online technological learning tools.
In
the modern society, the modes of learning have been enhanced due to
advancements in technology. The introduction of virtual classrooms has made
learning of new languages easier and more convenient. Teachers and students can
now interact, communicate, exchange ideas and collaborate with no limitation to
geographical location. A virtual classroom imitates a physical
classroom except that students and teachers are in different localities. There are
many tools that can be used by teachers and students to make learning via the
internet interesting. In this article we are going to find out two of the best
technological tools that can be used to help a Brazilian businessman to improve
his spoken and written American English knowledge.
1.
Video
conferencing.
One of the best online tools that can
be leveraged to make online learning effective is the use of video conferencing.
Live conferencing software have been heavily utilised to facilitate live dialogues
between online individuals. The information that can be transmitted via such
channel include; text, video and audio. Screen sharing is also another great
advancement that has been introduced in video conferencing. Some of the well-known
online video conferencing software include skype, BlueJeans, GoTomeeting, Slack
and Facetime. A major reason why this tool is invaluable in online teaching is
the one-on-one interaction with the student.
By using this online technological tool,
I will be able to get instant feedback and first-hand information regarding the
progress of the student. This means corrections and emphasis on various topics
can be made instantly yielding to better performances. Since text and audio can
be transmitted in video conferencing online tools, it would be easier to teach
the Brazilian business person how to read and write via the provided
mechanisms. Since the individual in question is struggling with spoken English,
a face-to-face interaction can help them to better various aspects of the English
language like pronunciation and sentence construction. By employing this
method, the it would be easier to identify the areas challenging the student
and then make necessary adjustments.
2.
Videos
Videos offer great visual components for
online classes to engage students in improving their writing and reading
skills. Nowadays, there are many online channels where students can put videos
to aid their students in learning. Some of theme platforms include YouTube, Vimeo,
Animoto and Vevo. Making videos can be incorporated with many other aspects
like slides and illustrations. The great advantage of these platforms is that
the student and the teacher need not be present for the lesson at the same
time. Students can visit a platform like YouTube and watch a lesson as many
times as they’d wish. Unlike video conferencing where the student might shy
from asking the teacher to repeat a particular concept, a learner can watch a
certain lesson until they fully understand the content.
Including slides in the video
description can also play a major role in teaching students how to read. Since
the student can hear the teachers voice and study them as they pronounce
different words, it becomes easier and quick to master a particular language through
a video demonstration. For the three months I’d be interacting with the Brazilian
businessman, I will use videos to facilitate class introductions and offer
thematic background for new vocabularies. Through the use of PowerPoint slides,
I would also teach them how to read and write eloquent English that would
assist them in running their business and collaborating with other English
speakers.