Foreign language teaching has undergone many changes in the last 40 years; specially in the area of Technology. Technology has provoked a major influence on the teaching and learning of languages different to the mother tongue in the classroom curriculum. Many cybernauts’ opinions maintain the INTERNET provides an authentic source of materials in order to enhance the receptive skills of listening and reading, and the productive skills of speaking and writing. But the most important thing is how we can use this marvellous technological environment in our lives. What can we do with it? Moreover, how can we improve our studies and careers? Nowadays, teachers have several roles. They are guides, researchers, framers and PRODUCERS, since they help students to carry out different activities and exercises with different kinds of teaching materials. Therefore, the INTERNET service -alone- is not enough in the learning experience; it is necessary that teachers integrate multimedia applications with pedagogical reasons for using it, because technology is a complement of the teaching-learning process.
Nevertheless, we also know a good teaching depends on different types of factors; for example, the teacher»s ability to exploit the potential of computers in the classroom. Imagine that «YOUR» students are bright teenagers, and you realize they are discouraged with the same activities you propose to them and the lessons are boring all the time. Learners probably are eager to come across original tasks or something innovative. How can you change this environment? How can you motivate your adolescent classes? It is very easy, dear friend. Do not doubt! Use this excellent aid: the INTERNET. Through this valuable tool, you can explore a different world to foster the teaching and learning processes; for instance, you can share with your students ideas through the use of CLIP GENERATOR, a new and fantastic Internet resource.
CLIP GENERATOR is an interesting and attractive application, especially for the adolescents, because it paves the way for an excellent rapport with young people. CLIP GENERATOR let us produce or generate personal music video with our favourite photos. Besides students may practise listening, reading and writing skills with fluency and accuracy, sharing personal information like their memories, thoughts and feelings about songs. If «YOU» wish to have access to this application just go to the link http://www.clipgenerator.com/ Then, give a click on start now. Select the audio track of your preference, like Alicia Keys, Axel F. and many other ones. At the top of the site, you can find sections of varied music styles (hip hop, rock, etc.) and top list to choose. After that, give a click over next and you are going to see a divided window: the first, on the left hand, is used to select and upload favourite pictures; the other one, on the right, is designated to see and edit the photos with short messages. You may also write something humorous or just writing a quote that describes the pictures. To do this, you need to go over the picture, then click on the icon editor, insert the text that is located at the bottom of the picture, then write, copy or paste from your word processor. After that, give a click on next. Finally, click on play to watch your video.
One of its advantages is the easy way of edition and the resources that students can use for animating their own creations; and its slogan «Automated Video Creation In One Minute» confirms this quality. Besides, the classroom can work with the songs in group work or individual work. Even if there is only one computer available at school, the teacher could use it to show learners how it works and then ask them to prepare their editions at home or at cybercafés. CLIP GENERATOR may also be useful to appreciate the pupils’ progress in the aural and visual learning. However, CLIP GENERATOR has some drawbacks as well. First of all, the clips barely last 70 seconds. Secondly, the range of available songs for editing is somewhat limited; for example, there is only one handful of soundtracks in the application. This situation may consequently restrict its potential. If there were more songs, students could edit the video clip of their favourite film, for instance. But the user can contact the administrator and after using the application he/she is asked to give his/her comments on the program. This process may help in the improvement of the software.
Teachers need technical training, because they should know applications such as CLIP GENERATOR. We have seen that it helps in the good development of the classes and enhances the communicative dimension of the classroom. Moreover, students with auditory and visual learning styles will feel at ease while developing their writing skills. Last but not least, metacognitive strategies can also be developed through the implementation of writing projects, based on this application. There are further more points of view that could be taken into account to analyse this tool. Can CLIP GENERATOR help to the intereaction in the classroom? Is it a real human interaction? What happens with spoken interaction between teacher and students during CLIP GENERATOR activity? Is CLIP GENERATOR a good technique to manage heterogeneous classes? Dear colleagues, knowing that you are working in different learning and teaching contexts, we invite you to write your comments about CLIP GENERATOR.
Bibliographical references:
Arzamendi J.et al. Methodological Approaches. Unit 3, Unit 4. FUNIBER
Hockly,N. Classroom Management. Unit 4: Mixed-ability. FUNIBER
Lennon,A. Materials and Resources in EFL. Unit 4. FUNIBER
Gassó,E. Computer Assisted Language Learning. Unit 1 ,2,5,7. FUNIBER
Internet Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipgenerator
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/controversies-using-technology-language-teaching
Authors:
Javier Mauricio Serrano Gutierrez (Coordinator)
Carmen Jackelline Bravo Alvarez
Laura Verónica Ramirez
Teresa Fiorella Quispe Nuñez
Miriam Cristina Zaudí Apud