Hangout to learn English

Paula McKenry

30 May 2013

Kangan Institute

Language Studies Department

Located in Broadmeadows

•368 enrolled in CGEA

•mainly recent arrivals

•high nos. English language needs

•limited experience with technology

Project Aims

• authentic learning experience

• improve digital literacy

• integration of e-learning into English language training courses

Methods

• tested Google+ Hangout mobile/desktop devices

• teacher /student training in Google+ Hangout

• Hangout presentation delivered by industry professional

• teaching resource for the KI LMS.

What is Google Hangout?

Nurse at Moonee Ponds Campus talking about different treatments for burns.

Students at Broadmeadows campus listening, note taking and asking questions.

Learner Profile

• culturally linguistically diverse

• mainly recently arrived

• age range 19-55

• 90% women

Project Organisation-Stage 1 Testing

Technical-Testing

•mobile devices iPad/iPhone/Android•PC/desk top

• Broadcast can’t be recorded on a mobile device

Findings

Project Organisation-Stage 2 Teacher TrainingBarriers

Classroom management

•familiarity with devices•confidence in new technology•integration into usual classroom practise

Technical

•connecting

•slow speeds

Empowering teachers to use technology

• deliver traditional lessons through new technology

• source example lesson plans

• extensive training

• technical support

• follow up support and encourage feedback.

Project Organisation-Stage 3 Student Training

Barriers

•English language comprehension skills•digital literacy skills

Technical

•connecting to the network

•creating Google accounts

Empowering students in the use of technology

• consider lesson outcomes

• demonstrate the software

• clear purpose

• generic Gmail accounts

• encourage collaboration

• ongoing use of technology

Teacher Feedback

“Today’s Google hangout was a

great success…”

“The students took reams of

notes and asked many

questions…”h

“I hope to use this presentation again when it’s

uploaded to Moodle…”h

ConclusionsGoogle+ Hangout

•opportunities to access industry experts

•improved access to classes

•collaboration between students

•contextualised learning resources

Recommendations

•ongoing teacher training

•easier log in processes