31 May 2007
Professor Discusses Internet Tools for Teachers of Young Learners
USINFO Webchat transcript, May 31
Caroline Linse, associate professor of teaching English as a second language (TESOL) at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, Korea, answered questions on Internet tools for teachers and students in a May 31 USINFO Webchat.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
Internet Tools & Curriculum Design for Young Learners of English: The Internet -- A Treasure Trove for Teachers of Young Learners
Guest: Caroline Linse
Date: Thursday, 31 May 2007
Time: 5:00 p.m. EDT (4:00 p.m. Mexico City)
Moderator: Welcome to the second webchat in a four-part series of chats intended for teachers of Young Learners of English.
The webchat will take place on May 31 at 16:00 Mexico City/17:00 Washington/June 1 at 06:00 Seoul (where our guest speaker is located). You are welcome to send in your questions now or you may wait until the live event.
As you can see, we have posted some of your early comments, and our guest speaker has answered some of the early questions. Please remember, the live event will begin at 21:00 GMT, today May 31 (June 1 in many parts of the world).
Caroline Linse, associate professor of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, Korea
Comment [Maritere]: I can feel this will be a very interesting presentation the same that will clear up our minds on how to give an effective homework or make some research on the Internet as well as the way to link it to the curriculum our schools have to teach any subject. I will do my best to reach the discussion on time. Thanks a lot for your attention. Congratulations for your work. - Maritere Meléndez Mantilla
Caroline Linse: In the case of young learners, there are some concerns about making them truly autonomous since there are many dangers in the Internet highway. I err on the cautious side with Internet safety. Here is a URL of a site that provides information on how to give children a certain amount of autonomy while at the same time making sure that they remain safe.
Moderator: Participants, we welcome your comments before and during the webchat. If you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please submit a comment.
Comment [Asha]: Hello, young learners have always been of special interest to me though I also teach post-graduates. I've found the net a wonderful resource for activities and even songs.
Asha, Mumbai
Comment [Poonam Sarup]: Hi, this is the first time I am joining a web discussion. I teach students of various levels/abilities so I am particularly interested in learning how to use web resources. I must confess I am a novice when it comes to using online resources. Poonam, Mumbai, India
Question [sErGiO]: Hello Caroline, I'm Sergio Vila from Peru. It is well known how useful Internet is for helping students in their learning process. What are the basic considerations teachers should keep in mind when providing our young learners with this tool?
Answer [Caroline Linse]: As mentioned above, one of the main considerations is safety. Young learners would never be allowed to venture out on their own in their neighborhood without proper supervision. The same holds true for the Internet. You also want to make sure that the experiences are language rich and that they help children develop, cognitively, socially emotionally, and physically. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has a position paper on technology with young learners.
http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions/PSTECH98.asp.
Moderator: The webchat will resume at 21:00 GMT/17:00 Washington/16:00 Mexico City today, May 31. (June 1 in some locations.)
We see your new questions coming in. Thank you!
If you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please choose the "comment" option and we will post your message directly to the chat.
Moderator: Welcome! We'll be getting started in just a few moments. Our guest speaker is in Seoul, South Korea where it is 06:00, and she is just getting logged in.
Caroline Linse: Hi, it's wonderful to be here. I've already received and responded to some of your questions. I look forward to answering more of your questions!
Q [Irma Martinez]: [What] kind of techniques do you suggest for teenagers?
A [Caroline Linse]: There are two books that you might want to refer to in general and not just for working with teenagers. One is published by Cambridge University Press. http://www.cambridge.org/elt/elt_projectpage.asp?id=2500384
The second is also a book focused on teaching teenagers by a terrific author, Gordon Lewis, who was mentioned last week in the webchat.
There is also a Special Interest Group that addresses the ELT needs of Children and Teenagers. The Special Interest Group is part of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language. There is a wonderful discussion list that comes out daily from this group. You may find out more information and join by going to http://www.IATEFL.org and/or going to groups at Yahoo.com and look for the YL discussion group.
Q [Iilinni]: Hello, I'm Ellen, in Greenland, at the institute serving all of the public school teachers and pupils on this huge island. My colleagues here have become interest in Hot Potatoes, which is a web-based tool for creating objective exercises and tests. We here are all experienced as regards the usefulness - and the drawbacks! - of multiple-choice, matching, and other such activities. I would really appreciate opinions on showing teachers how to use this tool. I'd also like any comments on Hot Potatoes in particular. Qujanaq (thanks)!
A [Caroline Linse]: Hello Ellen: My hope is that you did submit the TESOL Proposal for the TESOL conference in New York.
My suggestion is to walk people through the hot potato tutorial which can be accessed at http://hotpot.uvic.ca/tutorials6.htm
Comment [irfan]: Hi Ms. Linse. I'd like to thank you and the people who organized this chat.
Q [Alison Camacho]: Hello Caroline from Alison Camacho - English Language Fellow in Durango Mexico - Your book teaching Young Learners is wonderful and has been a great aid to me since I'm training teachers who teach in Primary schools here in Durango - I look forward to hearing more about great Internet sources for young learners during this chat - Can you recommend one of your favorite websites for teaching English to young learners?
A [Caroline Linse]: Dear Allison, Thanks for your question. My response will be the next posting on the chat. I am delighted that you enjoy Practical English Language Teaching Young Learners.
There is a great site that has children's books available on line - free of charge. Children's Books on Line (Public Domain) http://www.childrensbooksonline.org/
Here is another great site also for children's books. http://www.dandi.me.uk/
Q [Susy2]: Hello! My name is Susana I'm a Primary School English teacher for 2 years now. I wonder how can I use class routines for younger children, if is there any source I can use in the Internet, because most of the children get bored with the same routines. How often can I variate them?
A [Caroline Linse]: Hi Susana, One of the things that I love about the Internet is that you can get all sorts of songs and poems and games for teaching classroom routines. Here are some of my favorite sites:
http://www.beachnet.com/~jeanettem/chants.html
http://www.songsforteaching.com
Q [irfan]: I'm Irfan Bulut from Istanbul University, Turkey. I'm a research assistant. One of the biggest problems of language learners in Turkey, especially when skills are taken into consideration, is Speaking. How can we make use of Internet to help our students improve their speaking skill?
A [Caroline Linse]: Irfan, it depends upon what area of speaking that you want to help speakers improve. The Internet is especially good for pronunciation. I enjoy using the pronunciation web sites. Here is one of my favorites. http://www.fonetiks.org/
Comment [irfan]: I think this site is an excellent visual site from Australia for children. Children can watch clips, listen to the radio, play games, etc.
Q [Alison Camacho]: Thanks so much - I'm giving a workshop on storytelling with children and these links are perfect! Many of my teachers have also asked about websites with lesson plans for holidays and seasons... I know one that I like - http://www.eslimages.com - but you have to pay for a membership any others? Anyone?
Q [maricella]: Hi! I am Maricella I am teaching fifth and sixth grade of elementary school, I would like some strategies or tips for motivate students to learn English as a second language because some of them don't really like English.
Moderator: Hello everyone, we apologize for the delay in getting answers to you. We are connecting across the world for today's webchat and there are some technical challenges we are trying to overcome.
Please be patient and Ms. Linse will post her next answers shortly.
A [Caroline Linse]: Hello Allison, Thanks for your follow-up reference to the site - http://www.eslimages.com
There are a number of sites that are good for teaching about seasons. These sites once again are from the resources set aside for teaching native English speakers. One such site is http://www.theteachersguide.com/SeasonsLessonPlans.htm
A [Caroline Linse]: Marcella, You pose an excellent question about unmotivated students. There has been a lot written lately about engaging students in the learning process. Here are some sites that you might like to visit:
http://www.nwrel.org/request/oct00/textonly.html
http://www.curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/clic/nrrc/rspon_r8.html
Please note that the Northwest Regional Educational Lab has a wealth of resources.
Q [marina2]: Hi, I'm María Dueñas from Mexico. I have a question:
What kind of internet teaching and learning activities are more practical when there are only one or two computer per classroom, or maybe all the school has to share. In these cases the learners are not able to use all the computers at the same time...How to work with them?
A [Caroline Linse]: It is the reality in many parts of the world to have only one computer. If you have a beam projector, canon, then you will want to make use of the children's books that are available on line as well as some of the sites for short cartoons, films, etc. in English. Here is one of my favorites: http://www.watchfilms.com/cartoons/
Moderator: "Ana2" Asks: I'd like to know how to encourage students to use some internet tools in order for them to become autonomous learners.
A: Caroline Linse: In the case of young learners there are some concerns about making them truly autonomous since there are many dangers in the Internet highway. I err on the cautious side with Internet safety. Here is a URL of a site that provides information on how to give children a certain amount of autonomy while at the same time making sure that they remain safe. http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/
Q [irfan]: the area I'm speaking about is especially fluency, having chance to use the language they have already learnt in a meaningful way and not in a school setting. Do you think it's a good idea to exchange our students' msn, skype or similar voice chat addresses and help them get in contact with other students around the world?
A [Caroline Linse]: Skype is a terrific inexpensive way for students to talk to one another. The problem with it is that you need a pretty good internet connection to make it work. My Internet connection is too temperamental for me to be satisfied with the service. People who want to learn more about Skype can visit.
Caroline Linse: It has been a pleasure being with you for the past hour. The chat will now pause, however, I will continue to take questions and the responses will be posted later.
Thanks and best wishes
Caroline Linse
Moderator: Dear participants. The webchat is paused. You may continue to submit your questions and Ms. Linse will review them and post more answers and links during the next 24 hours.
Comment [Iilinni]: Thank you, Caroline!
Moderator: From Irfan: "What about exchanging addresses? Does anybody want to exchange addresses of his/her students with those of students from Turkey?"
Moderator: Hello Irfan, please choose the "comment" option and we can post your comment directly to the chat page. Thank you!
Ms. Linse is currently offline (she joined us very early from South Korea), she will review your additional questions. Please check this site during the coming 24 hours.
Moderator: The webchat is now on pause. Please continue sending in your questions and Ms. Linse will post her answers during the next 24 hours.
Comment [kamal Eldeen]: Hello everybody I'm Kamal from Egypt I'm pleased to share in this fruitful chat. Thank you
Comment [Victoria]: I have joined the two chats about internet tools and I think that both have been invaluable. Thank you very much for giving us teachers the opportunity to learn more about this new (for some of us) and very interesting approach. I can’t wait to log in next week. -Márgara Smith from México City
Moderator: Greetings to Kamal and Victoria! All of the new questions have been sent to Ms. Linse in South Korea. We will post her answers as soon as possible. Thank you.
Q [irfan]: how can we use or what is the role of Internet Tools in teaching mixed ability classes?
A [Caroline Linse]: The research is pretty conclusive that students of almost all levels of proficiency benefit from extensive reading. Mixed ability level learners can read materials at their level and everyone can be reading. Here are two free journals where you can read more about extensive reading with students learning English as a Foreign/Second Language.
Reading in a Foreign Language http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/rfl/
The second one is the Reading Matrix http://www.readingmatrix.com/journal.html
I like the Internet because it allows for personalization of material, especially reading materials. Reading is good for students and there are all sorts of things they can read. Students are able to handle more challenging materials if the topic is something that interests them. For example, if students are interested in cars they can visit car websites and will probably understand the context so they will be able to tackle the content. Another students may find cars to be a real nuisance however they might be interested in cooking and they might be interested in reading recipes. You need to make sure, however, that they remain on English language sites and they do not visit ones with provocative content.
Another web site worth visiting for learning about multilevel classes is- OnestopEnglish.com
Q [irfan]: My name is Irfan and I'm joining from Turkey. One of the biggest problems for learners in Turkey is speaking or finding the suitable setting, etc. How can we make use of Internet to help our students build up this skill?
A [Caroline Linse]: It seems like what you are talking about is pragmatic competence or the ability to use language appropriately in different contexts or situations.
I am a little bit shy about using a lot of video in the classroom because it can eat up an entire class period at a blink of the eye. However, a colleague and I have had good luck with commercials and movie trailers. Both types of media provide situations where language is used in different ways. You can show the clips without the sound, have students figure out what people might be saying and then turn on the sound to see if they were correct.
Commercials
CAUTION: Some of the commercials may be inappropriate for certain age groups or cultural groups.
http://www.watchfilms.com/commercials
Movie trailers are also available and commercials are available at the following site. Some of the commercials and movie trailers may be inappropriate for certain age groups or cultural backgrounds. www.ifilm.com
Q [irfan]: What about exchanging addresses? Does anybody want to exchange addresses of his/her students with those of students from Turkey?
A [Caroline Linse]: Onestopenglish.com helps teachers find pen-pals for their students.
Q [irfan]: It's been also a pleasure for us being with you (I'm commenting on behalf of other people) Thank you very much again. If you don’t mind can we have your email address?
Comment [Caroline Linse]: Irfan and Friends, It has been a pleasure having all of you on line. I am in the process of setting up a home page with my name. It should be operational by the end of the year and you should be able to contact me there. In addition, I would be delighted to be a guest on another web chat.
With the best of wishes
caroline
Q [maricella]: How can I help students that don’t have computers to use the internet tools?
A [Caroline Linse]: There is a worldwide initiative to help people get computers to learners for one hundred dollars. You can read more about this at the following web site- One Top Per Child-
Secondly, you need to prepare students before they go to the computer lab so that they are ready to use the Internet effectively. Here is a handout that you might want to use. I need to point out that it says caps are shouting even though in some cultures it is not true.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/web.htm
Moderator: Participants might be interested in our webchat with Dr. Seymour Papert who is an advisor to the "One Laptop Per Child" project. You can view the transcript here:
http://usinfo.state.gov/usinfo/Archive/2006/Nov/14-358060.html
Q [hisham]: Which skill should be highlighted in the preliminary stages of one's language learning?
A [Caroline Linse]: Listening should be highlighted for beginning language learners. Although Total Physical Response, TPR, is not new it is still effective.
Here is a site for teaching Listening- http://www.nclrc.org/essentials/listening/liindex.htm
Here is a site for Total Physical Response- http://www.tpr-world.com/
Q [Ibrahim Saleh]: Dear Caroline, this is Ibrahim Saleh from the American University in Cairo. It is a pleasure to have you with us today on this webchat. I do not have any previous experience with teaching EFL to beginners. But I will start some next days. How to get beginners able to handle materials from among this vast world of information and hypertexts? Is there a specific strategy you suggest? Could you please recommend some of the websites specially designed for EFL beginner learners (handling the four skills of course)?
Many thanks again
A [Caroline Linse]: There is a very nice free resource to get learners started. This is for true beginners. You need Real Player but then it should work just fine. http://www.learn-english-online.org/
I wouldn't worry about hypertext until students are at a higher language level.
Q [kamal Eldeen]: Can we use the internet for online learning much more effectively?
A [Caroline Linse]: If we apply the basic rules of good instruction to the Internet then I think you can make sure students have a good experience. The two rules that I like to follow are-
Make sure students are engaged.
Make sure that the experience is language rich.
Q [nina2]: Internet is a very useful tool but in my country (Mexico) a lot of young people don't have access to internet. It is expensive and they don’t have a computer. I'm an English teacher worry about how students could practice English language by finding games, general information, reading texts that help them to understand the use of English that they are learning in class could you recommend something? In Mexico the cost of one hour of internet in a cafe is 10 pesos could they find information according their levels (secondary or high school)? If you recommend some directions I think they are not going to waste time looking for something that fit they knowledge. As well it could help me to improve my English as a teacher. Thanks
A [Caroline Linse]: Dear Nina, I am going to try to give you a very simple set of instructions to follow:
1. Students can be instructed to go to google.com and then to click on Google in English.
2. Next have students type the name of an Internationally known figure such as Felipe Calderon or Jennifer Lopez.
3. Next tell them to click on the entry from Wikipedia. Encourage them to take notes on the person's birth place, early life and career.
My hope is that this helps.
Thanks to one and all for a very interesting webchat.
Over and Out! Caroline Linse
Thanks to one and all for participating in this webchat.
With the best of wishes from a hot and muggy Seoul, Korea.
Moderator: We wish to thank Caroline Linse for joining us. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events and a transcript of today’s discussion (posted within one business day).
(Guests are chosen for their expertise. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State.)
The next webchat in this series will take place on June 7 at 21:00 GMT. Please join Joan Kang Shin as she discusses "Storytelling and More!"
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
