Safe social networking alternatives

In a previous post that I co-authored with Jeff Dionne, A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy, we highlighted some of the ethical and legal risks of using popular commercial social networking and micro blogging sites such as Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for educational purposes. Although modern LMS’ built on Social Constructivist… Continue reading Safe social networking alternatives

A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy

Introduction Elearning is booming and many schools are investigating the advantages and opportunities afforded by using the WWW to enhance participation in learning activities and add value to the courses they offer. The following guide is intended to help schools and teachers avoid some of the risks involved in encouraging or requiring learners of all… Continue reading A thorny issue: Protecting teachers’ and learners’ right to privacy

An alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design

The following article is a tentative presentation of a few ideas for an alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design that incorporate the rapidly evolving technologies and social norms of the 21st century. The ideas I’m presenting here are by no means new or my own. My intention is to share my thoughts and hopefully stimulate… Continue reading An alternative approach to EFL/ESL course design

EFL elearning course content design criteria

Elearning presents new challenges, both technological and pedagogical, to EFL course content developers when transferring their knowledge and skills to on-line learning. In all learning, there are critical considerations to take into account when developing effective, motivating and engaging courses. However, it’s easy for teachers and content developers who are unfamiliar with web technologies to… Continue reading EFL elearning course content design criteria

Making the transition from the classroom to on-line

As elearning becomes more popular and more learners’ expect elearning in some form as a part of their course, more schools and academies are thinking about adopting a learning management system to meet their expectations. So how does an organisation make the transition from the classroom to on-line learning activities? What can you successfully transfer… Continue reading Making the transition from the classroom to on-line

New C-Test learning application

I’m pleased to announce yet another Flash Interactive Multimedia Learning Application to add to the suite of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) software for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). What is a C-Test? A c-test is a type of language test in which learners read a brief paragraph in the target language. The first… Continue reading New C-Test learning application

SWF Activity Module goes public

I’m pleased to announce the full public release of the SWF Activity Module for Moodle 1.9. It’s no longer in beta phase and is safe to install in public Moodle 1.9 installations. Followers of this blog and my elearning projects will be well aware of the SWF Activity Module and what it does. If you’re… Continue reading SWF Activity Module goes public

Top nine reasons to use a learning management system (LMS)

Installing a Learning Management System (LMS), creating online learning resources, and training your tutors and administrative staff to use it is a big commitment for any learning and teaching organisation. So why do it? What are the benefits? Here is a quick run down of what I think are the top nine reasons to use… Continue reading Top nine reasons to use a learning management system (LMS)

Dynamic phonetic chart application

I’ve just completed a new Flash learning application, the International Phonetic Alphabet MILA, aimed at EFL/ESL learners and teachers which I believe is a good solution to many of the problems facing those who want to use phonetics in teaching English as a foreign or second language. What does it do? It can display any… Continue reading Dynamic phonetic chart application

New Media Player module for Moodle

In this article, I’m going to give you an introduction to the new Media Player module for Moodle. It’s a flexible, robust and feature-rich method of deploying video in Moodle as an activity. The Media Player module for Moodle using Searchbar and Playlist features In November 2009, I started the FLV Player module for Moodle… Continue reading New Media Player module for Moodle