Being Paid to Spy

During the evening classes, my students are often involved in group study. As we meet in a very up-to-date computer lab, they also have many projects where they have to work with CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) software. Pronunciation Power is a useful program that really can provide results. Another program, Focus on Grammar is a great deal more interesting than it sounds because it has all the skill areas included in a simple interface. I like to use commercial programs for teaching but they often are not necessary in order to make use of the equipment.

I frequently use the Internet to have my students do more normal things but add an educational goal. For example right now, they have scoured the Internet for a picture they'd like to describe. Next, they are going to open Creative's WaveStudio and describe the photo for ninety seconds. Lastly, they'll save the photo and the audio file in a special class folder so others can listen and view the results.

All the while, I can comfortably sit at the instructor's computer in front of the room. This is rare as I'm usually all over a classroom when teaching. Presently, from the front desk, I can call up what is happening on every screen in the room. The program is called NetSupport School and I've found that spying is rather fun!