Language Learning App

     In our world of mobile technologies, we use a variety of apps to assist us in solving everyday management dilemmas. We may even catch ourselves thinking, “I wish I had an app for that.” These ubiquitous technologies have become part of us in many ways to make life easier. We use apps for financial budgeting, lesson planning, exercising and health management, entertainment, social media, and many other areas of interest. We use apps to assist us in music theory, grow our artistic talent, and if we want to cook a gourmet meal, well there is an app for that as well. I’ve recently discovered that there is an app to help build language vocabulary using your smartphone. Microsoft’s new language learning app uses your phone’s camera and computer vision to teach vocabulary. It is called, Read My World. Just point at a specified object with your smartphone. Currently, this app has a library of 1,500 words in its database. Perez (2019) states, “It will then show the word’s spelling and speak the phonetic pronunciation of the identified vocabulary words. The photos corresponding to the identified words can also be saved to a personal dictionary in the app for later reference” (Perez, 2019). This app also provides a way of three built-in vocabulary games to assist in memory recall. 

     As an educator, involving technology in the classroom is a common practice to nurture an environment that engages students in the development of skills, knowledge, and understanding in effective and appropriate ways. This type of technology would benefit students that speak a language other than English. It is not to replace formal instruction for it has limits in its vocabulary words and it isn’t considered a teaching tool. However, it is best used as a training tool to assist throughout the day of ESL students. In addition, Read my World allows users to input photos of objects and their English word to the app’s library to grow ESL students’ language skills.

Source:

Perez, S. (2019, May 23). Microsoft's new language learning app uses your phone's camera  

     and computer vision to teach vocabulary – TechCrunch. Retrieved May 27, 2019, from  

     https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/23/microsofts-new-language-learning-app-uses-your-

     phones-camera-and-computer-vision-to-teach-vocabulary/

Image Source:

Pixabay. (n.d.). Free Image on Pixabay -The Digital Artist. Retrieved May 27, 2019,   

       from https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-information-technology-digital-3374462/

Culture Blind Spots

      We all have blind spots that prevent us from acknowledging those areas that need developed. This is a persistent challenge in the educational world among teachers and students in an environment that nurtures possibilities, but is limited by blind spots. Specifically, these blind spots are in our grammar, syntax, parts of speech, and use of slang. These can confuse ESL students, but with sensitivity to the direct needs of ESL students, the teacher can better assist the language skill development process. I recently read a blog that shares useful things for ESL teachers to find these blind spots within their culture through reflection and practice to more effectively grow ESL students especially LEP learners. To assist ESL teachers to foster an environment that is conducive to ESL students and LEP leaners is to generate curiosity. Magrath (2019) suggests: Peer Interactions, posting of broad questions, ask open ended questions that require thought, encourage self-reliant, involvement of cross disciplines, and the use of current technology to foster the development of language skills. 

     Through best practices and empowering learners, the ESL teacher can motivate ESL students and LEP leaner toward growth and mastery with the use of positivity, effective vision, and support systems. Additionally, creating an environment filled with imagery and "interesting things to talk about" will foster a language rich environment.  

Images Source:

Pixabay. (n.d.). Free Image on Pixabay - Blindfolded, Blind, Hair, Girl. Retrieved May 25, 2019,   

       from https://pixabay.com/photos/blindfolded-blind-hair-girl-woman-1732522/

Blog Source:

Magrath, D. (2019, May 23). Useful hints for ESL teachers: Part 2. Retrieved May 24, 2019,    

      from http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/useful-hints-for-esl-teachers-part-  

      2/education