Word

Word

            Every user of windows computers has used the app Word of Microsoft Office at least once during their whole life. From creating a title page with few words to write a whole investigation of many pages, this app is so useful that it is used for any purpose. Even high school students use it for writing their projects or to present a formal homework (assingment). Teachers are very accustomed to use(ing) it for formal purposes, but they do not realize that this app can be used to improve the teaching process in ways that they do not even imagine. This app reinforces mainly the writing and reading skills. Teachers only need creativity to make classes more interactive (comma) and this app is the only thing they need. For this reason, this is a very useful app to reinforce EFL students’ learning experience by means of different activities that teachers can create. For example:

-          Teachers can ask students to create a collage about a certain topic and send it to the teacher.

-          Teachers can ask students to create posters for oral presentations.

-          Teachers can use the app Word to design different games; for example, digital jigsaws and crosswords.

To use this app, teachers have to consider three aspects:

1.      Teachers must teach students how to use this app correctly before use(ing) it.

2.      It is advisable to use it in a computer for comfort issues.

3.      Design activities according to the students’ level. (comma instead of period) Not too soft or hard.

The limit is the sky (the sky is the limit), be (as) creative as possible and your students will be grateful to you. Take your time to check the app deeply to make the most of it. Being the app very accessible, you will not have problems with your students in terms of availability.

Improving Creativity by Using Collages in the Teaching Practicum 

Blogger

Blogger

            The range of utilities that this app offers is so versatile that it is almost impossible not to consider it as a great tool for educative purposes. It can help teachers to give a ninety degree turn to the ordinary teaching process by including technology in classes. The versatility of this app allows teachers to reinforce the students’ reading, writing, and listening skills because the content added to this app is not limited to just words, (; instead of ,) pictures and videos can be posted too without any problem. For this reason, this is a very useful app to reinforce EFL students’ learning experience by means of different activities that teachers can create. For example:

-          Teachers can ask students to create a post in their blogs about different topics and illustrate them with pictures. Then(,) students share the link of the post with the teacher.

-          Teachers can use a blog as a forum and post a controversial topic, and students discuss about the topic by writing a comment on the post.

-          Teachers can ask students to watch a video about a specific topic and post a video reaction in their blogs. Then(,) students share the link of their posts with the teacher and their classmates in order to give comments or feedback about the video reaction.

To use this app, teachers have to consider three aspects:

1.      This app requires internet connection for its use.

2.      It is advisable to use a computer to work with this app due to commodity (check the meaning of this word).

3.      Guide students with clear instructions in order to avoid confusing your students. Be sure that each student knows what to do.

Blogger can help teachers to improve the teaching methodologies by creating a second environment in which students can learn. It is so useful that teachers can use it as a virtual classroom to upload important information for students or immerse them in a virtual learning process.

Innovating with Blogger in the Teaching Practicum 

Storybird

Storybird

            This is an app that allows teachers to inspire their students to write better and read more often. It is not a secret that students hate or got (get) scared when they are asked to write or suffered from the blank-page syndrome in the worst cases (MOVE THIS IDEA AFTER "...scared"). This app combines pictures with letters to help students to have a visual illustration of what is written. This app reinforces the reading and writing skills by giving students a different and more interactive activity. For this reason, this is a very useful app to reinforce EFL students by means of different activities that teachers can create. For example:

-          Teachers can ask students to create a short story by using five random pictures that appear in the app.

-          Teachers can ask students to create a short story by using just pictures and narrate it orally in front of the class.

-          Teachers can ask students to get in groups of three and each student create a part of a short story. For example, students divide the short story in three chapters and each student write(s) one of them.

To use this app, teachers have to consider three aspects:

1.      To use this app, students need a computer and internet connection.

2.      Be sure that your students know and understand all the instructions to use this app.

3.      Monitor your students’ work because they can get distracted while using internet.

The implementation of this app in your classes will help your students to fall in love with writing by making classes more creative and in an environment in which they can feel more comfortable.

Working with Storybird in the Teaching Practicum