AUGMENTING MACRO SKILLS INSTRUCTION THROUGH AI TOOLS
Film & Animation
Introduction
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for joining this seminar on enhancing English macro instruction through AI tools. Today, we'll explore how technology, particularly AI, can enhance our teaching of the five macro skills in English: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing. While I currently attend my eldest sister's wedding, technology allows us to connect and learn together as planned.
Before we dive into our discussion, please access the link sent via messenger. This will guide you through different software and materials I've prepared, including videos to keep you updated on our discussion.
We are teaching in what is called a VUCA world—an environment characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. In this fast-changing landscape, education must evolve; integrating technology is no longer optional but a necessity.
Using AI tools can enhance learning experiences, making them more efficient and engaging for students. Importantly, AI does not replace teachers; instead, it supports our efforts by making lesson delivery more interactive, providing real-time feedback, and catering to diverse learning needs.
Let’s explore how AI can help us teach the English macro skills more effectively.
Listening
Listening is an essential skill that helps students comprehend spoken language and improve vocabulary. One AI tool that enhances listening instruction is Speechify. Speechify is a text-to-speech app that converts written text into spoken words. By uploading reading materials, students can listen while reading along, benefiting auditory learners and those struggling with reading comprehension. Alternatives like Natural Reader and Google Text-to-Speech also serve the same purpose.
Speaking
Many students struggle with speaking, especially in terms of pronunciation, accent, and fluency. An excellent AI tool for speaking practice is Elsa Speak. This language learning app offers real-time feedback on pronunciation, accent, and fluency, allowing students to practice at their own pace. Other useful tools include Google Assistant and Ooki, which facilitate interactive speaking exercises.
Reading
AI can enhance reading comprehension effectively. Khan Academy is a fantastic resource that provides video lessons and interactive quizzes to engage students and improve skills like reading comprehension and grammar. Its personalized learning dashboards allow students to learn at their own pace, helping them deepen their understanding of the material.
Writing
Writing requires constant practice and assessment. A popular AI tool for writing is Grammarly, which provides real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and tone. Grammarly helps students edit essays and assignments and is widely used in academic settings. Alternatives such as Hemingway Editor for readability and Quillbot for paraphrasing are also valuable tools.
Viewing
With the rise of digital content and social media, viewing has become increasingly important. Edpuzzle enhances students' viewing experiences by allowing teachers to insert interactive elements into any video, making viewing more engaging and promoting critical thinking. Clipgrid for video reflections or YouTube with interactive annotations are other tools available.
Comprehensive Learning Tool
Finally, I want to introduce Kahoot, an all-in-one tool that addresses several macro skills simultaneously. Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that enables the creation of fun learning games and trivia quizzes in minutes. It works for any subject on any device, making it a great tool for both live and remote learning settings.
In conclusion, AI tools such as Speechify, Elsa Speak, Grammarly, Khan Academy, Edpuzzle, and Kahoot provide powerful resources to support English macro skill instruction. Remember, AI does not replace the human touch in education; it augments our role as educators. By integrating AI into our classrooms, we can create more efficient, personalized, and engaging learning experiences for our students.
Thank you for your attention. I hope you find these tools useful as we adapt to the ever-changing demands of our world. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask through the QR code, and I will respond as soon as possible. Thank you once again, and God bless!
Keywords
- AI tools
- Macro skills
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
- Viewing
- Speechify
- Elsa Speak
- Khan Academy
- Grammarly
- Edpuzzle
- Kahoot
FAQ
Q: What are the five macro skills in English?
A: The five macro skills are listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing.
Q: How do AI tools enhance teaching?
A: AI tools enhance teaching by making lessons interactive, providing real-time feedback, and catering to diverse learning needs.
Q: Can AI replace teachers?
A: No, AI does not replace teachers; it supports and augments their instruction.
Q: What is the purpose of Speechify?
A: Speechify is a text-to-speech app that helps students listen to written text while reading along, supporting auditory learners.
Q: What is Kahoot?
A: Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that allows the creation of interactive quizzes and games to make learning more engaging.
Q: How can Grammarly help students?
A: Grammarly provides real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, helping students improve their writing skills.