Teaching materials webshops

Interesting development: language teachers who offer their teaching materials for a small price in their own webshop. Two examples: https://kidsclubenglish.com/ This site has some free resources, such as Teaching tips and Songs, and lots of materials you can buy for a small price, or through purchasing a member pass.

Another example: https://theenglishflows.com/ For teachers of adult and business ESL students. Stella, the founder, states: ‘I firmly believe students learn best through topics that align with their own interests and this is what The English Flows strives to achieve: provide teachers with lesson plans on topics that are current, engaging and relatable, with  clear focus on activities that will encourage conversation and free expression.’ The site offers three subscription plans, one of which is free of charge if you register.

Are there more sites like this? Please let us know in a comment below. And do you think this is a good development? Would it be a good idea if LinguaCoP would bring together all these (semi)commercial initiatives?

Image: Kids Club English

New Journal about Computer-Assisted Language Learning

The New (Open Access) Journal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning published its first issue.
The Journal, an initiative of Beijing Foreign Studies University, is the official journal of ChinaCALL, an affiliate of China Association for Comparative Studies of English and Chinese. The journal seeks to provide an international platform for exchanging ideas, innovations and fi ndings regarding computer-assisted language learning. Research articles and critical reviews are especially welcome in related promising fi elds. The journal is peer-reviewed, published in English, open-access and issued twice a year.

My recommended articles for LinguaCop members include:
Ma, Qing and Mei, Fang. “Review of corpus tools for vocabulary teaching and learning” Journal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning, vol. 1, no. 1, 2021, pp. 177-190. https://doi.org/10.1515/jccall-2021-2008
and
Shrestha, Prithvi N.. “Designing an online business communication course in English by responding to student needs through an evidence-based approachJournal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning, vol. 1, no. 1, 2021, pp. 47-79. https://doi.org/10.1515/jccall-2021-2003

 

Selection of recent Apps to support practising speaking , vocab development and more…

Passing on a selection of (free) app suggestions by Nick Peachey (May, 2021)  as they are most useful for LSP teachers to create customised materials and promote learner autonomy.
Cappuccino fm
This is a simple free app for creating 6-minute podcasts (beans) to share with friends or through social media. This is a great tool for creating a simple learning chunks for your students or to get them doing spoken homework assignments. There is an app for both iOS and Android.
Ulangi
Ulangi is a mobile app for learning and managing vocabulary. It comes with many useful features for memorizing vocabulary easier, such as Spaced Repetition, Quiz mode and mini games. All features are free for learners. This is a great tool to get students creating their own dictionary. There is an app for both iOS and Android.
Snapstudy
This is a great app to help students develop reading skills comprehension tasks or to revise notes. They simply use the app to take a picture of their text and the app will create questions based on the content of the text. It then creates flashcards so that students can test themselves. Great for developing learner autonomy.
English Tools
This is a collection of tools that you can use to create various kinds of language based worksheets for your students. There are around 25 tools and they include tools to generate word searches, a tool for creating capful close activities, tools for jumbling letter and sentences. Lots of useful and easy to use tools that will save teachers time.
Quizlet Learn
This is a great app for test revision. You add the content you need to pass the exam then you add the date of the exam. The app will then schedule the content review sessions for you to ensure that you pass the exam (if you follow the schedule). A great free app from the people at Quizlet.