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Basics of Google Drive & Docs

1/1/2014

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A YouTube video I created to help explain the basics of using Google Documents within the Google Drive suite to create, edit and share documents. It was written for young adult learners as an alternative to purchasing Microsoft Word, and has the added benefits of being editable on portable devices.
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Designing Online Courses for Adults - Some Principles

31/12/2013

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When developing online courses, there are a number of potential design principles to consider, particularly if you have adult students. Some potential design principles might be:

(1) An effective, cohesive electronic community of learners with a strong sense of presence, perhaps involving personal introductions, email contact, forums and chat rooms.

(2) Provision of authentic, meaningful activities and feedback through real-world assessment, keeping a journal, or posting to a blog or wiki.

(3) Critical reflective practice, as evidenced by observations of/by colleagues, and follow-up feedback conferences.

(4) Learning that is interactive, collaborative, social and learner-centred, perhaps employing electronic white board activities, various technologies, group work and projects based on student interests.

(5) Dynamic, lifelong learning opportunities involving ongoing opportunities for communication between members and for further studies, possibly through an alumni association.


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35 Ways of Using Word Clouds in Language Learning

1/5/2013

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There are many possibilities for using word clouds in language courses. I've listed around 35 of them here with a few hints on what to do.

- preview a presentation or a text

- preview the current day’s lesson plan

- predict the content of a text e.g. topics, style, purpose, intended audience

- predict the content of a novel e.g. plot lines, characters, genre or themes as group work

- complete reading comprehension questions just from a word cloud, then comparing answers after reading the actual text

- summarise a presentation

- turn a text into a picture (essay, report, paragraph, article, etc.)

- identify the key words in a text based on their size in the word cloud

- expanding vocabulary (definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or brainstorm words associated with a new one, match parts of collocations)

- student-created flashcards of essential words (review, circle unknown, learn)

- discussion starter (student chooses one word from cloud to speak about)

- add to printed or online course materials

- use as a background for slides or online materials

- compare student responses (make one cloud, or separate ones to compare)

- explore a topic (students add own ideas to a question stimulus & build a cloud)

- take a quick class poll or track a poll over time (multiple clouds side-by-side)

- introduce new course, syllabus or module (provides an overview of content)

- introduce course objectives

- student ice-breaker e.g. all input hobbies, interests, future aspirations, family, pets, favourite films or books, country of origin, etc.

- highlight the main areas to focus on from rubrics to gain the best grades

- highlight examples of misspelled or overused words in student writing by inputting their own work

- illustrate contrasting ideas (show two clouds side-by-side), such as opposing arguments in essays or articles

- research texts from multiple sources then combine them into a cloud

- ‘find the words’ game (e.g. mix academic & non-academic in a cloud & identify)

- ‘guess the topic’ game, or combine two topics in one cloud and students separate them out

- ‘grammar game’ e.g. students classify words from a cloud into different parts of speech or different tenses

- ‘sentence structure’ game e.g. input a complex sentence or short series of sentences into a word cloud, and have students reconstruct them in the correct word order

- ‘memory game’ e.g. show a word cloud, take it off the screen, students write as many words as they can recall

- identify parts of speech (students highlight or underline in different colours)

- visual analysis of qualitative data (e.g. convert a table to a picture)

- curriculum mapping across multiple subjects

- checking the balance between course content and course objectives

Here is a multiple-lesson design thanks to http://tborash.wordpress.com/2011/04/03/designing-lessons-using-wordle/:

While not a flawless design, these six steps seemed paramount in increasing students' desire to learn:

  • Students pre-assessing their own knowledge and understanding - "What does _insert topic here_ mean to me?"
  • Students using Wordle to analyze the pre-assessment responses
  • Students "doing stuff" to experience _insert topic here_ in real life - "What happens when I do this?" (this is the learning phase)
  • Students responding to what they now know and understand - "What does _insert topic here_ mean to me today?"
  • Students comparing the Wordle of their current thinking to that of their pre-assessment responses
  • Students asking the question, "Given what I first thought, and what I now think, what do I think of next?"
Without the use of Wordle, we lose out on a central piece of this lesson design puzzle.

Benefits:

- assists with motivation

- assists with thinking skills

- enlivens course content in all macro-skills

- appeals to visual learners

Places to Try:

http://abcya.com/word_clouds.htm (for young learners)

http://www.literature-map.com/ (more for readers of English lit.)

http://www.imagechef.com/ic/word_mosaic/ (has iOS & Android apps.)

http://tagcrowd.com/

http://taggalaxy.com/

http://tagul.com/ (each tag is linkable with a URL for navigation)

http://www.tagxedo.com/

http://www.visualthesaurus.com/vocabgrabber/ (also has visual thesaurus!)

http://worditout.com/

http://www.wordle.net/ (very easy to use, MOST favoured by teachers)

http://wordsift.com/ (from Stanford University ELL)


The word cloud illustrated above was prepared by myself using Wordle.

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The Best of the Web for Elementary ESL/EFL and Interactive Whiteboard Resources

26/2/2012

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Are you looking for some useful resources for teaching elementary school EFL/ESL students?
Perhaps you want to know how to use Interactive Whiteboards or just need some resources for them?

Well, I have what you need - and FREE!

On the "Teach" link go to "Teaching Help" and you will find what you need. Select a tag that sounds like what you need and you'll be taken to my Pinboard weblinks page with over 2,500 pages categorised appropriately.


 
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My Education Tweets from July to Now

10/9/2010

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For those who don't yet "follow" me on Twitter @gregqbear, here are my tweets and re-tweets related to Education between 8th July and today. There are heaps of resources and ideas among them - please check out the links!
  1. New Blog Post Reasons to Ditch the Pen - Today I sent a comment in response to an excellent article about reducing o... http://ht.ly/18RVxf 8:33 AM Sep 5th via HootSuite
  2. 12 Reasons to Ditch the Pen - My comments at http://ht.ly/2zrnu I'm challenging myself to digitise my #elt resources. CAN YOU DO IT TOO? 2:26 PM Sep 4th via HootSuite
  3. I like Dropbox. It's got moxie. http://db.tt/GmP0iJR 7:07 PM Sep 3rd via Dropbox 
  4. New Blog Post Young Learner English Resources - I posted a Tweet today to share 31 websites suitable for young learn... http://ht.ly/18ObbW 9:12 AM Sep 1st via HootSuite
  5. RT @SimpleCEO: 101 Free #edtech tools for ANY classroom, tech or not: http://ht.ly/2wLdA Registration reqd to download. 11:03 PM Aug 30th via HootSuite
  6. RT @musictechie: Edutecher website and MUST have app. One of the best edu apps around. Adam rocks! http://www.edutecher.net/index.php 11:29 PM Aug 29th via HootSuite
  7. kylepace Sweet Sites for elem, middle, and high school teachers and students...http://bit.ly/9vIRse from @findingdulcinea #edtech 6:17 AM Aug 29th via TweetDeck Retweeted by you and 5 others
  8. Check out eflclassroom.ning.com by visiting http://feedjit.com/o/39LB/ and get a link to your blog or profile. 11:18 AM Aug 28th via Feedjit
  9. The Differentiated Classroom.pdf http://ht.ly/2w2W7 An excellent e-book by Tomlinson with many pract. ideas for multi-level classes. #elt 10:57 AM Aug 28th via HootSuite
  10. Free Technology for Teachers: Read Print - 8,000+ Free Books & Essays Online http://bit.ly/bjgPw9 9:57 PM Aug 27th via The Twt Times
  11. ChrisCattaneoCheck this video out -- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle http://t.co/wLCAs2A via @youtube 7:03 PM Aug 27th via Tweet Button Retweeted by you and 1 other
  12. YouTube - simonscat's Channel http://ht.ly/2sNJs 8 Funny short videos - reminds me of some creatures I know. 9:00 PM Aug 21st via HootSuite
  13. The Twitter Greg Quinlivan Daily http://bit.ly/a3YP29 for Monday 16th August out now! Get your copy here. 9:13 PM Aug 16th via TweetMeme
  14. RT @TheConsultantsE: Gr8 list! Online Vocabulary Games http://bit.ly/brB9gS 9:47 PM Aug 14th via HootSuite
  15. RT @web20classroom: What is a PLN? Why is it important? http://bit.ly/dfIu3W Good introductory video in 10-part series about PLNs. 8:58 PM Aug 13th via HootSuite
  16. RT @tomwhitby: "Why students don't learn what we think we teach" http://is.gd/eeGzK Strongly focused on learning. Thoughts for teachers. 4:29 PM Aug 13th via HootSuite
  17. Thanks2Teachers RT @sccenglish Study from Australia, worth reading: schools and social media: http://bit.ly/a0HK8t #edchat #edtech 6:07 PM Aug 12th via web Retweeted by you
  18. 31 Ways to Help Young English Learners - GR8 Sites, many interactive activities. http://ht.ly/2nW4P #tesol #efl #esl #elt. 2:42 PM Aug 11th via HootSuite
  19. Facebook or Twitter or Both? - Teacher Greg's Education & Dhamma Home http://ht.ly/2nSIn in reply to Jason Renshaw (English Raven) #edtech 10:50 AM Aug 11th via HootSuite
  20. Some school funnies… » Alan Lawrence Sitomer http://ht.ly/2mA2q Scary, but real answers from 16yo's on exam. #edchat #tesol 9:18 PM Aug 8th via HootSuite
  21. EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago citation styles http://ht.ly/2mxNj Also, citation guide for MLA. #edtech #musictech 4:05 PM Aug 8th via HootSuite
  22. RT @TweetSmarter: Terrific Collection of FREE Twitter Tools by category: http://j.mp/9Hx040 112 tools worth looking at. #edtech #edchat 9:33 PM Aug 7th via HootSuite
  23. Links-ReformSymposium2010 - Google Docs http://ht.ly/2miuG Hundreds of links to sites, blogs, software, talks, vids - good for all teachers. 11:47 AM Aug 7th via HootSuite
  24. RT @marynabadenhors: RT @MrsAngell Fantastic ESL Language videos http://icio.us/nvcuv0 More than 1,500 of them! 9:12 PM Aug 5th via HootSuite
  25. Check out my fresh Twitter Tim.es newspaper http://twittertim.es/gregqbear 8:06 PM Aug 5th via web
  26. Free Twitter for business ebook | Smarta http://ht.ly/2lfna Also has many general tips on using Twitter worth considering. 11:13 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
  27. Can Twitter help with education? | Parentella http://ht.ly/2lem0 For the unbelievers and the unconvinced, here's what other teachers say. 10:10 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
  28. RT @web20classroom: A Twitteraholic’s Guide to tweets, hashtags, & all things Twitter http://diigo.com/0c585 Worth keeping it for ref! 9:51 AM Aug 5th via HootSuite
  29. Best Student / Teacher web 2.0 language learning / teaching sites http://ht.ly/2kOyR by David Deubelbeiss #edtech #tesol #elt #esl 8:12 PM Aug 4th via HootSuite
  30. NOOKstudy Download Free, Digital Textbooks, eTextbook Application - Barnes & Noble http://ht.ly/2kE1d Now live! #edchat #tesol #elt #musiced 9:18 AM Aug 4th via HootSuite
  31. RT @DoremiGirl: UPDATED! RT @web20classroom: A Huge, Sortable, and Updated Spreadsheet Of All TED Talks Available: http://bit.ly/cEBcjF 1:07 PM Aug 3rd via HootSuite
  32. RT @englishraven: Validation http://bit.ly/9x4GLl Now with my comments, also available at http://ht.ly/2je1Z #tesol #elt #efl 11:00 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite
  33. RT @marynabadenhors: Google in classroom resources under headings http://echucaelearning.wikispaces.com/Google+Docs Everything Googley! 10:19 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite
  34. @englishraven Have you considered following it with a PELTA course? Could be a good money earner! #elt #tesol #efl 9:35 PM Jul 31st via HootSuite in reply to englishraven
  35. RT @marynabadenhors:Strivney...Free site to learn reading with phonics http://ow.ly/2iKMh I've seen 2 recommends now for it. Check it out! 9:49 PM Jul 30th via HootSuite
  36. RT @cybraryman1: Schools should have clear policies on use of SM & tech. developed with students/parents input. Gr8 observation! Very smart! 9:42 AM Jul 29th via HootSuite
  37. RT @marynabadenhors: Looking Ahead at Social Learning: 10 Predictions http://bit.ly/cfk4NV About future of education. Where do you fit? 8:14 PM Jul 28th via HootSuite
  38. RT @marynabadenhors: Get thinking into your lessons: a ten point plan http://bit.ly/9WZhw5 Thanks, Maryna. PDF file & any ideas. 8:32 AM Jul 28th via HootSuite
  39. RT @web20classroom: Learn It in 5 - How-to Vids for Teachers http://is.gd/dK8eu Delicious, Twit,Ning, Kidblog, TeacherTube, VoiceThread, etc 9:38 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
  40. RT @kalinagoenglish: Super! More people need 2 understand Creative Commons - http://bit.ly/bXsMf4 Protect your original works by licences. 9:22 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
  41. RT @EnglishWiZiQ: RT @Twinky7109: Free Virtual Classroom for Online Teaching and Learning http://bit.ly/cQ03HL Worth checking out! 8:45 PM Jul 27th via HootSuite
  42. Just changed on http://wefollow.com twitter directory to list under: #hsinchu #buddhism #travel #tech #education #music 7:40 PM Jul 27th via WeFollow
  43. RT @ShellTerrell: 20 Websites No Teacher Should Start the Year Without http://j.mp/coiqOF #edtech #elearning via @oswego98 9:08 PM Jul 25th via HootSuite
  44. RT @marynabadenhors: RT @rkiker 99 of the best Windows freeware programs you may not know of http://bit.ly/9WnBno 9:15 PM Jul 19th via HootSuite
  45. English Raven: Easy? Says who? http://ht.ly/2a5f1 Difficulties with ELL's and reading, together with my comments. A fun read (if you can)! 6:19 PM Jul 12th via HootSuite
  46. RT @paksorn: What Is The Purpose of Your School’s Curriculum? | edte.ch http://j.mp/bm65lP Now with my additional brief thoughts. 5:56 PM Jul 12th via HootSuite
  47. RT @tomwhitby: A site for Mobile Learning Devices for Elem Level. http://bit.ly/cR4vfl Sharings and lesson ideas from many schools. 9:19 AM Jul 12th via HootSuite
  48. @ NickKristof Why change to a silly scoring system just to boost points? It doesn't change anything. If you score more goals you win anyway. 9:11 AM Jul 12th via HootSuite
  49. RT @ShellTerrell: RT @flourishingkids: My first Prezi! If You Give a Teacher Twitter http://bit.ly/c6y8nk PLEASE share re uses of Twitter. 10:13 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
  50. RT @eflclassroom: New post on EFL CLASSROOM 2.0 - using culturally appropriate music http://ning.it/b19eCi Now with my added comments! 9:53 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
  51. RT @DoremiGirl: Great post! REFORM vs. TRANSFORM by @tomwhitby http://ht.ly/29KmY #edchat Making tech. ubiquitous in teaching & learning. 8:44 PM Jul 11th via HootSuite
  52. RT @web20classroom: Igniting Innovation in Education through Collaboration | Edutopia http://bit.ly/9241oz Helps appreciate value of twitter 8:36 PM Jul 9th via HootSuite
  53. RT @DoremiGirl: Periodic Text Message (SMS) Table: A handy quick guide for those with DSL accents. http://ht.ly/2903w via @nero1279 7:59 PM Jul 9th via HootSuite


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Reasons to Ditch the Pen

4/9/2010

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Today I sent a comment in response to an excellent article about reducing our use of pen and paper and making greater use of digital technologies.
Though there is clearly still a place in some forms of personal communication for the pen, this is increasingly less so in the work situation. So, I'm resolving to digitise (scan or type in) as much of my paper-based resources as possible over the next 12 months. This will not only reduce the clutter in my apartment, cut back on my excess baggage costs, but also make the materials more accessible to me and, in time, to you.
Here is my post today:
Greg said... Hi Lisa, following your article I've decided to digitise my current paper-based materials to reduce my home clutter.
I was wondering, for those of us who don't own a smartphone or have a laptop permanently stitched to our hips, what other tech. options would you recommend? If I could know of the available options I could go ahead and reduce my written notebooks.
Once again, thanks for this thoughtful post, which I've shared with my Twitter friends.
Greg.

September 4, 2010 12:11 AM It was posted at http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/09/pen-is-no-longer-weapon-of-choice.html.
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I Want to Use Technology, But ...

4/7/2010

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OK, so I've been reading about the benefits of using interactive technologies in learning and, as a teacher I get it. Like many others I have also been building my PLN so that I am locating the best sources of information, sharing ideas, asking questions and offering opinions. So what is the problem?

The problem is that my school environment does not support me. Although IWB's/SmartBoards are cropping up all over the place, and I have started to learn and be trained in their features, my circumstances conspire against their effective use.

This is where I'm hoping you can offer me some advice.
How can I use SmartBoards in my teaching?

Here is my current situation: I work as an EFL teacher in elementary education in Taiwan. I don't have a computer for my own use loaded with SmartBoard software. I can share one of the school computers which do with a few other teachers, but obviously this has time limitations. Also, when I use a school computer, both the operating system (either Windows 7 or XP) and the SmartBoard software are usually set to Chinese (which I can't read). Since I don't have my own classroom I have to travel to 22 different ones each week. These classrooms may or may not:
(a) have a computer available (the classroom teacher might want to use it),
(b) have an overhead projector,
(c) have a SmartBoard,
(d) have batteries in the remote control for the overhead projector,
(e) have external speakers loud enough for students to hear the sound, or
(f) various combinations of some or all of the above

I could anticipate some of these issues by bringing spare batteries, speakers and a portable projector with me, but I'd have to carry these in addition to my teaching materials, stationery, etc. and lose precious lesson time setting them up.

My solution
would be to be given a dedicated English classroom with an English-based computer and speakers, and set up with an IWB. Am I being unreasonable? Is this asking too much? Should I just be happy with a low-tech. solution? Should I develop two or more sets of lesson plans based on the available technology in particular rooms?

I'm finding the challenge of learning new Web-based tools enough in English, let alone having to learn them in Chinese as well. So, I would greatly appreciate any comments or ideas which might help not only myself but others in similar circumstances.

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