-- December 14, 2015 --

 

The idea of using software or websites to learn English was not new to me; however, it was not the thing that I was familiar with. I realized that there were many ESL websites out there that helped students achieve their learning. However, I had never planned to implement those tools in my EFL classroom…. until I took the CALL class.

 

The class provided me with extensive knowledge in how to help enhance students’ skills through the use of technologies, ranging from the use of basic websites to learn grammar to the use of COCA in language classroom. From all of the learning tools I explored in class, I enjoyed creating the digital story telling the most.

 

After teaching young EFL leaners for a few years, I have to admit that I do enjoy searching for the language tools that are interesting and suitable for them. Because of its colors and beautiful content, I believe the digital story telling tools might be the best starting learning tools for my EFL learners. The digital story telling tool that I like so far is called ZooBurst. It is a digital story telling tool that allows you to create your own 3D pop-up books. Students can use this tool to tell stories, deliver presentations, and express complex ideas. I signed up for a teacher account and created an incomplete short story named “A Monkey in the Jungle”. I like how I could use the pictures from their library, design backgrounds, and add chat bubble, showing that the characters are talking. However, its features are limited to the general members. I could not record my voice for each character and I could not draw a picture using the drawing tool. These features are only available for premium members. Even though I could not use all interesting features, I could definitely create a story that can catch students’ attention, and I am certain my students will love it!

To access my story, you can click this link.

 

The use of digital story telling tools reflects my teaching philosophy in terms of increasing student’s motivation. I believe that motivation can help enhance students’ potential in learning English. One of the best ways to increase students’ motivation is using the modern technology tools. As Kozma (2003) mentioned in his study on technology and classroom practices, “the use of technological tools and resources supports students as they search for information, design products, and publish results” (p.1). I believe that the features and functions that the learning tools offer can easily persuade students to practice their English skills. Students will be motivated to learn English through the engaging activities, and I am certain that using technology in the language classroom will definitely increase students’ motivation and help them reach the higher level of success in learning English.