Would You Rather Use an App?

Have you ever voted on Wishbone? This app takes you into the world where there’s no middle ground. The only thing you do is choose between two options. Every question makes you compare two things and quickly indicate your preference with a single tap. It sounds limited and limiting, but I see people spend quite…

Is It Possible to Form Good Study Habits with an App?

My previous post prompted reflection on how good study habits are formed. I shared ideas on long-term change as described by B. J. Fogg in his TEDx talk “Forget Big Change, Start with a Tiny Habit.” In theory, it certainly sounds plausible that a new habit can become automatic if it is closely tied to an…

TESOL 2016 Highlights: Part 1

TESOL 2016 is still in full swing. I’d like to start sharing some highlights, and I’m certain that it will take a few posts to do that. On Day 1 I attended a session that brought together the Materials Writers and CALL Interest Sections: Creating, Adapting, and Using Content for Mobile Apps. Each presenter on…

3 Strategies for Making Homework Doable

The other day I had a Skype call with another teacher who works in a traditional classroom. Part of our discussion touched upon the challenge of getting adult learners to do their homework. I’ve personally worked with a couple stay-at-home mothers in the past, and those experiences led to some ideas for students with children. I’ve…

Friday Fun with Apps 2

I’m sure that many of you have also seen the possibilities of repurposing entertainment apps for language learning. This is my second “Friday Fun with Apps” post. Let me share two apps with free versions for you to check out. Recently rap has crept its way into my household. I admit that it’s not my…

Developing an Appetite for Apps

I can’t say that my own use of apps is on par with many others. I rely heavily on my iPhone, but mostly for email, appointments, photographs, Internet searches, and alarms. My children, however, love the iPad and all that it offers.  I try to limit screen time, but it’s hard to deny their rather…