Pre-Conference Workshops Two workshop sessions will run concurrently for each time slot. They will be held in Building 8. Please come to the front of Room 408 on the 4th floor of Building 8 (see the map) at 16:15 to join in the sessions. Note that the pre-conference workshops are only for those who have pre-registered. Friday, June 1, 16:20-17:50 Session A: Web-Based Speaking Tests (Room 8-409)
Brian Teaman
Tools for Web-Based Speaking Tests and Practice Brian Teaman This workshop will guide participants in using the Machine-Aided Spoken Language Evaluation (MASLE) system. The MASLE system is a web- based tool for creating speaking tests and exercises that allow teachers to evaluate students' spoken language. Participants will be introduced to different types of exercises that can be created on the MASLE system such as those for pronunciation practice or answering open-ended questions. During the session they will take various tests and learn to write and evaluate their own tests or practices. Finally, participants will be taught how to write pronunciation grammars so that their tests can be graded automatically by the computer using automatic speech recognition software. Participants will be given accounts so that they can use the system with their own classes for six months after the workshop. See http://popear.org for more information on MASLE. (Note: visitors from this site can use the classkey: "CALL2007" to take a test or two using MASLE).
About the speaker:
Brian Teaman has taught English, Spanish, computer uses in education and phonetics at different times and different places including Barcelona, Philadelphia, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Osaka. His first educational computer project was a program for learning Spanish verbs that he wrote in 1982. His highly-regarded website for English listening can be found at http://loondon.com. In addition to working on the MASLE project he is currently teaching English and Phonetics at Osaka Women's College. Session B: Using Grades to Learn Excel Spreadsheets (Room 8-408)
Kevin Ryan
We use a sample class with grades from assignments and quizzes as an example of how to use Excel. We start with data entry, then move grades around the spreadsheet. We hide some columns and change the format on others to make it look pretty. We then use 3 formulas, SUM, AVERAGE and STDEV (Standard Deviation) to show how to use Excel to grade on the curve. Then we take a look at a free alternative that is easier to use: Google Spreadsheets.
About the speaker:
Kevin Ryan has been teaching English for more than 30 years, starting in Barcelona, then Chicago, then Nanjing, and finally in Tokyo. He teaches mostly in computer labs these days (at Showa Women's University, and U of Tokyo on Tuesdays), and has pretty much forgotten how to use a blackboard. Must be getting old. Friday, June 1, 18:00-19:30 Session A: Using Second Life for Content-Based Simulation Activities in the Language Classroom (Room 8-409)
Forrest Nelson
This workshop will allow participants to enter a virtual world called Second Life to see how this recent technology can be used in the language classroom. During the session, participants will learn to create their own accounts and operate the client application, and will experience an in-world group activity that has been used in the ESL classroom. Following this, participants will return to the real world to discuss their Second Life experiences.
About the speaker:
Forrest Mitchell Nelson was born and raised in rural Mississippi and earned his MATESOL from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1995. He has been teaching at universities in Japan since 1996, and is presently an instructor at Tokai University in Kanagawa. He has been using computers in ESL classrooms since 1996, and most recently, he is developing simulations and game playing in Second Life for his students. In his free time, he enjoys playing music in his band, and writing and recording music. Session B: Video Podcasting (Room 8-408)
Nicolas Gromik
While video blogging is gaining popularity, educators might want to consider video podcasting. Podcasting is defined as delivering a video via iTunes or Democracy player for viewing on iPods. This workshop demonstrates the process of video blogging and video podcasting. The first part of the presentation describes the equipment and software required for filming, editing and podcasting videos. During the second part of the presentation, participants will be able to experiment with some of the freeware available for converting videos into iPod formats, inserting a video in a blog and downloading the video on an iPod. The last part of the presentation will be an open discussion for participants to express their views and opinions about the educational benefits of podcasting.
About the speaker:
Nicolas Gromik has a Masters in Applied Linguistics and currently works in the CALL department at Tohoku University. His research field of interest is the educational benefit of student-centered video productions. Friday, June 1, 19:40-21:10 Session A: Extracting and Using DVD Subtitles in Class (Room 8-409)
Jean Ware
The presenter will discuss online sources for DVD subtitles and methods for extracting subtitles from DVD movies when they are not already available. She will then demonstrate some techniques that can be used to transform subtitles into a script. The presenter will then describe some ways these movie scripts can be used in class. As examples, teachers can use the script for dramatic readings in a readers' theater style, they can have students present one or two scenes from the movie, or they can have students provide the voices for scenes from the movie.
About the speaker:
Jean Ware teaches English and computer classes at Tokai University in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa. She has been teaching university English classes in Japan since 1999. A former computer programmer, she is especially interested in how technology and multimedia can facilitate language learning. Session B: Using Web 2.0 Tools With Adult EFL Learners (Room 8-408)
Marc Sheffner
Level: beginner. (If you are already familiar with the following, take a different session: del.icio.us, Flickr, Blogger, Google Reader/ Bloglines).
Requirements: have an email account and know how to visit a web-site.
You will learn about various free Internet tools that can be very useful for learners and teachers in today's digital and increasingly networked world: blogs, social bookmarking, RSS feeds and readers, wikis, photo-sharing. These tools are free, web-based (nothing to install) and very easy to use. After trying them out, you will discuss how to use them with students, including precautions and possible pitfalls. You will be encouraged to share your experience and suggestions, both "live" and online.
About the speaker:
Marc Sheffner teaches at Tezukayama University in Nara. He has taught EFL at university level in Japan for over 20 years. See his blog at http://sheffnersweb.net/ and his website at http://st.tezukayama-u.ac.jp/~sheffner/ |