back
Blogs & Wikis: like creating a webpage, a blog is a way for a student to record their thoughts about their course and their excursions, with the option to add pictures and videos as well. A wiki is very similar except that it is designed to be edited by a group of students working collaboratively. As a result they have to use all sorts of language and interpersonal skills to achieve their tasks. As an added bonus we can make some of these pages visible to parents or friends at home so they can see what the students are doing whilst in the UK with Stars.
Back
Webquests: The World Wide Web provides a massive source of information of use to language teachers. The problem has often been how to use the Web effectively. A webquest is a way for teachers to promote higher-order thinking through authentic assignments that emphasised inquiry-based learning, using web-based resources and tools to transform their learning into meaningful understandings and real-world projects. Rather than spending substantial time using search tools, most or all of the information used by learners is found on websites pre-selected by the teacher. Students can then focus on using web-based information to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information to address high-level questions. This can be done as an individual or as a collaborative task.
Back
Podcasting: this is technology which allows our teachers to create content which is then sent automatically to computers used by students in a particular group. This content can then be used in the computer room or can be downloaded to an mp3 player and used on the move, for example as an audio tour for an excursion. More excitingly, students can record their own audio and video files and these can in turn be distributed to peers or made available to parents via an RSS feed. These opportunities to create real material are very motivating for learners and result in a greater use of language as a result.
Back
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): a platform, similar to a website, that provides a place to store and display learning materials. Our preferred choice is called Moodle (see http://moodle.org/ for more information).
Back
Interactive Whiteboards: some of the classrooms in which our classes will be located are equipped with interactive whiteboards which add a whole new dimension to learning through offering internet connectivity and the ability to show images and video, as well as a hard copy printout of the notes made during a class. We will also be offering training to our staff in the effective use of this technology in order to maximise its use and potential.
Back
DVDs / videos: the use of authentic material in the form of films, TV programmes and documentaries gives students access to wide range of styles of language and accents and allows the teacher to use content of interest and relevance to the students. Easy access to hardware also allows us to make and show material made by our own students, some of which they may be able to have copies of to take home.
Back
Digital Cameras: the ease of use and option to download photos instantly offers all sorts of possibilities in a language-learning context. Students can produce their own photo-stories, make storyboards for a film, illustrate some writing about their excursions or activites and post pictures on a blog or the class wiki page. Real images available on-site mean we can fully utilise the multimedia opportunities.
Back
