QR Codes

QR Codes

     You probably have seen a QR code in your envirıonment. They are actually code form of something it is already on a database or internet. When you scan it you come across the content which is presented in that QR. They are used in everywhere in the modern world. Teachers can use it to serve their activities or other contents and it can be useful for engagement of learners. They are some sort of mysterious because learners don't know what could come out of it. You can see my QR code below. Scan it, then see what it is:)

Sutori and Thinglink

New Presentation Tools

    Sutori is basically a presentation platform that enables its users to create new stylistic presentations. It templates that you can use freely. It has a big database for creativeness. the only thing you should do is signing it and starting to use it. You can also invite people to your presentation which is a good feature, I think.

    Thinglink is a little different from Sutori because it has 360 photographs and interactive video features besides two-dimensional photos. When you are creating your content you pin a point on the template you design and enter your attachments or text. You can do it in every form of templates such as 360 photos, two-dimensional photos, etc. It is a new kind of tool and this is what makes it attractive for learners. As teachers, we can use it to engage our students in linguistic patterns.

Game and Gamification

Game and Gamification

     Computer games are highly widespread entertainment mean. A number of studies have conducted about games and the result is surprising because it was thought that games are harmful to gamers however, they have a positive effect on gamers from different aspects. 

    Games also can be used in language teaching indeed, there are some projects that use games as an educational tool. Gamification means transforming content into a game. this enables the educator to have a suitable tool of education for new generation learners. The new generation learners are engaged in games in their real life that why it can be a motivating tool for them in their language learning. Especially language practicing activities can be adapted easily to games. 

     

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality

        Virtual reality is a new technology which is actually originated from military education purposes. VR   is an experience taking place within simulated and immersive environments that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. It is used for education, medicine, military, and entertainment. 
        Educational circles are using VR in the activities gradually. This is not a brand new phenomenon because it has been developed since the 90s. However, the fields use VR is expanding. the VR is very interesting to experience. When you experience it you feel both apart from reality and engaged reality which is hard to manage in the field of technology. In language teaching, VR can be used effectively in engaging activities and practicing activities.
      I experienced VR these are my photos from it. I strongly recommend to experience it:) 

Flipgrid

Virtual Classroom

Flipgird is an application that enables to create classrooms and make your lesson or task virtually. When you create flip which means class than you give a duty for students and students deliver their task as a grid. Application name comes from that combination. It easy to use and has lots of advantages like accessibility, remote control, technological awareness. You can also control your students out of classroom activities. If you want to have a look at it you can follow the link. 

 Flipgrid

Second Life

Second Life - Without Boundaries

     Second Life is actually a game which has a virtual world. You can do whatever you want like flying, running teleporting. It feels like you are beyond reality with boundaries. The world we know and live is much more different in Second Life. It is fabulous. You can go in other words teleport wherever you want. It is used in various areas such as business, education, entertainment. It has also real-time interaction with other users. You can customize your avatar as you wish. 

    Apart from its common usage, I would like to talk about its potential for education. EFL learners can utilize from this program. They can talk to other real EFL learners by texting and speaking. They can participate it wherever they are. They don't have to be in a school or facility. These aspects make Second Life a tool for English learning that's why we should use it in our classrooms. I play this game and I took a selfie in the Erasmus Office of İstanbul University. You can view my Facebook post through the selfie link. And you can create your account via Second Life link. Enjoy your playing.

Selfie              Second Life

Nearpod

Online Lesson Maker

   Hey, have you ever seen a Nearpod lesson? Nearpod is a very technology integrated app for education. It gives you 3D items, VR activities and so on. The moment you prepare your lesson you can publish it and share with the world. Nearpod changes the online lesson concept. It enables to learn without boundary. This can make a contribution to education from different perspectives. There is a sample lesson of mine you can have look at it through the link.

Nearpod

Mindmeister

Mind Map Maker

    This time I want to talk about another mind map website Mindmeister. It ıs designed for only mind maps thanks to that purpose it is easier than to use the other ones. When you enroll the site you can immediately start to create your mind map. It has also an assistant to help you. You should try it. I made one mind map, of course, you can see it via the link.

Mindmeister

Pixton

Comics for Class

      Reading is some sort of boring part of English learning. It can be more fun by Pixton. Pixton is a comic creating website. Reading can be supplied by comics so younger students can have pleasure from it. Pixton is convenient for this purpose. You can create your own comic by just clicking. I made mine. I recommend you to check it out. 

Canva

Making Tables With Canva

    Canva is a presentation tool but it ıncludes lots of other functions such as invention cards, social media posts, educational tools. Everyone can use it efficiently because everything is ready, you should just add your idea. I made a table you can view it through the link. 

                                                          Canva

Kahoot

Kahoot as Test Creating

   Hi, I use Kahoot approximately 6 months and I like it by the way I haven't created a Kahoot till today but I have joined Kahoots. Traditional tests are boring for students. We as teachers should convert it to something more than that. Kahoot gives exactly this to educators. You can create limitless questions, visual questions. I enable us to become current. I made a kahoot you can have a look and then try to create yours.  

                                                            Kahoot

Quizlet

Far Beyond Traditional

   Here is Quizlet. It is a website that allows applying online four basic activity type together. It is very easy to use and it has a very smooth interface. I like it very much. It is basically composed of visual and spots. You do your activity throug this template. You should check it out. First, you may want to review mine.

                                                                    Quizlet 

Voki

Voki - Joyful Learning

    Hi, this time I am gonna introduce Voki. It is a semi-interactive education tool. It makes possible to create video formed contents. There are voices in different accents, lots of visual character icons and a space for your text for content. It is very convenient. You can use it for your lessons in the warm-up stage. I made my own voki, you can have look at it via the link.

                                                                        Voki