Use MailVU to send video emails

 http://mailvu.com/

What is it, how does it work?


MailVU is an easy and simple tool that you can use to record videos and send it directly to an email address (email addresses).

Some ideas of how we can use this tool.

• Ask students to record themselves practicing pronunciation and send it directly to the teacher for feedback.
• Instead of guiding student to make a 'pen pal' from another country, try to connect and get students into pairs from different countries and become 'MailVU pals' so as to encourage them to practice and communicate by English.
• Let students to orally describe something/someone by using MailVU and send it to the teacher.
• Encourage students to ask questions and sending it to the teachers by using MailVU.

Why is this tool good for English language teaching?

• MailVU makes spoken English homework possible and interesting.
• MailVU is compatible with iPhone/iPad, so it is possible and more convenient for students to record /practice/ ask questions wherever they are.

Limitations and points to improve.

• It can only record for 10 minutes.

Use mybrainshark to produce mini-lectures/practice speaking

http://www.brainshark.com/mybrainshark


What is it, how does it work?

Mybrainshark is a piece of software that can combine different forms of presentations (e.g. voice recording, picture, video, powerpoint) into one integrated form of exhibition.

Some ideas of how we can use this tool.

• Add voice recordings to powerpoint to produce mini-lectrues about certain knowledge points, when  a specific is made in students' writing, send them the corresponding mini-lecture link to watch.
• Make some online-distance-learning materials by adding voice recordings to powerpoint.
• Teach students how to use this tool, then ask them to make a oral presentation of their life story by recording and commenting on their photos. Next, ask them to share the presentation to the teacher/peers. The teacher can then give feedback to the students.
• Ask students to read aloud a passage on their computer and record it, then send it back to the teacher.

Why is this tool good for language learning/teaching.

• This tool can be used to promote distance learning and learning autonomy.
• Students could keep a record of the lesson and replay the recording anytime they want.
• It is more interesting and meaningful to give a oral presentation by linking students' life(e.g. their pictures) to their oral practice.
• It is very user-friendly to use and share.

Limitations and points to improve.

• It can only record for 15 minutes.
• Teachers/students can't download the integrated interface of presentation.