Screenr - Your own screencasts for free!

I came across this app just recently and I think it's fantastic. I've been using PodOmatic to create short podcasts for my trainees with guidance for assignments and planning, etc. and although the podcasts are great and very useful, I think this app has a little bit more to offer - the visual element. Why not give it a try? I think it's really good not only for teacher training but for teaching in general. Students/trainees can be at both sides of the table: they can create their own screencasts or watch the ones you prepare to help them with their own leanring and studying!

What I like most is that you don't have to download anything and it is FREE! What else do you want?
Here's a link: www.screenr.com

WorksheetWorks.com - Oh yes!

Well, it's been a month already since my last post so I thought it was about time for a new one. I've been really busy with my MA work so that's why. Anyways, I came across WorksheetWorks.com and I think it's really good. Of course, I suggest that before printing any worksheets you do check for the accuracy of the information in it as the info is in there already and all you have to do is tick boxes choosing what you need. I checked a few and they were fine but don't take things for granted!

I really like the fact that it's free and that it's not only for English but for maths and other subjects too so really good stuff!

Bye for now and enjoy this site!

Here's a link:  worksheetworks.com

New year more studying!

Happy New Year Everybody! I've been away for a few weeks but now I'm back. This time I'm not blogging about web applications, but about Sheffield Hallam University. I'm finishing my MA in TESOL with them and so I just wanted to also take advantage of this blog to talk a little about my very positive experience with them.

I'm in the final module of the MA, the dissertation module and so I'm busy reading and researching for my thesis. This is a distance learning program so the online web-based content is present - and thinking of this, it's not a totally irrelevant entry in my blog anyway! I'm really enjoying this module as the support given asynchronously is very good. We're using Blackboard for the online interaction and discussion boards and although I have not been as present as i would like to in the last month, I'm using every single application available through it. I think that the Library gateway and the possibility to have access to so much information on the web e.g. only articles and even books is just fantastic.  Likewise, RefWorks is a truly wonderful tool for compiling your bibliography and not only! I've been using it for that but also to make and keep my notes on my reading and I can clearly see how this is going to make my life easier when it comes to the final writing.

Anyways, if any of you are interested in growing professionally and are thinking about doing a post grad course, it does not have to be an MA!  You can do lots of post grad work which is not as demanding as an MA.

Do take a minute to check SHU out! It's worth it!

Robert

ELTMag Edited by Jill Hadfield

I just came into contact with the ELTMag through my LinkedIn connection with Jill Hadfield. I really like this new magazine because of their aim to share ideas at a global scale to 'counterbalance a largely Eurocentric bias' as they say. The articles on this first issue are also interesting and I think it is a great way of keeping abreast as a teacher and trainer myself. I particularly like Briony Beaven's article on ideas for feedback!

Here's a link to the online PDF version: http://www.unitec.ac.nz/toolbox_items/eltmag_oct2011.pdf and deleting the final bits in the URL will take yu to the unitec.ac.nz site - lots of info if you're interested in studying in NZ!

Enjoy reading it!

Robert

BBC's Skillswise rocks!

Francesca Pelli a CELTA tutor, colleague and friend told me about this site and voila', here we are.  I think it's just wonderful. There are so many things that can be used not only but the average English learner but also and especially I'd say by our CELTA trainees.  I spent a few hours browsing and looking through it today and it is addictive. I've got lots of ideas now of how to incorporate work from in on to our CELTA pre course work. I particularly like the reading activities which are very well designed and in line with standard s-centred methodology.  Great job BBC!  An excellent tool for tutors and learners alike!

Here's a link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english

GLOGSTER EDU

I posted about Glogster in Feb 2010 when I first came into contact with this wonderful tool. Since then I have slowly but steadily created Glogsters for my trainees on University of Cambridge CELTA and YL Extension to CELTA courses and the response has been very positive.  Glogster is now turning entirely to education so they're asking users to migrate their accounts to the new Glogster EDU.  I had a quick look at the features and it's definitely safer as it'll be more secure, private and tailored for students and educators.

SO... if you don't have a Glogster account, get one now.  It's free for educators and it's an absolutely fantastic tool.  I like it because whenever preparing a Glogster, it helps me re-elaborate the information I want trainees/teachers to see in a a different, more involving, interesting way.  I really enjoy it and believe it provides a good opportunity to give our students input in a variety of ways!

Here's a link: http://edu.glogster.com/what-is-glogster-edu/#five

New look!

It'd been almost 2 years since I started blogging and it's wonderful to see how many more options there are now to make your blog look really cool. It was about time too for me to give mine a new look so here it is! The new/added features are more user friendly too. Well done to Blogger!!

My favourite new feature is under the design tab - the template designer and all the customising options available.

If you're new to blogging, why not have a look and play around with the different tabs? A blog is a reat way to keep learning!