Mr. Z's Virtual Language Resource Centre Blog

Questions	Study Cell: Vocab Builder (Non Commercial)
What is it?	Is an exercise vocabulary builder program for your mobile phone.
Why did you choose the package you chose?	I wanted something that could help me improve my English using my cell phone.
Look at the complexity of process of downloading/registering/getting started.	The process for downloading and installing this cell-phone software was very simple, all I had to do was go to getjar.com, look for an interesting language learning tool, I found English Vocab V. 1.02, I downloaded it into my computer, then I sent it to my phone and finally I installed it. I did not have to register in any website.
Is Spanish language support available? If not, is the level of English low enough for your students to understand?	For this software there is no Spanish support, however the instructions are very precise and simple. But since I teach Elementary school children, this software may not be appropriate for them.
Was it easy for you to begin?	It was very simple, easy instructions were given.
Consider the attractiveness of the program.	The program does not have much design; it is very simple in its layout.
Does it make you want to go back and use it again?	Yes, the program is very interesting because it tests your knowledge; it hides the words that you get right. The vocabulary is not simple so you feel you can learn.
Do you think it will be useful?	This program is useful for expanding knowledge, but because you cannot choose a level, it is not appropriate for my Elementary School learners.
What are the general pros and contras of the package?	Pros: Easy to download, easy to install, simple instructions, offers good learning opportunities, its free.	Cons: Not attractive layout, you cannot chose levels, it is only useful for advance learners.
Find out of any technical support is available from the developer.	No technical support available.
Where is it available?	http://www.getjar.com/products/5288/EnglishVocab

Questions	Longman English Interactive
What is it?	It is a Learning Management System that works with the Longman book.
Why did you choose the package you chose?	I wanted to find online course that would guide me as a teacher, and that gave me the materials.
Look at the complexity of process of downloading/registering/getting started.	The good thing about this software is that you do not have to download anything because it is all online. However, you do need to register into www.longmanenglishinteractive.com And then they will send you a registration code to your e-mail. Although the process of registration is quite long, it is still easy to follow and has a lot of guidance.
Is Spanish language support available? If not, is the level of English low enough for your students to understand?	There is plenty of Spanish support for the student. They are able to fins a help menu in Spanish at any time they require it.
Was it easy for you to begin?	It is a little complicated to find out what this software is about, however in the DEMO version that I loaded, I was able to see the perspective of the student, for this I can say that the exercises are well explained.
Consider the attractiveness of the program.	It is very well organized, and appropriate for high school students. I would not recommend the layout for Elementary learners.
Does it make you want to go back and use it again?	The program is very attractive for the learner, the activities are clear. I think that the student can engage to this activities because there is a lot of interaction.
Do you think it will be useful?	It is very useful for teachers that follow this book. However I noticed that a full class can be followed without the need of the book.
What are the general pros and contras of the package?	Pros: Great support, nice exercises, it allows you to record your voice, very interactive, good tool for teacher and student, no need to download, it has videos.	Cons: Long registration process, it has a cost, since is an online program it may take a long time to charge, has very long and boring PDF tutorials.
Find out of any technical support is available from the developer.	Constant technical support.
Where is it available?	http://www.longmanenglishinteractive.com/home.html

Last year after I tested my students in order to know their learning styles (with this website: http://www.pesdirect.com/learning-styles.html), I wanted to get them in contact with baroque music. We listened to a beautiful piece by Bach, and in order to do this I asked the visual learners to watch the shape of the musical piece by looking at a video I found in youtube. The aural learners were asked to close their eyes and enjoy the music in silence, and the kinesthetic learners were asked to move to the music in a a way that they wouldn't disturb the students. The results were great, not one of them complained about this ancient music, and they enjoyed it a lot.

The previous year I tried to get a different class in contact with this music, I talked about the Baroque music, its composers, and allow them to hear different pieces by Bach, and I had a lot of negative comments about it. The students got bored and had negative feelings about the music. This proved to me that the way we perceive the world based on our learning styles has an impact on our opinion.