WEEK : 2 REFLECTIONS ( Includes lecture 4,5, and 6)

 Introduction to Platforms for Language Learning

As technology nowadays is a basic need and plays a crucial role in language learning processes, I find TELL (Technology-Enhanced Language Learning) incredibly beneficial. It is an umbrella term that engulfs all websites, platforms, and even online journaling or blogging platforms like Penzu in it.

During the second week, I focused on learning and practicing these platforms. Penzu is an online journaling platform that allows me to create private diary, customizable journals with top-notch security. Whether I want to keep a personal diary, take study notes, or track my progress, Penzu makes it effortlessly possible. It serves as a private online journaling platform or a static website where I can write, learn, and reflect on my thoughts, ideas, or experiences. I use it as a private diary and writing tool to practice writing and enhance my language learning process.

The next one I explored is Phraseteacher.com, an online resource that helps me learn and practice everyday conversational and English expressions. The website offers a comprehensive collection of phrases and expressions used in everyday situations, each accompanied by audio recordings that have been digitally modified to provide slow, distinct, and easy-to-remember pronunciations.

I find it extremely useful because it contains an extensive collection of phrases tailored to different contexts or situations—whether it’s a farewell, a ceremony, a meet-up, or even a funeral. It provides both formal and informal sentences, making it easier for me to improve my conversational skills in various real-life scenarios

Examples 

Some of the examples i noticed of formal and informal sentences or phrases obtained from the phraseteacher.com platform includes ;
  • "I'm so sorry for your loss."
  • "Thinking of you and wishing you strength."
  • "Sending you love and support."
  • "Good luck on your new adventure!"
  • "We'll miss you around here."
  • "Keep in touch and take care!"

    • Podcasts are digital audio and video programs that I find incredibly useful for learning. They are typically released as a series, with episodes covering various topics such as news, storytelling, education, interviews, or entertainment.

    When I listen to audio podcasts, they help me enhance my listening skills, while video podcasts provide visual support, making learning even more effective. To learn how to create my own podcasts, I use websites like Teacher Training Videos by Russell, which offer valuable guidance on the process.

    Tech-Smith is a software company that provides two essential tools that I use: Tech-Smith and Jing. These tools help me capture my screen, record, and edit my captures. Jing, in particular, is a free screen capture tool that allows me to record up to five-minute video clips of my screen.

    I find Jing useful for enhancing my learning skills, especially since I can use its desktop version without Wi-Fi, though it does have limitations on video recording length. However, when I have Wi-Fi, I can use its browser version or the online screen capture feature, then upload my recordings to Tech-Smith. The link is stored in Sky-Cloud, and I can easily copy and share it via email or other platforms. To access my uploaded files, I need to have an account on Tech-Smith Capture or Jing.

    I also use Screencast-O-Matic and Screen-Pal, which are related screen recording and video editing tools designed for creating tutorials, presentations, and other visual content. Both tools allow me to work offline using their desktop versions, and I can use them for free for up to 15 minutes. However, if I want to record longer podcasts, I need to upgrade to the pro or professional version, which requires payment.

    As Zoom is a platform, I  can use it to deliver free lectures or attend meetings for up to 40 minutes. It is a synchronous tool because of time boundaries, meaning that all participants must be present at the same time. I can access Zoom through a browser on my laptop or computer, or through the Android version on my phone, though the features may vary depending on the device.

    When it comes to web tools, I can run them either on a browser or as a mobile application. However, in both cases, the interface differs based on whether I am using a computer, laptop, or mobile phone.

    There is a finite set of platforms that fall under this umbrella term, TELL (Technology-Enhanced Language Learning), which I find essential for my learning and professional development. One such platform is Vocaroo, which I use as a voice or sound recorder. It is a pure podcast tool and serves as a crucial resource in the digital timeline of technology, especially in CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) and TELL.

    Additionally, I rely on Google Drive for formatting, editing, and creating documents. It plays an immense role in academic and professional settings, providing me with 15GB of free storage space. All these tools collectively enhance my learning experience, making digital technology an integral part of my education and work.

    Third class of TELL is based on group discussion, every group consist of  three students maximumly. Teacher assigned different topics to all the groups for discussion. They discuss its characteristics , key points, e-tools and language learning, and the viewpoints of author. Group 1 discusses about computer language learning research ,this group also discuss benefits of teaching ELLs through technology. Second group discuss the E-creation tools and self made computer based resources that includes the creativity of learners with the language. Third group discuss the tools of language used for enhancing speaking skills of learners. Group four that was our group were assigned with the topic of writing and reading facilitative E-tools. We discuss first of all about literacy that is used for communication and for education. Then we discuss different tools like write-board, wikis, blog etc. for reading or writing enhancement and then we also discuss their alternatives used in 2025 like google docs, google classroom etc. Then the group 5th were assigned with the topic of listening tools and they discusses different tools for enhancing listening of the learners. That was all what I have learn productively in second week of TELL class.

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