The document provides tips and free resources for practicing and improving English skills. It recommends using technology like smartphone apps, YouTube, and Voice of America for exposure to English. Consistent practice is important, such as using English during daily activities. Free tools mentioned include The Mixxer, Duolingo, and smartphone apps for listening practice. Two tools with some free content and paid upgrades discussed are English Central and Livemocha. Regular practice is key to becoming fluent just as using a muscle, and connecting with English speakers worldwide through technology brings practice opportunities.

1. By Prof. Edo Forsythe

2. Navy Russian Translator
English and American Studies
Assoc. Professor

3.  How to become fluent
 Using Tech to study English
 Free tools
 Freemium tools

4.  No magic bullet – you have to
Practice, Practice, Practice
 Make English part of your regular schedule
On the train or bus
While eating or getting ready
Before you go to bed

5. Who has a cell phone?
Technology brings the world to
you!
Connect with the English-speaking
world to improve your English

6. Free Tools for practicing English:
 The Mixxer
 YouTube & Voice of America
 Smartphone Apps

17. Learn about:
- Culture
- Language
- Lifestyle

21. English
in a
Minute

22. Smartphone Apps to practice English:
VOA Audiobooks- iGE Lite
2,947 Classics (Grammar)
Duolingo Hello-Hello
English

23. Smartphone Apps to practice English:
Duolingo Hello-Hello
(Free) English
(Lesson 1 Free)

26. 2 tools which offer some free
lessons but also have pay-for-
access content:
English Central
Livemocha

32. Check out the free content first (unlimited
video viewing but limited activities); if you
like it, you can upgrade. Cancel at any time.
New content is always being added to stay
current with new trends.

34.  Provides structured courses, tutor connections
 Has blog section for writing with peer feedback
 Give feedback to other users to earn Beans/
Points to purchase additional content
 Work through courses to progress in an orderly
manner or choose specific lessons to focus on
your weak areas

36. Check out the free content first; if you like it,
you can upgrade. Cancel at any time.
New content is always being added to stay
current with new trends.
Find language partners to communicate
with!

37. Shadowing
(Immediately repeating after someone else)
-Improves listening skills
-Reinforces pronunciation
-Speeds up fluency
Use English Central videos or
Randall’s ESL site audio to shadow

38. The Mixxer
- Writing practice; Meet new friends & Skype
Randall’s ESL Listening Page
- English audio with quizzes & activities
YouTube
- English Videos; Grammar explanations
VoA
- Current news and culture, learning activities
Smartphone Apps
- Audiobooks, Hello-Hello; Duolingo

39. English Central
- Practice all 4 skills using interesting videos
Livemocha
- English Courses; Grammar explanations,
partner interactions

40. English is a muscle:
Use it or lose it
Make it part of your life

41. Please join Hirosaki Gakuin
University’s Public Courses:
American History
and many more
Questions?

42. Slides available at:
www.slideshare.net/EdoForsythe/
Contact me via email at
forsythe@hirogaku-u.ac.jp
Questions?