JET PROGRAMME TOKYO ORIENTATION 2011 Technology and Other Tools in the Classroom

JET Programme Tokyo Orientation 2011

Technology and Other Tools in the Classroom

AJET Workshop

I. Introduction: So… you want to use technology in your classes?

Benefits of Using Technology

Ø  Introduces new, novel ways to conduct class (engages students)

²  Help move schools into the 21st century, away from the traditional chalk and blackboard that most schools still use

Ø  Teach English language and culture simultaneously

Ø  Make an impression on the kids

Ø  Help you teach a topic in a clearer, more efficient and interesting way

²  A picture is worth 1,000 words. (Try describing what lasagna is vs. showing a color photo)

²  A video is worth 10,000 words. (Try talking about an Irish jig vs. showing a Riverdance video)

Ø  Enhance the four skills of language (reading, writing, esp. listening and speaking)

II. Using Technology and Media

Slideshows (PPT)

Advantages / Watch Out For
Great for showing culture and images / Don’t just read the slides!
Great for grammar and supplementing the textbook / Keep words to a minimum
Introduce daily conversational English! / May disengage students if content is too difficult
Great way to learn in a fun and different way
Effective way to play games e.g. Jeopardy
Can review a lot in a short amount of time
Great for visual learners

Videos

l  Possible Uses

JET PROGRAMME TOKYO ORIENTATION 2011 Technology and Other Tools in the Classroom

Ø  Vocabulary practice

Ø  Guessing what will happen next

Ø  Listening comprehension exercises

Ø  Native English listening practice

Ø  Writing movie reviews

Ø  Writing the plot for a sequel

JET PROGRAMME TOKYO ORIENTATION 2011 Technology and Other Tools in the Classroom

Advantages / Watch Out For
Exposes students to native English / Students may only read subtitles and completely ignore the English spoken
Exposes students to international culture / Takes at least two class periods and preparation time
Generates excitement and increases student motivation / For videos without dialogues, students are not exposed to native English speech
Grabs lower-level students’ attention; casual/relaxing / Can be too intimidating for students; loss of interest

Music

Advantages / Watch Out For
International / Students may lose interest in lessons and just want to see music videos
Engages students in a fun and relaxed environment
Exposes students to western culture and music / Too difficult lyrics and music with fast tempo may cause students to lose interest
Improves comprehension, rhythm and intonation

Internet in the Classroom

·  Online research for projects

Ø  Can also use “Simple English” on Wikipedia!

l  English games from www.genkienglish.com

l  Videos from www.koomakids.com

l  Skyping with other English speakers/learners

III. Other Useful Tools

Realia

Flash Cards

Small Whiteboards

Question Ball

Microphone

Disposable chopsticks

Decks of Cards

Dice

Postcards

Letter-Writing to Santa Claus

Special Needs Students (特別支援)

Notes