Self Introduction

What is it? What does it do?

My brainshark is kind of software that can add sound easily into different kinds of file such as powerpoint presentation, document, PDF etc.

Why is this particular tool or technology relevant to language learning? What approaches to language learning or research underpin the use of this technology?

In the four interrelated skills, speaking is becoming increasingly significant in current world. Generally speaking, speaking is an ability based on the other three skills and a quite number of students are afraid of speaking English in the public because they worry about making mistakes. This obstacle is a big barrier for language learners and in this case attractive learner-centered speaking tool need to be come up with. Mybrainshark is one of them. This tool can be used to practice students speaking and get them another stimulating way of speaking.


How you might use it to foster language learning in class/outside class?

There are numerous ways of using mybrainshark on ELT. As for the language trainers, they can use it in all the three phases of teaching like pre-class, in-class as well as after-class activities. They can make the PPT and add their voice into each page correspondingly about the teaching material, homework etc. Similarly, students can make presentation with sound to practice their speaking. For instance, making a self-introduction PPT and could let the audience know more vividly with their vocal narration. The following one is my self-introduction with using my brainshark. Please feel free to comment on it.




Limitations of mybrainshark:

• Some hardware equipments requirements for using mybrainshark like the quality of the microphone and good connection with the Internet.

lyricstraining

What is it? What does it do?

http://www.lyricstraining.com/

Lyrics Training is a website utilizing embed YouTube music videos of popular songs to provide language learners with a interesting way to practice listening and speaking skills. Users can choose from 6 languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Dutch) and videos are categorized into three levels of difficulty (easy, medium and hard). The song will pause after each line and wait for the user to fill in the blanks. Users can also choose the Karaoke pattern to see the full lyrics as the song plays along.

Why is this particular tool or technology relevant to language learning? What approaches to language learning or research underpin the use of this technology?

This website can be used for practicing listening, word-spelling and learn the authentic pronounciation.

User can search their favourite songs and doing the lyrics filling game while enjoying the song. There are three levels to choose from like beginner, intermediate and expert. Different levels need to fill in different amount of words.As for the beginner, they've got 10% blanks to fill in. And 25% for the intermediate level. AS for the expert, they need to fill in all the missing lyrics.

How might you use it to foster language learning in class/outside class?

Nowadays, tons of students are fond of  listening to music and this website is like a warehouse including many kinds of songs in different languages. They can search for what they like and this pattern makes this learning activity inside this process more feasible with combining entertainment and learning together. During this process of learning how to sing the song, they will learn the words and correct pronounciation as well. Even some authentic sentence patterns can also be picked up. I prefer to give them some follow-up activities to  on this website.

Limitations:

• Some students may just choose the karaoke pattern to see the full lyrics without challenging themselves to listen and fill in the blanks.
• Some videos maybe not suitable for kids with violent scenes inside.

Leaning Chocolate for Teaching Vocabulary

http://www.learningchocolate.com/content/animals-1

What is it? What does it do?

This website provides English learners a stimulating platform to get to know new words and memorize them better with these well planed activities.

Why is this tool or technology relevant to language learning? What approaches to language learning ir research underpin the use of the technology?

As for language learners, the majority of them go through a difficult time of remembering the new words especially when they are faced with a boring vocab list. This website can support them to learn and memorize them easier and more efficiently. For instance, the following picture is full of words about animals with their cartoon pictures and pronounciation. These can be an attractive and brand new way for learners espacially the kids to learn them.

How might you use it to foster language learning in class/ouside class?

• Teachers can use this website to support their vocab teaching in the class with using these vivid pictures and interesting exercises.
• Within the class, teachers can ask students to work in pairs to pronounce each word and help corret each other.
• Teachers can ask students to go over ther new learned vocab through this website.

Limitations:

• Vocab exercises are fixed and not versatile.
• The words on this website are not fully covering daily words.

Todays Meet

An Great Platform for the Online Group Discussion

What is it? What does it do?

Todays Meet is a convenient online website for posting different kinds of ideas in a online room which can be simply built. This website is extremely suitable for the group discussion in class.

Why is this particular toolor technology relevant to language learning? What approaches to language learning or research underpin the use of this technology?

In a classroom, teahers always try to encourage students to speak out their own thoughts. However, owing to the limited time, only a few can get the chances to express their ideas. Todays Meet can make everyone in class have the opportunity to convey what's in their minds on Todays Meet. Additionally, for those who don't have the courage to deliver their opinions in  front of people, this is also an absolutly great tool to them. Most importantly, via this tool, the organiser can get all the messsages from all participants without missing any.

How might you use it to foster language learning in class/outside class?

The biggest advantage of it is it's so simple to use. Just name your room, set the time for deleting the room and yolur room is ready to use. All participants only need to enter the built room and they are free to post their ideas out there. I prefer to use it within the class in the purpose of encouraging all of them to have their own thoughts expressed freely.

Limitations:

•  Limits of 140 characters of each comment.
•  Todays Meet have the only function of posting messages.