Transcript Teaching English using computers

Using computers to teach
English in a Special
Education School
Etai Conference July 2009
Zohara Barzilai- An English and computer
teacher
Kishon School
Kishon School for Attention-Deficit
and Hyperactivity-Disorder Children.
Class 6 still battles with Hebrew.
Classes 8-9 get 2 hours with their English
teacher and a third lesson in the computer
lab.
Levels in the English lessons vary:
Read short sentences.
Read a few letters and sounds.
Don’t know the ABC yet.
Obstacles
Two obstacles need to be solved:
1) The first is how to make the
learning easier for the pupil.
2) The second is how the teacher
copes with a “multi-level class”.
Combine Computers with
English Lessons
This combination resolves both
obstacles at the same time.
Computers make it easier
to teach English
Friendly media (nearly a game) offers
pictures, sounds and movies, instead
of (frustrating) reading.
Practicing the lesson in a pleasant way
with an immediate and independent
feedback.
Make It Personal
Supply each pupil with suitable
content, according to his level.
Save the teacher having to prepare
printed materials for the different
levels - as before.
How Does It Work
Most effective when practicing
the same materials learned in
class, at the computer lab.
Requires full coordination with the
regular English Teacher.
Enables the pupils to continue
practicing at home what has been
studied in class.
Achievements
Contributes to the pupil’s personal
self confidence by proving his
learning ability to him (not a loser).
Enlarges the vocabulary and assists
the understanding of English.
Pupils who are dismissed from
learning English in the regular class,
are exposed to the English language
only in the computer lab.
These pupils prove themselves that
they
can
learn English.
The English page in the school site:
For beginners: the site “Starfall”
Presents
each
letter and
sound
with
pictures
Listen
and
drag
the
correct
letter
Memor
y
games
Stor
to
liste
to
The site “Earobics”
For Beginners as well as pupils who read and have a basic
vocabulary.
Free Online Interactive English Games and
Activities- Bradley's English School
http://www.agendaweb.org/
Thank you for your attention.
Zohara Barzilai
English and Computer Teacher
Tel. 052-3721736
:[email protected]