Posted in Computer-Assisted Language Learning, EFL Teacher Resources, Public Education

An online multi-media tool for Primary School learners

The Kerpoof Studio has been another useful after-midnight-surfing discovery that I would like to share with you. And if you ‘re reading these lines and it’s after midnight, DO NOT try Kerpoof Studio now, because it can keep you up all night long!

So, what is Kerpoof Studio? There’s no better way to describe the site than the presentation provided by the site itself, so here it goes: “The answer to that is not so simple. Kerpoof is all about having fun, discovering things, and being creative. Here are just a few ways that you can use Kerpoof:

Make artwork (even if you aren’t good at drawing!)
Make an animated movie (really! it’s easy!)
Earn Koins which you can trade for fun things in the Kerpoof Store
Make a printed card, t-shirt, or mug
Tell a story
Make a drawing
Vote on the movies, stories, and drawings that other people have made

Check out our What’s New and How-To pages to learn more about what you can do with Kerpoof. Kerpoof doesn’t come with a manual or a directory or a map. If we’ve done our job right, then finding your way to the various nooks and crannies of Kerpoof will be half the fun.

In addition to being a lot of fun, Kerpoof has many educational uses. Visit our educator page (with ideas and lesson plans for how to use Kerpoof) or read our flyer for educators if you are in a hurry but want to learn more.

If you are a parent, you may also want to read our for parents page.”

All in all, this is a user-friendly tool that allows its users to express themselves creatively! There are many ways we can all exploit it the ELT classroom, but if you feel need help with the latter, make sure that you consult with the Teacher’s Guide provided within the site! Can’t wait to use it with my learners and … if you try it soon (or have tried it in the past), please, let us know how it was!!!

Posted in Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Public Education

Dissertation: EXPLORING CALL IN THE GREEK PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

Abstract

Greek public education is part of the social context and, in this age of rapid technological innovation, it should definitely not be inferior. More and more teachers and learners use computers on a daily basis and are gradually becoming more familiar with a variety of applications that can serve their needs. Using technology as a medium or a tool, English language teaching seems to have the potential to become more effective.

This dissertation aims at exploring the current employment of CALL in Greek public primary schools and investigating ways in which teachers can apply theory to practice. Beginning with the history and theoretical background of CALL worldwide, there has been an attempt to relate computer applications to the pedagogical benefits they can contribute to ELT, without though neglecting reference to potential barriers to the use of technology in schools. History of ELT and CALL in Greece is also explored with an eye to conducting a research on the available home and school equipment, school facilities, familiarity with and frequency of use of computer applications, teacher training and attitudes towards CALL.

This research that has been conducted by means of questionnaires will prove that, although English state primary school teachers are positively predisposed towards CALL and are familiar with most of the computer applications in question, they are in need of training on the use of educational technology, technological and building improvements at schools, supportive materials and a plethora of other reforms that are suggested in the end of this dissertation.

This dissertation / research was submitted in the Hellenic Open University as part of my Master’s education in the school year 2009 – 2010. To view the dissertation, click here: EXPLORING CALL IN THE GREEK PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

* This dissertation has been cited in: Proposal The Perception of Students towards the Effectiveness of the Usage of CALL Tools in Language Learning

Posted in Computer-Assisted Language Learning, EFL Teacher Resources, Public Education

Learn English The Fun Way!

As EFL teachers, trying to introduce our learners to Computer-Based Learning, we are sometimes lost looking for e-learning environments that are appropriate to our learners’ needs and our teaching objectives. MINGOVILLE is a fun, free, colourful e-learning environment full of exercises, songs and games that may be what most EFL teachers have been looking for!

The great thing concerning Mingoville is that YOU get to choose the English Lessons most relevant to YOUR learners! You can make it FUN for your school’s students to learn English online with comprehensive lessons in English spelling, grammar, reading, and even pronunciation. Colourful characters engage students, letting kids learn English by “doing” through an edutainment e-learning model featuring lessons, songs, and English games for kids. Mingoville may potentially work for any student, whether they learn best by doing (interacting through games), visually (associating images with written words), or in auditory ways (such as through English songs and pronunciations). There is also the possiblility to introduce your learners to virtual learning tools, promoting thus effective learning and simulating real-life learning (http://www.mingoville.com/en/teachers.html).

Adding a personal experience after using Mingoville in the computer lab, teacher familiarization with the platform and availability of speakers (and maybe headphones!) have been considered significant for the effective incorporation of this environment in EFL teaching. Learners will probably keep asking for your help the first couple of times, eventually, however, they are going to learn their way through the platform! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Posted in Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Public Education

RESEARCH ON COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING IN GREEK PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS

questionnaire.jpg

Dear Colleague,

My name is Paraskevi Hamilou and I am an English teacher in a Primary School in the public sector. I have been working in public Primary Schools since 2003 and my permanent position is at the 2nd Primary School of Portaria – Alli Meria, although, this past year, I have been appointed at the 1st Primary School of Almyros.

As I am attending the Master’s Degree program for English language teachers at the Hellenic Open University (ΕΑΠ), I have chosen to conduct a research on Computer Assisted Language Learning in Greek Primary Schools for my dissertation. My research focuses on familiarization with and frequency of use of technology, school facilities and equipment, teacher training and teachers’ opinions on the benefits and disadvantages of computer-assisted lessons.

If you are an EFL teacher in a Greek Primary School or have recently worked in one, I would really appreciate it if you took part in my research by completing a questionnaire. It should be noted that it is anonymous and all the information provided will be strictly used for the purpose of research. The questionnaire can be completed in about 10 minutes and sent at your earliest convenience to my email address: vivi_hamilou@hotmail.com.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to upload the document in this blog, so, if you are interested in participating in my research, please, send me a blank email writing QUESTIONNARE as a topic, so that I can forward the questionnaire to you. Thank you in advance for your time to complete this questionnaire. Your contribution will be highly appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Paraskevi Hamilou