Effective Ways to Learn English Combining Student Projects and Technology NNETESOL Fall 2004 Conference Presenter: Lyra Riabov Associate Professor Center for Language Education Southern New Hampshire University

Discussion Advantages of project-based ESL learningproject Explore the process of developing ESL topic– based students’ projects Review selected assignments What ESL skills are practiced? What technology is involved? What is the outcome? Raphael, The School of Athens Vatican (fragment)

Advantages of Project-based ESL LearningProject Hands on activities Learning through doing Collaborative learning Practicing of all the major English language skills Peer teaching Continuous Assessment

Students Learn: Research the topic on the Internet or in the library, Discuss the concepts with their classmates, Interview people, Read and analyze texts, Learn vocabulary, Take notes of a lecture, Write short essays, Peer evaluate their writing using MS Word, Prepare and deliver a presentation using MS PowerPoint. Sample Assignment Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy

TechnologyTechnology and ESL Skills MS Word: Write and Edit Peer Evaluate using “Insert Comment” MS PowerPoint: Organize student resources and thoughts in a brief outline Practice public speaking techniques Deliver an oral presentation in an organized manner Prepare for a successful performance in college courses as well as in the future careers Audio/Video Materials The Internet: Learn to research for a" real world" information Evaluate the reliability of the information Learn vocabulary using online dictionaries with sound Work in teams being in or outside classroom Improve individual language skills needs Have an access to the abundant Internet-based listening, reading, grammar and writing language activities Communicate with the peers and teachers effectively

Review Selected Projects Project Assignment Preparation Outcome Samples of Students’ Projects

Recommendations Look for sample student projects and assignments visiting Professor Lyra Riabov’s Web Site: Also, explore abundant ESL/EFL/CALL Internet links on courses’ web pages of Professor Lyra Riabov’s Web Site Create topic-based collaborative project assignmentsproject assignments Use Technology Bring the “real world” into your classroom Individualize assignments using technology Create exciting and hands-on fun learning environment Galileo Galilei Uffizi, Florence, Italy