Wikis

                                                                      Wikis

My today’s post is about wikis. So, what is a wiki? Actually, it is a Web page that can be viewed by anybody with a Web browser and access to the internet. It's easy, efficient, and intuitive to use. Every user gets a voice and everyone's contribution is seen, heard, and can be commented upon. In other words, Wikis are dynamic and here readers become authors and editors.

Firstly, I would like to say that I like wikis very much and I consider them to be very effective, especially in the English classroom, as it allows students to work cooperatively and collaboratively. In the classroom students may not have time to read each other’s work, but now due to wiki they can continue it even at home, in collaborative online environment. Students work together, share knowledge and learn from each others.

Secondly, advanced technology skills are not required for editing wiki pages, and students who do not have perfect computer skills can still use wiki pages. However, from my point of view, there can be some cases where students will encounter some difficulties while using wikis for their home assignments.

On the other hand, wikis may have some drawbacks as well. For example, participants can accidentally or intentionally delete someone’s contributions as happened with Tamar.

To sum up, even wikis have some drawbacks, advantaged outweigh disadvantages. They make the learning process more effective. They are easy to learn, simple, efficient, and most wikis are free.

Using Podcast in EFL/ESL classroom

                                            Using Podcast in EFL/ESL classrooms

In this reflection I will speak about Podcast and its effect on EFL/ESL classroom. Firstly, what is a Podcast? Actually, it is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers.

Firstly, I would like to say, that for those language learners whose first language is not English, they find it very difficult to improve their listening and speaking skills. However, with today’s technology it becomes easier and faster to improve, and one of this innovation is a Podcast.

Podcasting allows students to use their technology-based entertainment systems (iPods, MP3 players) for educational experiences. Because students are already familiar with the underlying technology, podcasting broadens educational options in a nonthreatening and easily accessible manner. For example, podcasting allows lectures or other course content to be made available to students if they miss class. Beyond missed lectures, podcasting can provide access to experts through interviews. Podcasting is not limited to content delivered to the student, however; students can create their own podcasts—as a record of activities, a way to collect notes, or a reflection on what they have learnt.

Secondly, it sounds to me, that using podcast in EFL/ESL classroom is a fun, and more interesting way compared with traditional textbooks. Students are not reluctant to do activities and they do it with great pleasure. Furthermore, using podcast in the EFL/ESL classroom could improve writing skills, as students can write reflection after listening to the podcast. To sum up, it seems to me that using podcast in EFL/ESL classrooms could be very beneficial, as it can be used creatively to encourage students to practice language outside of the classroom.