The document summarizes a presentation on using corpus analysis and technology tools to develop content-based English language learning materials. It describes a project at Miami Dade College where faculty analyzed a general education corpus to better understand language demands and create materials aligned with student transfer needs. The presentation agenda includes an overview of the project, how content and corpus analysis intersect with technology, and examples of 10 technology tools identified as useful for language learning.

1. Tooling around with Technology Thingamajigs
for Corpus- and Content-based Instruction
Dr. Cynthia Schuemann and Dr. Michelle Thomas,
Miami Dade College, InterAmerican Campus
TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA March 17, 2011
Hilton: Belle Chase 11:00-11:45

2. Program Summary
Tooling Around With Technology Thingamajigs for
Corpus- and Content-Based Instruction
 Participants learn to create corpus-informed,
content-based materials using a practical and
tested framework for selecting and evaluating
appropriate technology tools for the classroom. The
session shows how faculty at a large urban
community college are working with a localized
general education corpus to better meet EAP
student transfer needs.

3. AGENDA
1. Welcome to the Jungle: Project ACE
2. Safari Guide: Content & Corpus Intersection with Technology
3. Thingamajigs Hunt: Ten Trophies
4. Bringing Home the Spoils: Evaluation

4. Project ACE Process: Content and
Corpus Intersect with Technology
1. Assess needs with 2. Collect information on
survey on General the tasks, technologies & 3. Gather materials and
language samples from GE
Education (GE) faculty resources used, and the content (corpus)
expectations language demands of GE
5. Teach language of 4. Create EAP materials
6. Evaluate the courses academic tasks with and tests related to the
technology using corpus tasks, texts, and
and technology and content-based
materials technologies of GE

5. Are you ready?
More than just a hunch…
 Instruction can no longer be based on mere
assumptions. These must be tested.
 Corpus work assures that what we are teaching in
our “nature reserves” is aligned with what is
happening out in the “wild.”
Cute!
Scary!

6. List of URL’s
1. http://www.lextutor.ca/
2. http://www.americancorpus.org/
3. http://www.eslactivities.com/ugru/
4. http://www.ted.com/
5. http://www.techsmith.com/jing/
6. http://voicethread.com/
7. http://www.theflip.com/en-us/
8. http://www.youtube.com/ & http://www.vimeo.com/
9. http://tinyurl.com/
10. http://facstaff.uww.edu/jonesd/games/

7. Bibliography
 Chapelle (2004)
 Koehler, M. J & Mishra, P.
 Technology Integration Modules (2000-2008)COBALLT,
CARLA
http://www.carla.umn.edu/technology/modules/index.
html
 Fellner & Apple (2006)
 http://llt.msu.edu/vol13num2/review1.pdf
 http://jaltcall.org/journal/articles/2_1_Fellner.pdf
 http://llt.msu.edu/vol2num1/article1/index.html
 http://llt.msu.edu/vol4num1/hegchap/default.html

8. Presenters
Cynthia Schuemann, Faculty
cschuema@mdc.edu
Michelle Thomas, Director, Project ACE
mthomas2@mdc.edu
Learn more about Project ACE at: www.mdc.edu/iac/esl/ace