Class links (21st October)

Today we will do some practice on video subtitling and editing. For that, you will need to download the following software, for which download links are provided below:

- Video DownloadHelper: Mozilla Firefox add-on to download online videos.
- Avidemux: free video editing software.
- Google2srt: you will need this Java application to convert YouTube closed captions into SubRip text subtitle files.
- Aegisub: subtitling software. We will use it to convert .srt subtitles into .ssa (SubStation Alpha) subtitles that can be used by Avidemux.

We will be using the following YouTube videos:

A Life in Japan (clips from 2:50-3:23 and 10:40-11:15)
David Attenborough's Africa (Introduction)
The Truth about Climate Change (clip from 37:10-38:16)

You can find a transcript of the last clip here.

Assignment #3 Podcast recording

Yesterday in class we had a look at how to make our own podcasts for class use. As part of this assignment, you will have to create your own podcast. The podcast may be quite short (about 30 seconds), and it should include the following information:

• Your name.
• Your job or school year.  
• Hobbies.  
• One unusual thing about you.

To record the podcast, you may first download and install Audacity, a free audio editing program. Then, install the LAME mp3 encoder library for Audacity you can find here (click on 'Lame_v3.99.3_for_Windows.exe' under the 'For FFmpeg/LAME on Windows click below:' section). Click on the round red button on the top left to start the recording and then the beige square when you finish.

Some interesting functions in Audacity are:

• You can select any part of your recording and delete, copy, cut and paste it.
• You can insert silences using the option in 'Generate'>'Silence' and setting the length of the desired silence.
• You can increase the volume of your recording using the 'Effect'>'Normalize' option and then clicking on 'OK'.

After you finish recording, click on 'File'>Export Audio and save it on mp3 format.

Then, you should sign up for an account on PodOmatic. Click on 'Sign Up' and then on 'Sign Up with Email'. After you fill in your details, click on the green 'Sign Up' button. Then click on the 'Create and Share' button and then on 'Create a Podcast'. You can now add your mp3 file. Click on 'Add Files' and then on 'Start Upload'. After you do that, You may add a Title ("Student Presentation") and a Description. You can also upload a cover picture and change the audio quality. Usually 'talk' is good enough.

Once you've created your podcast, post a link to it on your personal blog. If you have any questions, please, let me know. Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,

Sergio

Assignment #2 - Wiki page

We've sure had an eventful class today. Tons of computer problems, but, at least, we've been able to have a look at how to set up our own wiki pages. For those of you who haven't been to class today, you will have to follow the steps below to complete the assignment. If you've been to class and worked on your wiki page, skip the first few steps and go directly to number 5. On Friday, if our trusty old computers allow us to do so, we will try to finish setting up our student blogs and we'll do some work on webquests.

1. Open your email and accept my request to edit the wiki.
2. Go to http://ictesl.pbworks.com/ and click on the 'log in' button.
3. Follow the instructions on the Frontpage to create your own wiki page.
4. Tell a classmate of yours to edit your page.
5. Post a link to your wiki page on your blog.

As usual, email me if you have any questions. See you on Friday!

Class presentation topics

Dear students,

Here are some suggested class presentation topics. Remember that you will have to do the presentations on November 7. You may do them individually or in groups of 2-3. A four-minute slot will be allocated to each speaker, so a two-people group should present for about 8 minutes and three-peple one for 12. Please, contact me after you've chosen a topic stating both the topic and, if applicable, the people in your group. Topics will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Teaching a lesson with an interactive whiteboard. 
• Designing language exercises with Hot Potatoes.

• How to create language teaching materials with: 
• Word processors / PDF editors. 
• Presentation software. 

• How to use Excel in student assessment. 
• Webquest design.

• Wiki project for language teaching.

• Blog project for language teaching. 
• Audio editing/podcast project for language teaching.
• Video editing project for language teaching.
• Video subtitling project.

For the presentation, you can show materials that you've created, explain to the class how you've created them and/or talk about an activity or you've designed to be implemented in a language classroom.

You will be assessed using the following criteria: clarity of exposition (presentation structure), content (quality of the information presented), linguistic accuracy, delivery (eye contact, body language and overall confidence) and use of ICT (presentation tools, interactive whiteboard, online and offline tools, multimedia content, etc.). Bonus marks will be awarded for creativity, so try to think outside the box!

If you have any questions or any topics suggestions, feel free to email me. I'll see you in class in a bit!

Assignment #1 - Student blog

Today in class, we've been having a look at how we can set up a blog. Your first class assignment, on which we will work tomorrow, is to create a student blog with the following features:

1. Two entries: a personal presentation and a short movie review. Both entries should have pictures and movie clips.
2. Customized layout and design. Instead of using a template, you will have to personalize your blog.
3. A blog description under the blog title. 
4. A search bar and a links section. 
5. The blog should be private instead of public. 
6. After you finish setting up your blog and posting the first two entries, send me your blog address to sergio.lobejon@outlook.com.

You can find some ideas by having a look at Periquin's blog.

I will give you further instructions about future assignments in the next few classes. I'll see all of you tomorrow!

Inspiring video on ICT and teaching

ICT use is something we as educators need to take responsibility for. It is vital to be aware of the benefits of implementing the use of new technologies in the classroom. Here is a fantastic video from The Norwegian Centre for ICT in Education that reminds us how very important our role is.

Welcome, everyone!

Dear students,

I give you a warm welcome to this class blog. Here I will post news, class summaries and announcements and interesting bits about CALL and ICT teaching in general. I hope you find it useful. Feel free to post any entries or comments!