Showcasing online tools & applications

Showcasing online tools & applications

In this section, we will take a closer view on 3 learning applications and teaching tools from a course design approach. We analyse their potentials and challenges and look at ways to integrate them into blended learning programs.

After considering the models for course design in planning a blended learning program, it is important to choose the online / digital tools that trainers would like to apply during the learning process. There are some key considerations before looking for apps, which are described below:

When considering types of applications / online tools …

When designing online learning activities in the blended learning program …

  • do I plan to use one type of online resources (self-made vs. online curriculum), or
  • a mixture of both?

When integrating the online elements into my blended learning program …

  • do I prefer them as individual activities adding extra learning time that happens away from class, or
  • I wish to create a platform / learning environment for learning together, conducting shared activities?

Learning applications

Duolingo

This tool is a very popular application for improving foreign language skills in different languages. The advantage of this app is that learning is motivated through gamification measures and, hence, it encourages autonomous learning sessions that adults can carry out themselves outside the classroom.

Have a try!

  1. Download the app to your smartphone or go to www.duolingo.com.
  2. Create an account (with giving your age, optionally your name, e-mail address, password), or alternatively you can sign up via Facebook or Google.
  3. Verify your e-mail address via your e-mail account.
  4. Choose a language and follow the instructions to your learning pathway!
  5. Spend some time to explore the activities in the app.

Look at the advantages (Pros) and disadvantages (Cons) below and consider the ‘Ideas for adaptation’ to have an impression on how you could integrate into your teaching.

 + Pros
    • free of charge
    • gamification implied
    • personalised & self-paced
    • having its own curricula
 - Cons
    • only adaptable for foreign language learning
    • some prior knowledge on using apps is needed
    • requires a great sense of autonomy
    • having its own curricula

Ideas for adaptation

  • a self-study activity beyond class-based teaching at home, in the free time, when commuting (e.g. as shown in A La Carte model)
  • one of many activities in class (e.g. as shown in the Station Rotation model)
  • addressing specific learning subjects in foreign language training e.g. vocabulary building, syntax etc)
Having spent some time exploring the app and its activities, please take 5-10 min. to reflect on your experiences! These questions may help you stay focused:

    • Look at the Pros and Cons table! Could you complete the lists with your own items? In the last row of the table, ‘having its own curricula’ is indicated as an advantage and a disadvantage too. Do you agree with this? Why (not)?
    • Could you add to the list under the title Ideas for adaptation? How else could you imagine using the app with your learners?
    • What special preparations/guidance would you put in place for making your learners ready to use this app?

Prezi EDU

Prezi is an application that can make trainers’ instruction more appealing and engaging by applying a set of creative design tools. Besides creating visual presentations, it also allows live presentation with video, so trainers can show themselves to their learners during the online sessions.

Have a try!

  1. Go to Prezi EDU by using your computer’s Internet browser!
  2. Register for free!
  3. Watch some of the Prezi Videos to get an impression on what other trainers use this tool for (e.g. on flipped classroom, giving explanations)
  4. Watch this guide below on how to create Prezi Videos for your use:




Look at the advantages (Pros) and disadvantages (Cons) below and consider the ‘Ideas for adaptation’ to have an impression on how you could integrate into your teaching.
+  Pros
    • free of charge (certain features needs subscription plan)
    • adaptable to all learning subjects
    • provides appealing video presentations
    • learners with lower digital skills can also have a good use of it
 - Cons
    • needs a bit of preparation on the trainer’s behalf
    • only adaptable for one-way communication (except when used for livestream presentation)
    • certain features are only available with subscription plan
    • needs careful design that accounts for low-literate learners (see guidelines in Fine-tuning content / Literacy)
Ideas for adaptation
  • visually appealing and engaging videos for learners
  • adaptable for flipped classroom design
  • giving explanation to learners on a certain topic
  • launching livestream meetings
  • designing more appealing learning content
Having spent some time exploring the app and its activities, please take 5-10 min. to reflect on your experiences! These questions may help you stay focused:
    • Look at the Pros and Cons table! Could you complete the lists with your own items?
    • Could you add to the list under the title Ideas for adaptation? How else could you imagine using the app with your learners?
    • What special preparations/guidance would you put in place for making your learners ready to use this app?

Padlet
Padlet is an application that provides a range of opportunities to interact, co-design and collaborate in an online environment. Trainers can design content jointly with their learners, can share resources and communicate with them on this platform.

Have a try!

  1. Go to www.padlet.com and sign up for free!
  2. After logging in with your credentials, click Gallery on the top banner to the right and browse among the pre-made samples!
  3. Look at these padlet samples below (requires registration):

How to: Train for your first half-marathon Climate Change Group Discussion


Here you can find a video tutorial dedicated to teachers:




Source: New EdTech Classroom.


Look at the advantages (Pros) and disadvantages (Cons) below and consider the ‘Ideas for adaptation’ to have an impression on how you could integrate into your teaching.
+  Pros
  • free of charge
  • provides space for knowledge sharing, task explanation, class communication
  • allows for document sharing
  • can be personalised in an appealing design

- Cons
  • static platform with no real-time meeting option
  • needs registration & log in for learners and teachers
  • relatively fixed format of the platform
  • does not replace learning management systems

Ideas for adaptation

  • online dialogue: communication for class (on activities, evaluating tasks and courses etc)
  • resource gathering: sharing materials (documents, videos and other media files)
  • cognitive performance: e.g. brainstorming
  • ensuring flexibility for time and space: allocating class diary, FAQ

Having spent some time exploring the app and its activities, please take 5-10 min. to reflect on your experiences! These questions may help you stay focused:

    • Look at the Pros and Cons table! Could you complete the lists with your own items?
    • Could you add to the list under the title Ideas for adaptation? How else could you imagine using the app with your learners?
    • What special preparations/guidance would you put in place for making your learners ready to use this app?