Kevin Collins: Computer Tips and Techniques for Language Teachers

The objectives of this presentation are fairly modest.  They aim simply at introducing a handful of helpful computer tips that can simplify or enhance some common teaching tasks. 

The presentation introduces tasks performed using three popular applications:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Power Point or Mac Keynote Presentation Software
• HotPotatoes

The section dealing with Word provides a demonstration of the ways that “tables” can be used to tidy up the layout of text such as dialogs and multiple-choice questions.

The section on presentations is intended to suggest some ways that these programs can be used in the language classroom.  Examples include the use of presentations for reading comprehension exercises, games, and information-exchange type activities.

Finally, the discussion of HotPotatoes adds to a pervious presentation by describing my own personal experiences creating on-line activities with this handy and easy-to-use program.

Using Tables in Word

This portion of the presentation can be viewed as a QuickTime movie below. Use mouse clicks or your up and down arrows to move through the contents. (Sorry about the poor quality of some of the images. This is just to give you an idea....)

Using a Presentation Program (PowerPoint / Keynote)

This portion of the presentation explored various ways that presentation programs like Power Point and Keynote can be used in the language classroom.  Three different presentations were offered as examples.

The first illustrated a way that a presentation might be used in place of a traditional blackboard for the explanation of a particular language structure.  While it is true that many teachers may not want to dwell on finer grammatical points, there are times when it is unavoidable.  A clearly developed presentation may actually reduce the time that a teacher needs to explain things and thereby increase the time students have for practice.  Another advantage is provided by the fact that translations of technical terms, etc., can be given in the learners’ own language; this may appeal to teachers who try to maintain a target-language only environment.

You can watch a QuickTime version of the example presentation (dealing with the Passive Voice) below.

The second example showed how a presentation might be used for a reading comprehension activity.  By taking advantage of the scrolling text and timing features in a presentation, teachers can control the rate at which students must read and respond.  This can help develop greater comprehension skills.

Here's the presentation in QuickTime:

The third presentation offered one of many ways that presentation software can be incorporated into an information-exchange activity.  In the example, a slide appears showing a famous painting.  Ideally, the teacher would ask the members of the class about the painting and encourage them to ask questions of their own.  After a brief discussion, the teacher would point out the fact that the picture being shown on screen has actually been altered.  At this point, half of the class would be asked to turn their backs to the screen, and the actual painting would be shown to the other members who would then describe the changes to their partner. 

No doubt, there are dozens and dozens of other ways that Power Point or Keynote can be used.  The three examples given in this presentation were mostly meant to stimulate the participants to imagine their own ways to incorporate these tools into their classroom teaching.