The “Using Technology to Motivate Learners” booklet is a comprehensive guide for educators seeking innovative ways to engage students through technology-enhanced learning experiences. It has been developed by Oxford University Press, and aims to empower teachers to use digital tools effectively, whilst encouraging students to take an active role in their learning journey. The booklet emphasizes the importance of personalised and authentic learning experiences, creating a positive impact on student motivation and retention.
Harnessing the power of digital tools can create immersive, interactive and stimulating learning environments that captivate students’ attention and fuel their intrinsic curiosity.
The “Using Technology to Motivate Learners” booklet is designed as a teacher’s companion to explore various technology-driven activities to engage students effectively. Divided into multiple sections, each part focuses on different approaches to utilizing technology to enhance learning aspects.
The first section introduces “Photo Assignments,” a powerful technique encouraging students to express themselves through images and writing. It mentions that teachers need to use a platform like Padlet or Milanote for students to capture meaningful moments, personal preferences, and favorite places. It allows them to reflect on their experiences while developing communicative writing skills.
Next, the “Video Dictionary” activity emphasizes autonomous learning by enabling students to research and present new vocabulary through video entries. By creating a collaborative video dictionary, students deepen their understanding of words, pronunciation, and usage within context, thus fostering active language learning. This could be useful for the second language subject.
“Creating Animation” provides a platform for creative storytelling, where students use animation storytelling apps to bring their narratives to life. This activity nurtures students’ imagination and critical thinking while developing their language skills as they construct compelling tales with digital characters and settings.
In the “Digital News Report” activity, students engage in authentic language use by creating news reports on school or community events using video. This not only enhances their language proficiency but also nurtures their sense of responsibility as active participants in their learning environment.
Lastly, the “Video Learning Journal” empowers students to reflect on their learning experiences through video recordings. Teachers respond to these reflections, fostering a personalized dialogue and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey.
The “Using Technology to Motivate Learners” booklet is a valuable resource for educators to consider technology’s potential for student engagement, motivation, and enriched learning experiences.