Showing posts with label elt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elt. Show all posts

Saturday 23 November 2013

Remedy for the Challenge of Continuous Assessment in Large Classes


This is the presentation for the National Symposium at Charotar University of Science and Technology CHARUSAT (Gujarat - India) organised by Indukaka Ipcowala Institute of Management (I2IM) on Technology in ELT Challenges and Remedies on 23 November, 2013.

It discusses importance of ICT in testing and evaluation / assessment. It refers to Ken Robinson and Sugata Mitra as well as applications like Moodle, Hotpotatotes, ProProfs, Zoho Quiz, Testmoz etc and then narrows down on Google Docs / forms for online testing and Flubaroo script for auto grading. In live demo, it demonstrates benefits of Google Forms and Flubaroo for online testing and continuous assessment.


Friday 8 November 2013

Resources for Research in ELT - English Language Teaching

The embedded Facebook Note does not display immediately. It takes some time and required faster internet connection. So, the content of the Note is copy - pasted here:

Resources for Research in ELT - English Language Teaching

Dear Friends,
These days, the teachers & research scholars are more interested in Research in ELT. Here is the list of some important resources for those who are interested in English Language Teaching & Research.
I found these videos quite interesting. The entire workshop by Prof Simon Borg is in four parts. You will find all four parts embedded here under: Doing Good Quality ELT Research - Prof Simon Borg (3rd ELT Malta Conference ReSIG Supported Pre-conference Event)














I request readers to contribute thier best resouces for ELT by posting comments under this Note.
Cautionary: This is 'not' the best and the final list of 'Top 10' ELT resources.

ELT Journal is a quarterly publication for all those involved in the field of teaching English as a second or foreign language. The Journal links the everyday concerns of practitioners with insights gained from related academic disciplines such as applied linguistics, education, psychology, and sociology.

The Asian EFL Journal is published monthly and presents information, theories, research, methods and materials related to language acquisition and language learning. An academic Second Language Acquisition Research Journal.The Asian EFL Journal is one of the world's leading refereed and indexed journals for second language research.

The TeachingEnglish website
TeachingEnglish is produced by the British Council with content and editorial support from the British Broadcasting Corporation. Both organisations receive funding from the UK government for their work in promoting English, supporting English language teaching (ELT) and providing information and access to ELT products, services and expertise from the UK. All teaching material on the site is free to access.

This resource aims:
  • to promote quality online English courses that offer personal tuition 
  • to provide an organised database of links to quality learning resources for students 
  • to provide a database of links to quality web resources for teachers and researchers 
  • to provide a database for consultancy services in academic English online

    5. http://www.educationaldevelopment.net/elt2/journals.htm
    A very good resource with links of ELT related journals.

    6. http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-english-elt.htm7.
    If you are an English student or a teacher, this site can help you develop your skills and experience through English courses, teacher training courses, exams, online courses, information resources and networks.

    8. http://www.eltworld.net/journal/journal.html
    Published every three months,Horizons is the free journal of David’s English Teaching World. Available to download in PDF format, Horizons is a true reflection of what’s happening in the world of English teaching today.

    9. http://nikpeachey.blogspot.com/
    A blog worth following for those who are interested in technology and ELT.

    10. http://www.cambridgeindia.org/
    Visit this site to get updates on latest books published by Cambridge University Press in India.

    11. http://www.scoop.it/t/elt-research
    Generally related to ELT and language learning, but also to the wider world of education as well.
    Curated by Richard Whiteside

  • Research Articles:

  1. Research Engagement in English Language Teaching. Simon Borg
Despite the substantial amount of work which has been conducted into teachers’ research engagement in mainstream education, this topic has been awarded scant attention in the field of English language teaching. This paper presents the results of a survey representing the first stage of multi-method investigation of research engagement in ELT. Moderate levels of reading and doing research were reported by the sample studied here, and this level of research engagement is analysed in relation to two key factors also examined in the survey: teacher’s conceptions of research and their perceptions of the institutional research culture.

Research Ideas in English Language Teaching



Friday 31 May 2013

The Language Laboratory Software

The language lab has seen ups and downs in the history of its evolution. Ths 60s and 70s witnessed up-rise and sudden decline in its usages.
Digital Education Learning Laboratory, Dept. of English, M.K. Bhavnagar University
To read more on the history of language lab, please click below given links:
Now, as we take second stride in the 21st century, we observe that language labs are again in demand. Technology is bringing in innovative changes in language labs and thus (it seems for the time being) languages labs are getting equipped with software which can beat all those reasons which ones failed language labs. Though it will be too early to say that language labs with new software are the 'in thing' and has no problem. It has its own problems of software and hardware. It seems we will have to wait for the dust to settle down and hold our horses for a few more years before pronouncing final verdict.

Here is embedded an interesting presentation by Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay and Prof. Dilip Barad on 'How to setup Digital Language Labs as Self Access Centres.


Here is the list of websites of those companies which provide state-of-the-art software for digital language lab (language lab with PCs connected in LAN): (the list will be updated):
  1. http://www.languagelab.in/ : 
Orell – Multimedia Language Lab System is developed by one of the top Indian IT solution providers open to domestic as well as international markets. Orell has Marketing and technical support centres in Cochin, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. (Having technical support is very essential for language labs)


ODLL (Orell Digital Language Lab) is a world class language laboratory software that is a seamless integration of state-of-the-art information technology techniques with proven language teaching methodologies and power-packed with an array of comprehensive study materials.


Since 1962 Young India Films has been at the forefront of introducing new technology in India, particularly in the education sector. The company was founded to distribute movies for Columbia Pictures, and moved swiftly into education. They were the first to equip schools with overhead projectors, LCD panels and, later, LCD projectors. When language labs first became available, Young India Films introduced them to schools and colleges across India. They now provide the most technologically advanced online language teaching resources on the market.


Clarity English Language Lab is a network based teaching software designed to improve teaching environment in the computer labs. Clarity English Language Lab enables a teacher to remotely control, monitor, broadcast, and assist students in teacher PC directly. With powerful functions and friendly user interface, Clarity English Language Lab not only facilitates the teaching process but also brings fun and efficiency to learning. It has been greatly used in Schools, Colleges, Universities.


Logiciel Software Tech Pvt Ltd is an emerging Software Development Company who are focused in the sector of educational software. Founded in the year 2004 by a group of three enthusiastic IT professionals, the innovative software development company Lelogiciel™ is focused on the dynamic growth markets. The company's comprehensive product line ranges from Digital language Lab,career Lab, Aptitude Lab, English Language lab,Content management system, Library management, Campus management, Online examination and e-learning services.
Head quartered in Kochi, India, Lelogiciel™ team is passionate about graphics and e-learning methodologies. Their prime product ‘Digital Language lab’ is designed to assist students for imparting skills in spoken English.


Multimedia Language Lab (MLL) Software is a state-of-the-art learning tool pioneered by MLL that enable students to master any language flawlessly and effortlessly. This 100 percent digitized tool enables linguists to maintain constant two-way communication with every student independently and offer precise guidance during sessions even in large classrooms through networked computers from the confines of the instructor's console.
It is a boon for students as it imparts crisp skill sets in learning the nuances of a foreign language accurately with zero distortion. This full-service computerized learning tool is not only cost-effective eliminating the need for cumbersome tape recorders and amplifiers but is also a true value-addition to any language learning facility.


The 21st century has witnessed a revolution in the use of Mobile phones, Emails and Internet. It has ushered in a new world where communication has become language plus soft skills. In modern times the personality of a job seeker is not merely by virtue of his IQ. It is done on the basis of his EQ too. That is, the learner should be equipped to understand the subtle, emotional an cultural nuances and react appropriately. Here lies the importance of acquiring proper communication skills. Smart Lab - Language Lab Software System is a technically savvy Language Lab to hone the communicative competence. Smart Lab - Digital Language Lab is a teaching, learning software. Smart Lab make use of intelligible English that both the native and non - natives speakers of English can apprehend quite easily.


They call themselves the pioneers and the leaders in Fully Computerised Digital Language Lab. ETNL has
designed copyright protected ETNL Language Lab in the year 2001-2002 and successfully implemented at St. Teresa's College. Now They have got Eight academic years experience in technology based English Language Teaching.


LearnSOFT language lab is an instructional technology tool consisting of a source unit that can disseminate audio, audio/visual, and/or written materials to students at individual seats, with a wide variety of potential feedback mechanisms to the Student, Teacher or group of Students in the network. Teacher is the Core part of the LearnSOFT Language Lab. All features are available in Teacher Console.


LearnSOFT Learning Solutions is a technological breakthrough by Logiciel Software Tech Private Limited for imparting high standards in teaching and learning with aid of ICT ("Information and Communications Technology"). The language lab teacher is provided with content matching world class standards developed by specialists.


Globarena started with the aim of providing Quality Learning Solutions by using state of the art technology, and has created a niche for itself. Whether you are a corporate seeking to improve your employee performance or an educational institution planning to help students to succeed in their careers, their products can make a positive impact to your learning needs in many ways.

(Please note that I do not recommend these software for language lab. I use Globarena Language Lab and Career Lab at our institute. I found it good for elementary level learning English language and soft skills through technology. But for intermediate and higher level of learners, the software requires updation. I have seen demo of Orell and Clarity. They also seemed to be good option for lab. I would suggest to contact sales manager and ask for demo before finalising any of the above software. If the software allows freedom of adding and editing course content, I would firmly recommend to go for it.)
Dilip Barad - DELL, HMP Institute



Thursday 25 December 2008

Experimenting ICT in English Language and Literature

This article was published in 'The AsiaCall Online Journal (ISSN: 1936-9859). The full article can be downloaded from this link: Click here to Download full article.

We live in an era of information explosion. Once there was famine of information, today we are drowned in the deluge of information. Gale of change is blowing in the pedagogy of Teaching English Language and Literature (TELL). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a catalyst agent. ICT has initiated new possibilities into the classroom. The marriage between education and Internet technology has made a deep impact on perspectives about teaching and learning. The role of the teacher, the nature and context of learning, as well as the function and relative importance of course content have all been challenged and redefined. Technophobic teachers have no place in this new world order.
This paper aims at sharing practical experiments with ICT in Teaching English Language and Literature. It deals with pragmatic aspects of using ICT with the student community of Business Management and Humanities. The extensive use of web 2.0 components, internet, blogs, e-groups, SMSs, emails, socializing portals, e-dictionaries, e-ncyclopedia, ppt presentations, webcasting, audio-video etc as teaching tools were experimented in the classroom. The student community was motivated to make use of cyber cafes and GPRS mobiles to interact with the teacher.
The paper deals with very pertinent questions:
• How far is ICT useful to student community?
• What is the role of ICT in teaching English language and literature?
• What kind of methods can be used to overcome students' problems?
• Can it empower student community? Can it improve their proficiency of learning?

How to cite this article:

APA
Barad, D. (2010). EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 4(1). Retrieved 2010-07-04, from 

MLA
Barad, Dilip. "EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE" AsiaCALL Online Journal [Online], 4 3 Jul 2010
CBE
Barad, D. 2010 Jul 3. EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. AsiaCALL Online Journal. [Online] 4:1
ABNT
Barad, D.. EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. AsiaCALL Online Journal, North America, 4 3 07 2010.
Bib Tex
@article{{ACOJ}{21},
               author = {Barad, D.},
               title = {EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE},
               journal = {AsiaCALL Online Journal},
               volume = {4},
               number = {1},
               year = {2010},

               url = {http://asiacall.info/journals/asiacall_online/index.php/olj/article/view/21/16}
}

Ref Works
@article{{ACOJ}{21},
            author = {Barad, D.},
            title = {EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE},
            journal = {AsiaCALL Online Journal},
            volume = {4},
            number = {1},
            year = {2010},

            url = {http://asiacall.info/journals/asiacall_online/index.php/olj/article/view/21/16}
}
Turabian
Barad, Dilip. "EXPERIMENTING ICT IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE" AsiaCALL Online Journal [Online], Volume 4 Number 1 (3 July 2010)