This week I am writing on an article I found entitled "English Pills ESL Learning Tool for Android" by Martin Brinkman. This article outlined a new application for Android devices designed for speakers of non-English languages to increase their learning in a fun and non traditional way. He mentions that many times when learning a new language it is centered around grammar, spelling, writing, reading, and conversation, but things such as jokes, idioms, symbols, etc. are left out. This application offers something textbooks cannot. Students can simply log on to English pills, choose a category, and look for an explanation on whatever joke or symbol they are confused on.
There are six different categories students can look through to find information.
I think this is a wonderful application for technology savvy students in a new country, especially college students. It would make sense for this to be available in an app form, as many students will choose to use it on their cellphones. I do think for user ability purposes though, it needs to be available across all types of phones- android and iphone.
Source: http://www.ghacks.net/2016/10/26/english-pills-esl-learning-tool-for-android/
This seems like a very helpful app for students learning the english language. It’s always a bummer when it is only available on one device, but there definitely seems like a lot more on the android side. It’s amazing the tools that students have available to them, especially when most of them can fit in your pocket, on your phone. Yet, I’m willing to bet there aren't as many students using apps like this one as much as there should. The downside to all those tools on that wonderful device is that there are twice as many distractions!
ReplyDeleteI think this app seems like a great and fun way for students to practice their new language. You are right, these are things they won't always read in a textbook. But these are definitely important to aid them in becoming more comfortable using the language. This type of app will help them with communicating and understanding others when they are communicating. That would be great if it was available for all types of phones.
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a great idea. When I think about the way we speak and our everyday conversational language, we use a lot of slang,jokes, idioms, and so on. I know my L2 students often look at me funny when I say certain sayings or use slang words, and I remind myself that they have no idea what I'm saying...I must sound crazy to them!
ReplyDeleteI really like this! It is important to teach students how to communicate with each other with everyday jargon and jokes!
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