Computer-Mediated Tools in Teaching Speaking and Pronunciation

TESOL 2007 Technology & Speech Academic Session panel: The effectiveness of computer technology in teaching speaking and pronunciation skills

Deborah Healey, English Language Institute, Oregon State University

New audio technology, such as computer phones, audio chat, voice email, audio blogs, and podcasting are becoming more widely accessible. These may show up as part of a hybrid course (partially face-to-face and partially online) and in virtual classrooms. Teachers have been burned in the past by flashy novelty that did not measure up in the classroom. This segment will explore how new technologies can be used and how effective they are and might become in providing practice and feedback.

PowerPoint presentation (web page)

Resource List

Articles referenced

LeBow, Jeff (2006). Worldbridges: The potential of live, interactive webcasting. Internet TESL Journal, 10 (1). Available at http://www.tesl-ej.org/ej37/int.html . Accessed March 18, 2007 .

RealNetworks (n.d.). Converting PowerPoint slides into streaming media. Available at http://service.real.com/help/library/guides/presenter8/htmfiles/convert.htm . Accessed March 18, 2007 .

Stevens, Vance (2005). APACALL co-sponsors Webheads in Action Online Convergence November 18-20, 2005 . Available at http://www.geocities.com/vance_stevens/papers/evonline2002/apacall_news.htm . Accessed March 18, 2007 .

Yeh, Aiden (2006). Aiden Yeh's Speech Class podcast. Available online at http://aidenyeh.podomatic.com . Accessed March 18, 2007 .

Synchronous tools

Computer phones: Skype ( http://www.skype.com ), Gizmo ( http://www.gizmoproject.com )

Bluetooth: http://www.bluetooth.com – information site

Audio and video chat: CU World ( http://www.cuworld.com/audio_video_voice_chats.htm ) and on Skype, Gizmo, various Instant Messengers

Yahoo Messenger ( http://messenger.yahoo.com ), MSN Messenger ( http://get.live.com/messenger/overview )

Web conferencing: Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional ( https://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/ ), Webheads In Action ( http://www.webheadsinaction.org )

Asynchronous tools

Sound recording: Audacity ( http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ )

Microsoft Word ( http://www.microsoft.com/ )

Audio/video blogs: Blogger ( http://www.blogger.com/ ), podOmatic ( http://www.podomatic.com/ ), Hellodeo ( http://www.hellodeo.com/ ), WildVoice ( http://www.wildvoice.com/)

Podcasts: GarageBand 3 by Apple (podcast creator) ( http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/ ), podOmatic ( http://www.podomatic.com/ )

Virtual classrooms: Moodle ( http://www.moodle.org ), Blackboard ( http://www.blackboard.com )

Video file-sharing: YouTube ( https://youtube.com )

Video creation tools: iMovie HD from Apple ( http://www.apple.com/ ), MovieMaker from Microsoft ( http://www.microsoft.com/ )

Recording for playback: SmartBoard ( http://www2.smarttech.com/ ), RealPresenter by RealNetworks ( http://www.realnetworks.com/ ), Camtasia Studio by Techsmith ( http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp ), ViewletCam by Qarbon ( http://www.qarbon.com/presentation-software/vc/ )

 


http://oregonstate.edu/~healeyd/tesol2007/cmc_tools.html
Last updated: 3 April 2007