Web 2.0 tools to Web 2.0 tools to promote oral promote oral

communication in communication in distance and distance and

blended learning blended learning contextscontexts

Why to use web tools to promote oral

communication? Provide opportunity to experience different kinds of

communication – synchronous – asynchronous.

Increase interaction inside and outside the classroom.

Foster global learning (collaboration with other teachers and students locally, nationally and internationally.)

Allow discussion to be attached to the lecture itself (e.g., voicethread).

Improve the social presence of instructors and students.

Why to use web tools to promote oral

communication? Promote students’ motivation making learning more engaging.

Can be used with different learners (teenagers, adults).

Give a voice to shy students.

Web tools Voki:

Voicethread

Voxopop

Tolkbox

Voki What is it?

Free web tool to create speaking avatars/characters.

Features: Personalized avatars (animal, cartoon, human)

Personalized voice and accent (via phone, microphone, text to speech or upload file) – No more than a minute.

Personalized background

They can be shared through email or posted on wikis, blogs or websites.

Voki use in education Developing characters for digital storytelling

projects

Reading comprehension / literature

Listening comprehension

Introducing group discussion by asking questions.

Expressing opinions or presenting content about a topic

Assessment of oral skills (e.g., pronunciation)

Voki examples Spanish learners talking about a native

speaker:

http://tecnologiaenl2.blogspot.com/2009/11/practica-oral.html

Food groups:

http://nataliearthurgdlt.blogspot.com/2010/04/vokis-are-fun-even-for-big-kids-like-me.html

Voices of the world project:

http://votw.wikispaces.com/September's+Task

Voicethread What is it?

Digital tool for having conversations around media

Features: Upload pictures, powerpoints, videos

Add voice, text or video comments

Comment moderation

Privacy controls

It can be embedded in your blog, wiki, website.

Voicethread in Education

Make presentations

Describe, compare and contrast pictures/pieces of art

Narrate a story / Adding voices to the characters in a story

Reading groups

Peer review artwork / writing samples

Comment, review or discuss a videoclip

Digital portfolios

Problem solving / Debate on an issue

Voicethread examples

Art class example: http://VoiceThread.com/#q+college.b8863.i62483

Spanish student presentation on cultural topics: http://spa101hfall09.wetpaint.com/page/Webquests

The great depression: Poetry project: http://VoiceThread.com/#q+poetry.b425796.i2253592

Voxopop What is it?

A webspace for talkgroups. A message board/forum that uses voice instead of text.

Features You can create a public or a private talkgroup.

You can be notified by when others contribute to your talkgroup (keep a watchlist).

You can have messages automatically transferred to an mp3 player (Add to iTunes).

Voxopop in education Discussion about topics covered in class.

Activate background knowledge about a topic you are going to present in class.

Collaborative narratives

Pronunciation practice

Practice your listening skills in L2

Assessment of oral skills

Voxopop examples Gina Santi Fotografías – Questions to a

Spanish-speaking photographer: http://www.voxopop.com/topic/56244dbc-95b2-400d-a18f-6cce47cc96ba

Language exchange – Stereotypes:

http://www.voxopop.com/topic/e7b27288-2152-4bb4-959b-8c793a1e3948

Tokbox What is it?

Webtool that allows you to connect face-to-face using video.

Features: No downloads involved

Video conference (up to 20 people for free)

Video messages

Video messages can be embedded in a blog or website.

You can upload presentations, videos and documents to enrich your online discussion.

Tokbox in education Video response/feedback to students’ work

Virtual pen pen pals for language students

Review material with students

Local, national and international collaboration in projects

Group discussion in online classes

Interviews / Oral assessment / Video learning diary

News reports

TASKS Four tasks have been created to explore

these tools (Voki, Voicethread, Voxopop, Tokbox).

Choose one of the tasks to try in this session.

Go to the following webpage for task instructions and video tutorials for each tool: http://tecnologiaenl2.blogspot.com/2010/05/web-20-tools-to-promote-oral.html

Record your voice to comment on the task.

Resources Voki: Voki – Avatars in Education

Voicethread: Voicethread 4 Education wiki

Voxopop: IELTS speaking practice with Voxopop

Tokbox: Teach outside the classroom