New technologies are an important means of giving students immediate access to information, of promoting interaction, collaboration and communication and of enhancing digital literacy skills.
Since I did not use these new technologies during my time as a high school student (at least not as extensively as they are used in today's school contexts), I need to develop my knowledge about these new technologies and my own media competencies.
Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is a specific way of language learning that is characterised by the use of portable mobile devices.
Despite the numerous advantages of using mobile technologies in learning environments (such as encouraging the learners' autonomy, encouraging students to find ways of assisting and assessing learning, combination of formal and informal language learning), there are also a number of challenges and disadvantages (such as the necessity to always be up to date and keep up with the most recent technological developments, developing pedagogical methods which incorporate the new media, taking over the new teacher role).
SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model:
How can teachers reflect how effectively they use mobile technologies?
1. Substitution (function is the same)
2. Augmentation (functional improvement --> enhance a lesson)
==> ENHANCEMENT
3. Modification (allowing for deeper analysis)
4. Redefinition
(creation of new tasks; technology allows to engage in more complex collaborative tasks)
==> TRANSFORMATION
The outcome of learning that includes mobile technologies depends on how the teachers implement these technologies in the classroom. Accordingly, it is very important to always reflect upon the use of mobile technologies and make sure that they fulfill the intended purpose.
Evaluation of four innovative digital tools
1. Added value: What is the tool's potential in language learning contexts? Give some examples. Use the SAMR model to help you.
2. Usability: How easy is the tool to use and adapt to the language classroom?
3. Interactivity: What possibilities does this tool offer for communication and collaboration amongst learners?
4. Technical requirements: In order to use the tool, what are the important technical aspects to consider in terms of compatibility of operating systems, equipment, browsers, etc.?
Anki
1. Anki is a tool that supports memorizing vocabulary or other contents (by using flashcards). It allows for individuality (the user can indicate how difficult a certain task is and depending on that, this particular task will be repeated very soon or not very soon).
Anki also allows for the use of audio files and videos and therefore, a variety of different media are supported and the learner can decide individually how to learn.
Anki can be used to substitute (cf. Substitution in SAMR model) traditional memorizing activities such as working with paper flashcards.
2. The use of Anki is very easy and straight forward. It is easy to create new flashcards. There are many short introductory tutorials available online that give an overview over the functions of Anki.
3. There is no explicit options for communication and interaction. It is a tool for learning individually.
4. Anki is compatible with different operating systems and it is free for most systems (it is not free for iPhone and iPad devices). The download is very easy.
Screencast O'Matic
1. This software can be used to record a presentation (for reflection and feedback), to produce videos for the students (e.g. for spoken feedback --> formal assessment), it can be used for student recordings (e.g. for reflecting upon pronunciation). It is limited to 15 minute recordings.
Screencast O'Matic has a variety of functions that may support learning processes in the modern (foreign language) classroom.
It enhances and transforms learning processes and allows for deeper analysis of learning processes (cf. Modification in SAMR model).
2. With the help of short tutorials available on the website of Screencast O'Matic, the functions of this software are explained understanble. It is easy to use and will not be very challenging for students.
3. Screencast O'Matic allows for sharing videos or recordings that can then be used for analysing or evaluating purposes. It is not designed for interactive working processes.
4. Screencast O'Matic can be used on Windows or Mac computers, not on Android or iOS.
Blogger
1. Blogger is a powerful tool for individual or collaborative writing. It can be used for writing ePortfolios as a means of self-reflection.
This tool enhances and transforms learning processes and allows for highly interactive work and fosters student-reflection (cf. Redefinition in SAMR model).
2. Blogger is easy to use and no previous experience is needed for starting to write a blog with Blogger. Watching tutorials may be helpful for exploring all the functions of Blogger.
3. Students can work collaboratively and teacher can immediately give feedback and track the learning processes of their students.
4. A google account is necessary for using Blogger. It is a free platform that anyone can use.
Popplet
1. Popplet can be used for collaboratively creating innovative mind maps.
2. Popplet is easy to use, it is very flexible and the popplets can be rearranged and enriched by a variety of different media. It has many functions. Students may be overwhelmed or they may misuse the functions. Therefore, students should have a detailed introducation to the tool, they should be provided with clear instructions while using popplet and the teacher should supervise the creative process.
It enhances students's creative processes (cf. Augmentation in SAMR model).
3. Popplet allows for collaborative creation tasks. It is highly interactive and leads to a product that is the result of students' collaborative work. The popplets include the name of the responsible person (it is not anonymous) which may prevent misuse of the tool.
4. Popplet can be used online and on downloadable apps for iOS.
This website from the European Center for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe
https://www.ecml.at/ECML-Programme/Programme2012-2015/ICT-REVandmoreDOTS/ICT/tabid/1906/Default.aspx
provides an overview over the variety of innovative tools that may be used for the modern (foreign language) classroom.
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