This document proposes using media and technology in the ESL/EFL classroom at Binus International. It argues that incorporating media provides avenues for learning, helps the learning process, boosts student interest, and allows for innovative teaching using a wide variety of resources. Specific proposals include using Moodle for uploading assignments, discussion forums, and podcasts; introducing listening activities and student-created podcasts; and employing wikis to enable collaborative writing and peer feedback. The goal is to move away from traditional methods and introduce more student-friendly and engaging study materials.

1. TOWARDS BETTER ENGLISH
PROPOSAL FOR BINUS INTERNATIONAL
JULY 2011
Chanella Zenaida Cubbins

2. ESL/EFL LEARNING FOCUS
 Skill based – listening, speaking, reading and
writing
 Integrated skills
 Grammar in context
 EAP

3. WHY USE MEDIA IN THE ESL/EFL CLASSROOM?
 Provides avenues of learning
 AV helps the learning process
 Allows for innovative teaching
 Boosts students interest
 A world of available resources/examples

4. WHAT IT MEANS FOR TEACHERS
 Innovative lessons
 Provides variety and resource
 Visual aids help when explaining foreign
concepts
 Creative classroom
 Breaking barriers

5. VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
 Develops communication, reading and
writing skills
 Stores libraries online – making book
borrowing and information acquisition an
easier process
 Prepares students for the tech world - why
not use IT in the classroom and give them
the cutting edge ?
 Use of films in the class – opinion based
tasks

6. USING MOODLE AND THE LIKE
 With Moodle and other such software
students can complete uploaded
assignments, join discussion forums, chat
groups etc that help boost their language
fluency
 Podcasts provide an interesting alternative to
classroom teaching

7. LISTENING IN THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
 Online listening with worksheets/ tasks
 Exposure to varied accents
 Exposure to situational English (at the
bookstore, the train station etc)
 Podcasts – recording of classes and
opportunity for supplementary listening
activities

8. PODCASTING
 Makes audio lessons available to students
 Saves classroom time
 Easily accessible to an entire class
 Allows for repeated listening at students
convenience
 Permanent record of audio lessons
 Allows non-English speakers to translate
(instant translation may be difficult first time)

9. PODCASTING
 Allows for independent study
 Increased creativity in students – create their
own podcasts (teamwork, literacy
planning, possible research)
 Greater student involvement
 Helps students to keep up with teaching
material

10. PODCASTING
 Audio podcasts to begin with
 Enhanced podcasts with images for beginner
students/ low level students and advanced
learners alike
 Video podcasts – complete movies or
documentaries for advanced EAP learners
 Allows students/ parents to be aware of what
actually happens in a classroom
 Ensures quality teaching

11. USING MOODLE DISCUSSION FORUMS
 Allow students to share opinions, ideas etc
 Allow for actual speech practice (you never
really know what you sound like until you
hear yourself)
 Interacting with other students/teachers
using English
 discussion groups using moodle
 Homework assignments

12. USING MOODLE
 Medium of expression for students
 Motivation factor
 Greater student involvement
 Alternative to traditional learning (bound to
the classroom)
 Creativity levels

13. WIKIS FOR WRITING
 Wikis provide a base for students to analyse
their own writing and contribute to
assignments
 enables cross examination of one another’s
work and constructive criticism
 Unlimited information

14. INTRODUCING STUDENT FRIENDLY STUDY
MATERIAL

15. AWAY WITH THE OLD – IN WITH THE NEW!
 In house study material works better
 Topics of current student interest – benefits/
drawbacks of reading Vs
 twitter or facebook?
 Entertainment films (with tasks that follow)