Digital Storytelling: ''I want to grow up''

     Hi everyone, i have a new creative project to share with you: digital storytelling. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do. 

   Firstly, me and my friend Mehmet Ali, wrote a short story containing good advices. Then, we drawed/printed the images. Drawing and colouring part took us back to our kindergarden days – loved it! :) When the scenes were ready, we recorded the video with my friend's phone. We created the story on Movavi and uploaded it on Vimeo.

   As we are so picky we had to record some scenes over and over. Also, vocalizing the characters was tricky for me since I had two characters. I'm afraid my voice sounds a bit squeaky when i vocalized ''the sister''.

   We had great collaboration because we brainstormed about it together. I strongly recommend it for students because it's so much fun and they'll love to see their unique outcome which will make them feel much more confident with English.

Here is the link to my friend's blog: http://blogonlanguage.blogspot.com.tr/

Here is our digital story: 

I want to grow up from Mehmet Ali Tarakcıoğlu on Vimeo.

Mobile Learning: A fascinating English learning app for kids - Lingokids

   In this post, I'll introduce you a mobile app called Lingokids for young learners of English.

   First of all, when you download it on your mobile device, it requires you to select your child's English level. Low level is for kids who can only use individual words, medium is for those who can use simple phrases and high is for the ones who are able to communicate their needs. I checked out the medium level. Then it asks the age of your child, you can choose between 2-7+. I chose 6 just to start. Lastly it asks for gender. I chose the girl and wrote a random name. It was all ready.

   The app is free for a month and one of the best qualities is that it has content from Oxford University Press. (e.g. The second activity in the picture below)

                         

   Kids can even join online live English classes with teachers who are native speakers of English and connect other kids from across the globe! I suggest this because it will be a great opportunity for them.

   Parents receive weekly reports. The app also includes printable materials.

  The app is 100% Kid's Safe as it follows COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection) regulations.

   I tried cursive writing exercise. The kid follows the sign with finger and when the letter is completed, a figure appears which starts with that letter. I tried ''r'', a rabbit appeared. It started to jump and the app repeated rabbit & jump a few times. It is a good vocabulary practise for children. The app promises to teach over 3000 words and all learning process takes place naturally.
You can explore the app if you like. Here is the website: https://www.monkimun.com/

Website Evaluation: A gate to a new world- EnglishClub

     In this post, I'll share my evaluation about an ELT website. I hope you find it beneficial.

     www.englishclub.com has 8 moderators and was founded in 1997 by Josef Essberger, a British who has taught English in Europe and Asia since 1990. The following year he founded TEFL.net, a site dedicated to English teachers. He also sells books, games, videos, and other resources for English learners and teachers on EnglishClub. With a background in publishing and photography, Josef is the author of several articles, short stories and books, including a travel guide named Monopoly London.
   
     On EnglishClub learners can;

• create their own English page with blogs, photos, videos, music, groups and friends
• test their English level and get help
• study English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation
• play English games, quizzes or find jokes, idioms, slang
• chat in English with other students and teachers from around the world
• find schools where they can learn English at home or abroad
• meet penpals for English practice.

     EnglishClub is for anyone learning or teaching English. Students use it to improve their English whereas teachers use it as a resource for lesson plans and jobs.

     

     EnglishClub is like a Self Access Centre so it allows anyone to work in their own way and at their preferred time. The purpose is for users to choose their favored method. The site has last been updated on 12th of April, 2017. It is an up-to-date website.

     I haven't encountered any errors or broken links on the website but my only criticism is about the images. As the site is filled with advertisements, some of which are the founder's other websites, the place left for images is limited. Moreover, the remaining images are not high quality. I think this makes the website less appealing to the target audience.

     Thanks to blogs and news on EnglishClub, i think teachers can keep up with the field. They can find lots of materials and discuss some issues with other teachers from forums. Students should try it since they not only practice school-related stuff but also they are introduced to everyday communicative situations such as; connecting with penpals, making online chats and even learning  new slangs, phrases and idioms!