Nowadays, only around 10% of my students regularly carry computers with them to every class. Yet, using our class course-page is mandatory now. I find that all students answer message board questions and keep up with assignments from their home computers. All my daily handouts are available in PDF format on the BCIT site. I could easily switch over to all electronic assignments. Perhaps in the fall, for hereon-out, I should move more completely to online class work.
Teaching ESL has never been easier. More specifically, I should say providing a wide-range of examples of speech and accents has never been easier. Thank you, Internet. Podcasts have proven to be a wonderful tool both in and out of the classroom. Nearly any topic imaginable, suitable for my classes, can be found. Sharing is as easy as posting its URL. Students with questions can note the exact minute and second while listening. I have my netbook in every class now and, of course, wifi is available everywhere on campus.
Here are some of the podcasts which have been assigned so far to my 0005 group this summer:
| • | 60-Second Earth - Biodegradable Plastics (Posted on June 12, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Write a ONE-SENENCE SUMMARY of this and the other assigned podcast. |
| • | 60-Second Earth - Honey Bees (Posted on June 12, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Make a ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY of this and the other listening for your group. |
| • | 60-Second Health - Future Cars (Posted on June 16, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Similar to the last assignment, please make one-sentence summaries for both of today's podcasts. |
| • | 60-Second Health - Infant Exposure to Pets (Posted on June 16, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Please come to the next class with one-sentence summaries for both of these 60-Second Health podcasts. |
| • | 60-Second Mind - Hot Baths (Posted on July 10, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Please write out your one-sentence summary. The instructor may collect it from you! |
| • | 60-Second Mind - The Blind (Posted on July 10, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Write a one-sentence summary for each of these podcasts and have them handy to pass in if your instructor asks for them. |
| • | BBC Global News - eWaste and Illegal Dumping (Posted on May 17, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
You may fast forward to the following part: 17:15 to 22:10 minutes.
Listen to the section twice. Each time take notes on specific information. For example write down exact nouns, places, and numbers. We will share these in group, so please be prepared!
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| • | Business Week: Innovation and R & D. (Posted on July 19, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
This is a 16 minute podcast. Listen to it all. Write down concepts or words that you weren't able to understand by writing the information in a minute: second format. In that way we can review in class. |
| • | CBC Spark 152: Music Created from the Electricity Data (Posted on June 23, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Please listen to this podcast from 0:00 to 9:48. Write FOUR SENTENCES explaining what they man created. |
| • | Car Talk #1122 (Posted on June 02, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
From the beginning to 10:30 seconds. Try to collect vocabulary words. Try your best at spelling them without a dictionary. We will review these in class. |
| • | Don't Fear Graduation Handshakes (Posted on May 24, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Sixty Second Science |
| • | Infant Sleep Corresponds to Growth (Posted on May 06, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Sixty Second Science podcast. |
| • | Malaria Mosquitoes Follow Foot Smells (Posted on May 24, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Sixty Second Science |
| • | NPR Business Story of Day (Posted on July 14, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
This podcast is just about 4 minutes long. For this one don't write a summary sentence. Rather, please make an outline of the interview. Try to gather the quesions used and the answers in point form.
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| • | Planet Money: All Things Considered - Why We Tip? (Posted on June 28, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
For this link, you will see a page with information. Please read it first. After listening to the 5 minute podcast, write a 25 word statement on your personal tipping habits. |
| • | Quirks and Quarks 2011_04_23 (Posted on May 12, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Listen to just the first topic: The World's Oldest Toothache. From 1:50 to 9:50 minutes. There will be lots of new and unfamiliar vocabulary. Yet, listen for what was found, how it relates to people today, and the finding that might be important for today's medical doctors.
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| • | Spark in the Summer: Twitter Strangers (Posted on May 29, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
This is a 21 minute podcast. Please give yourself quiet time to listen to the whole episode about Twitter. If you find you mind wandering, stop. Note the time and go back and listen to the remainder after a break. |
| • | The Know It Alls - Dog's Mouths (Posted on July 05, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Listen to this podcast. Get the general idea of both assigned episodes and have notes to discuss in class. |
| • | The Know It Alls - To Tell the Truth? (Posted on July 05, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Listen to both assigned podcasts and take notes. Be ready to discuss in groups. |
| • | Urban Birds Boast Big Brains (Posted on May 06, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Sixty-Second Science podcast. |
| • | VOA - Science World 0305A (Posted on June 07, 2011 by Dennis Hurd.)
Please listen to the first 5:26 minutes of this podcast. It discusses the fight against AIDS for 30 years now. As you listen make a comparision chart. Include some of the differences in treatment nowadays and in the past. You may need to listen several times. Bring in your chart to class. |
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