Postgraduate students' attitude toward Mobile-Assisted-Language-Learning for learning English pronunciation
2019 Continuing Professional Development Symposium for Hong Kong University Language Centers
Link:Â shorturl.at/gqDJS
Abstract: One determining factor for strong English pronunciation ability among ESL adult learners is their learning techniques. Despite the availability of modern techniques which emphasizes technology-assisted selflearning (Hismanoglu, M., & Hismanoglu, S., 2010), students still depend heavily on traditional pronunciation learning tactics where teacher's involvement is essential (Pawlak, Miroslaw et al., 2011). Moreover, few studies have reported on the reasons for students’ lack of interest in using the latest technology for self-learning. This research aims at investigating the attitude of postgraduate students from Mainland China about Mobile-Assisted Language Learning in a university’s pronunciation consultation program in Hong Kong. Two interviews were carried out to understand students’ pronunciation learning experience before and after four weeks using a pronunciation app (ELSA Speak) in learning pronunciation independently. With artificial intelligence, ELSA Speak has been proven to outweigh other pronunciation apps by providing instant personalized feedback at both segmental and suprasegmental levels. From the perception of users after experimenting with ELSA in the study, ways of incorporating mobile phone apps in teaching and learning pronunciation will be suggested to maximize the merits of ubiquitous learning.
Professional Development Leadership Groups
Professional Development Leadership Groups is an initiative by a Humphrey Fellow (a former principal) in the Maldives with the aim of:
Improving teaching process
Providing effective professional development experience for the teachers through PDLG
Increasing teachers’ knowledge and skills or changing their attitudes and beliefs toward professional development
Improving teachers’ instruction or classroom practices with the new knowledge and skills they gain through PDLG
Improving student learning outcomes
​
How to Apply Educational Technology to Foster the Engagement and Interaction among English Learners
4th VIETESOL Conference in Vietnam
The purpose of this presentation is to analyze the role of educational technology on students' motivation and collaboration and introduce some useful yet straightforward web tools for teachers. There are three main foci in the paper: the drawbacks of the traditional classroom; the definition of interaction and engagement in the classroom context; and the application of educational technology in the classroom. Four online learning platforms on different ESL language skills will be introduced and their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed.