Category Archives: Technology

Enhancing ESL learners’ productive vocabulary through multimedia solutions


Written by - Hala M. Bastawros, Canada

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*Please see PDF for any images. 

Abstract

This qualitative embedded case study aims to examine how applying multimedia theories in online courses can enhance vocabulary acquisition, retention, and production among adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners at a non-profit organization in Ontario, Canada. Guided by Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), the study probes how ESL learners can transfer, retain, and produce new vocabulary more effectively. Data collection involves criterion sampling and analysis through MaxQDA, encompassing physical artifacts, personal interviews, and online questionnaires. The findings underscore integrating multimedia elements’ efficacy in facilitating new vocabulary retention and production. The study underscores the pivotal link between vocabulary acquisition, communication skills, and the integration of multimedia principles in online education.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
Conference, Technology, Vocabulary
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Better AI prompts for essay grading: Enhancing educational practices


Written by - Joseph Ng, Canada

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Abstract

This article adapts a TechKnow presentation with the same title and by the same author from the 2024 TESL Ontario Conference. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational contexts, particularly essay grading, presents both opportunities and challenges. This article explores the limitations of traditional essay grading methods, the ethical considerations of using generative AI for assessment, and practical strategies for implementing AI prompts effectively. By focusing on the implications for educators, students, and the broader educational landscape, this article aims to provide insights into the future of essay grading in the context of AI technology.

Introduction

As educational institutions increasingly adopt technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences,  Continue Reading →

Categories:
AI, Conference, Technology
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Gamified ADDIE for LINC instruction


Written by - Brittany Hack, Canada

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Under ideal circumstances, every LINC instructor would be trained with the skills and know-how of an instructional designer. But as the pandemic taught us, instructors are often left to struggle on their own and do their utmost to engage their learners. But there is one simple rule that can be borrowed from this profession—a design process known as ADDIE. And when used in conjunction with gamification, it can simultaneously simplify, energize, and revolutionize your students.

This article will discuss a very brief overview of the ADDIE Model, how ADDIE maps onto LINC, PBLA, and Can Do statements, and how (by following ADDIE design process) gamification can meet the CLB and Can Do statements in an engaging way.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
ESL, LINC, Technology
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Language without lessons: The promise of large language models


Written by - Brett Reynolds, Canada

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Many teachers I’ve been speaking with believe that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT should complement rather than replace traditional language instruction. Happily for society, though perhaps not for us, the reverse is true.

Unlike practising guitar or shooting hoops, most people don’t learn languages for enjoyment; they endure the process for the language. You rarely hear someone say, “I can’t wait to drill verb conjugations tonight!” the way they might eagerly anticipate a jam session or a pickup game. For the vast majority, language learning is a chore, a necessary evil on the path to other goals—be it landing a job, navigating a new country, or accessing education. It’s not the practice itself that’s rewarding, but the eventual outcome.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
Reflection, Technology
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Developing targeted technology standards for Avenue language instructors, programs, and learners: An initiative of New Language Solutions


Written by - By John Allan, Deborah Healey, Phil Hubbard, Greg Kessler, Rob McBride, Sharon Rajabi, & Matthias Sturm, Canada & USA

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Abstract

In August 2020 a new platform for adult newcomer language instruction was released by New Language Solutions (NLS) on Avenue.ca. NLS recognized the need for standards to support effective use of Avenue and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) in online and blended classes. Concluding that existing technology standards from ISTE and TESOL were too broad for their purposes, NLS initiated a project to develop their own technology standards for Avenue stakeholders including instructors, programs, and learners. These would not be performance evaluation tools but rather best used for self-assessment and for guiding local innovation. Here we report on that initiative, which was introduced at TESL Ontario 2023, focusing on the instructor standards as they are currently the most fully developed.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
Technology, TELL
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The use of technology in the ESL classroom: A discussion


Written by - Joanne Jalbert, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Canada

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Abstract
Over the last 20 years, technology has become a leading force in education and has consequently changed not only the resources available in the ESL classroom, but also impacted the types of decisions that teachers face when applying technology to daily lessons. Under discussion will be the results of how technology has impacted learner outcomes to date, what responsibilities school systems have to support teachers and learners in technological adoption, how and when (and when not) teachers should use different devices in the classroom, as well as a recommendation of resources to help teachers get started. Along the way, the paper will discuss some best practices, and why it is imperative that ESL learners develop technological proficiency.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
ESL, Teaching, Technology
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Learning technology in LINC – Beyond the pandemic


Written by - Nancy Van Dorp & Robert McBride, Canada

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Abstract
This article is based on observations from a workshop conducted at the 2021 annual TESL Ontario conference presented by language training professionals and experts in learning technology solutions from the Avenue–LearnIT2teach Project. The onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 was a crisis in immigrant settlement language training. Many teachers and learners were forced to rapidly pivot from conventional face-to-face learning to remote learning. Teachers and learners who had previously practiced blended (or hybrid) learning were well positioned with technology and skills. Teachers and learners who had not were forced to rapidly respond with Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). Observations from the workshop panel and the participants uphold the need for continued sector engagement with learning technology to support the development of digital skills among newcomers,  Continue Reading →

Categories:
COVID-19, LINC, online, Online teaching, Technology
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Student-centred games and activities


Written by - By Sara Cordeiro Alexandre, Sheridan College, Canada

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Introduction
Are you interested in games in the classroom? Do you like video games but do not know how to make it happen? This article aims to use creative problem solving to help you come up with interactive games for your students that incorporate the skills and systems in your lesson plans. All this can be achieved with some creativity, gumption, and some PowerPoint tips and tricks. You will gain new skills from an old tool to reinvent your tech skills without learning how to code. When you are ready to play, start the game, and enter player one!

PowerPoint is much more than your elementary school presentation nightmare―it is all the fun of a game without all the frustration.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
ESL, Experiential, Other, Teaching, Technology, Uncategorised
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WebSafe: Tools for newcomers to counter digital disinformation


Written by - By Justine Light, NorQuest College, & Meagan Auer, NorQuest College

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Abstract
WebSafe is a set of learning resources, organized by units and modules into a comprehensive course which aims to address the knowledge and skills gaps faced by some newcomers to Canada in dealing with digital disinformation. The development of the WebSafe course was part of a wider project which included an extensive community consultation to determine the impact of digital disinformation on newcomer ELLs in Alberta. This community consultation, along with a comprehensive literature review, focused the development of the materials. It provided a foundation for developing course content, strategies, and all of the first-hand accounts used to bring the impact of digital disinformation to life. The WebSafe course was then piloted with several hundred students and adjustments made as a result of teacher and learner feedback.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
ESL, Technology
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The incredible vocabulary machine


Written by - By Stephen Roney, Canada

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*For all footnotes, refer to the PDF version of the article.

Abstract
Vocabulary is the heavy lifting in learning a language. With grammar, little meaning can be conveyed. With vocabulary, anything can, in a pinch, be conveyed. Yet vocabulary has traditionally been neglected: In part for theoretical reasons; in greater part because the obvious process to learn it, item-based memorization, has seemed so tiresome and time-consuming. The process can be automated with free tools available on the web. It can be handled outside of class time, efficiently and with a minimum of dull repetition. Learning vocabulary can be easy and fun.

Introduction
Vocabulary is the heavy lifting in language learning. It is most of what must be learned,  Continue Reading →

Categories:
ESL, Technology, Vocabulary
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Short-term applications for blockchain technology within an ESL context


Written by - Shawn Chattin, ESL Coin Co-op, USA

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Abstract
This paper aims to help educate English as a Second Language (ESL) members on the potential benefits of implementing blockchain technology. As academic record transfer and digital publishing represent two of the simplest transformations the industry can undertake in the short-term, they represent the focus of this article, but additional, longer-term use cases are also briefly mentioned. This technological step is one that could become mainstream across global economies within the next five years, and the ESL industry is primed to be one of its major beneficiaries. With an immense demand for English instruction and resources, blockchain will help meet the world’s English needs in a transparent and accountable manner.

Introduction
The ability for organizations and individuals to confidently share data with one another,  Continue Reading →

Categories:
culture, Other, Technology
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An Innovative (and Easy) Approach to Corpus Analysis


Written by - Julia Williams, University of Waterloo, Canada

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Abstract
Lee and Swales (2006) suggest that using corpus analysis activities in the classroom provides students with pragmatic tools they can use to identify patterns of language use without relying on native-speaker expertise. In addition, subsequent research on the use of corpus analysis, or data driven learning (DDL) (Boulton & Cobb, 2017), demonstrates that substantial benefits accrue to students who work with corpora (Bridle, 2019; Charles, 2012; 2014). However, the complexity of existing corpus analysis technologies may deter instructors from implementing existing corpora (e.g. COCA) or corpus toolkits (e.g. AntConc) which may require significant time investments to learn and transform into effective pedagogy.

This article describes an easy, innovative approach to harnessing the benefits of corpus analysis using technology with which teachers and students are already familiar.  Continue Reading →

Categories:
corpus, Technology, Vocabulary
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