Technology

Some Ideas for Teaching Vocabulary, Speaking, and Writing Skills

Dr. Josephine Moleon

4/29/20243 min read

In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of education, offering endless possibilities for engaging and enriching learning experiences. For EFL students in grades 10 to 12, incorporating technology can make language acquisition more dynamic and effective. Here are various strategies to integrate technology into vocabulary, speaking, and writing lessons, as well as role-play, inquiry-based learning (IBL) projects, debates, and case studies:

1. Vocabulary

  • Digital Word Lists: Curate digital word lists using platforms like Google Sheets or Excel, categorizing vocabulary by themes or topics for easy reference.

  • Interactive Vocabulary Quizzes: Create interactive quizzes using platforms like Google Forms or Kahoot! allowing students to test their vocabulary knowledge independently.

  • Word of the Day Apps: Recommend word of the day apps such as Merriam-Webster or Vocabulary.com for students to expand their vocabulary daily.

  • Personalized Vocabulary Journals: Encourage students to maintain personalized vocabulary journals or using platforms like Evernote or OneNote, where they can record new words along with definitions and example sentences.

  • Online Language Learning Platforms: Suggest language learning platforms like Duolingo or Memrise, which offer gamified activities and spaced repetition to reinforce vocabulary acquisition during home-study sessions.

2. Speaking and Writing Lesson:

  • Video Discussions: Assign video clips for students to watch and discuss using Flipgrid or VoiceThread, encouraging both speaking and writing skills.

  • Podcasting: Have students create podcasts discussing various topics of interest, focusing on fluency and pronunciation.

  • Online Debate Forums: Use platforms like Kialo Edu or Debate.org for students to engage in structured online debates, honing both speaking and argumentation skills.

  • Collaborative Story Writing: Utilize Google Docs or Padlet for collaborative story writing exercises, where students take turns adding paragraphs.

  • Speech Recognition Tools: Introduce speech recognition tools like Speechnotes or Google Voice Typing for practicing speaking and receiving instant feedback on pronunciation.

3. Role-Play:

  • Virtual Simulations: Use online simulation platforms like Classcraft or SimCity to immerse students in role-play scenarios related to real-world situations.

  • Digital Storytelling: Have students create digital stories or comics using tools like Storyboard That or Canva, incorporating role-play elements.

  • Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Explore VR platforms like CoSpaces Edu or Google Expeditions for immersive role-play experiences in different settings.

  • Online Role-play Games: Introduce online role-play games like Minecraft Education Edition or Roleplay Adventures, where students collaborate and communicate in English.

  • Teleconferencing: Organize teleconferencing sessions with students from other countries using platforms like Skype or Zoom, encouraging cross-cultural role-play interactions.

4. Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) Projects:

  • Digital Research: Guide students in conducting online research using reliable sources like Google Scholar or academic databases.

  • Digital Presentations: Have students create multimedia presentations using tools like PowerPoint or Prezi to showcase their IBL project findings.

  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Utilize platforms like Google Jamboard or Miro for collaborative brainstorming and problem-solving sessions.

  • Virtual Collaborations: Facilitate virtual collaborations with other classrooms worldwide using platforms like ePals or PenPal Schools, fostering global perspectives in IBL projects.

  • Online Portfolio Creation: Encourage students to create digital portfolios using platforms like Seesaw or Google Sites to document their IBL project progress and reflections.

5. Debate and Case Study:

  • Digital Debates: Host asynchronous debates using discussion forums or social media platforms, where students present arguments and counterarguments.

  • Case Study Analysis: Assign case studies relevant to students' interests or current events, using platforms like Harvard Business Review or TED-Ed for discussion and analysis.

  • Online Mock Trials: Simulate legal proceedings with online mock trial platforms like Case Maker or iCivics, encouraging students to analyze evidence and debate cases.

  • Digital Socratic Seminars: Conduct Socratic seminars using platforms like Google Meet or Zoom, where students critically discuss case studies or ethical dilemmas.

  • Debate Podcasts: Have students create podcasts discussing controversial topics or case studies, presenting arguments and engaging in rebuttals.

By incorporating these innovative strategies, we can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of our EFL students. Embracing technology not only enhances language acquisition but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century.

Don't forget to download your FREEBIE to engage in discussion to support tech-integrated EFL learning!

Happy teaching!