ESL Music Video Hits Website Reflection
The ESL Music Video Hits was an attempt at starting up something I can add to in the future. I have many other songs to put up that have videos to go along. About 20 more but innitially I became overwhelmed by the slow process of how to actually get the website happening. There seemed to be a lot of little fiddly things within geocities, some became obvious and straightforward but even at the end I didn't really understand how to get a photo exactly where I wanted it. I even sent a letter off the Geocities but they had no idea either. Somehow it did fall into place in the end. Overall I feel the website is just a beginning of what is possible. The lesson plans are the second most time consuming thing here besides the actual making of the website and I managed to get two up but would have liked to have one for each song. I think as I begin teaching this will develop.
Thanks to suggestions from Jo and Helen who were very helpful in giving me tips for a better website.
Overall the graphics worked well in the end and visually it looked good. Using video although not a problem for the three of us assessing the site could possibly be a barrier for some learners who may have a slower computer.
Use of authentic material was a good motivational approach but if I had had more time I would have integrated vocabulary and cultural exercises to increase the depth of learning within each song. I like the idea that more opportunities for learning could be added such as crosswords etc. I wouldn't have chose to do all the same type of exercises as the others,although this was interesting, I think it can get a bit repetative so perhaps a variety of exercises within different songs.
Having to print up material could be seen as a fault as it was not all inclusive but I think using songs one would be more likely to want to take the words away with them to practice. I also intentionally increased the amount of "real communication" for students by suggesting they get in groups or discuss with others the song. I don't think interacting with a computer to comment on feelings about a song would give learning experience as as rich as a more interactive approach would.
I should have left the "lesson plan" link off of the songs I had not yet added lesson plans to as this could be a bit confusing for people accessing site.
Teaching my first Enlish class at TAFE on Monday and you'll never guess what I'll be teaching? Yes Music!
Thanks to suggestions from Jo and Helen who were very helpful in giving me tips for a better website.
Overall the graphics worked well in the end and visually it looked good. Using video although not a problem for the three of us assessing the site could possibly be a barrier for some learners who may have a slower computer.
Use of authentic material was a good motivational approach but if I had had more time I would have integrated vocabulary and cultural exercises to increase the depth of learning within each song. I like the idea that more opportunities for learning could be added such as crosswords etc. I wouldn't have chose to do all the same type of exercises as the others,although this was interesting, I think it can get a bit repetative so perhaps a variety of exercises within different songs.
Having to print up material could be seen as a fault as it was not all inclusive but I think using songs one would be more likely to want to take the words away with them to practice. I also intentionally increased the amount of "real communication" for students by suggesting they get in groups or discuss with others the song. I don't think interacting with a computer to comment on feelings about a song would give learning experience as as rich as a more interactive approach would.
I should have left the "lesson plan" link off of the songs I had not yet added lesson plans to as this could be a bit confusing for people accessing site.
Teaching my first Enlish class at TAFE on Monday and you'll never guess what I'll be teaching? Yes Music!
posted by pammy jay at 9:58 AM
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