Since the rise of virtual education across the pandemic, we have learned how to be better teachers from successful stories avoiding the risks of embarrassing past mistakes. Our adaptation to technology for distant interaction, lesson planning or execution of classes have brought about significant marks, which are worth documenting and spreading. We still continue trying new practices, though, aware of the wonders of our learning system. It will always amaze us regardless of when and how.
So, besides videoconferencing insights, there’s also the matter of learning activities at asynchronous timing, platforms to choose from and most importantly, our selection of content. And don’t forget, as much as traditional theory is involved, we must keep our eyes opened to what seems to work better with students.
During my last terms working different courses, I implemented a variety of tools ranging from effective, interesting or practical, to others that were merely simple and appealing. Not to mention some of which were a completely waste of time due to its lack of engagement for my learners. Out of the tens of webpages, applications, widgets and plus digital gimmicks that are offered throughout the new world of virtualism, I’ve made up my mind remaining with what I have seen work better to the purpose of remembering and internalizing activities for previous synchronous lessons.
Each choice goes aligned with a type of lesson, i.e. vocabulary, speaking, grammar, pronunciation, listening, reading or writing. It also depends on the resource that best complies with your content, which can include audio-visuals, written text, pictures or even assessment items. Many of these resources are provided by book publishers in the form of CDs, digital books and webpages. An initial exploration to what comes in the package is recommended, and then move on to supporting tools available on Internet.
Speaking of which, the apps that are free of use on the web can also be downloaded to different types of devices, allowing more flexibility and understanding of their functionality with various formats and digital environments. This means that if your students are using cellphones to complete their activities, their experience may be different of those with computers, or tablets. Here’s my selection of apps to develop content for asynchronous activities:
Vocabulary
http://www.quizlet.com
https://www.learningchocolate.com
https://www.randomlists.com
https://www.gamestolearnenglish.com
https://worditout.com
https://app.memrise.com
http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com
https://getkahoot.com/
https://www.discoveryeducation.com/
https://en.islcollective.com/
Grammar
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org
https://www.engvid.com
https://www.liveworksheets.com
Speaking
http://www.flipgrid.com
https://www.speakpipe.com/
http://padlet.com
https://www.powtoon.com
https://vocaroo.com/
https://spark.adobe.com/
https://www.voki.com/
https://www.englishcentral.com
https://esllibrary.com/courses/73/lessons
Pronunciation
https://www.clearenglishcorner.com/
https://www.macmillaneducationapps.com/soundspron/
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/video
http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/
Reading
https://insertlearning.com/
https://storybird.com/
https://www.learn-english-today.com
https://www.thoughtco.com/
Writing
https://www.fakewhats.com/generator
https://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
https://sketch.io/sketchpad/en/
https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create
https://www.canvas.net/
Listening
http://edpuzzle.com/
https://librivox.org/
https://www.ted.com/
https://www.storynory.com/
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