EdTech in Language Learning Archives - Page 3 of 4

EdTech

Teaching Critical Thinking in the Age of AI and Social Media

In today’s digital landscape, our students face a constant flood of information, and misinformation. With the rise of social media and AI-generated content, the need for critical thinking skills has never been more urgent. As educators, we have a responsibility to help students navigate this complex web of information, equipping them with the tools they need to discern fact from fiction.

One insightful resource on this topic is Yuval Noah Harari’s book Nexus. Harari explains how “echo chambers”, spaces where we’re surrounded by information that reinforces our beliefs, have always been part of human interaction. But in the digital age, these echo chambers are amplified by algorithms that personalize what we see online, trapping us in bubbles that shape our perceptions.

In this post, we’ll explore practical strategies to teach students media literacy and critical thinking in the age of AI. From understanding algorithmic bias to recognizing deepfakes, these tools can help students become more informed and thoughtful digital citizens.

AI in Education

Using Perplexity Spaces in ESL Classrooms

Perplexity AI, a conversational search engine known for its direct, cited answers and interactive “Copilot” feature, now offer a new feature called “Spaces”. By combining AI-driven web searches with the ability to upload personal files, Perplexity Spaces creates a personalized knowledge hub for both individual and group use. Teachers can store up to 50 files, customize AI responses, and share their Spaces with up to 10 collaborators, making it easier to differentiate instruction and provide culturally responsive materials. In the ESL classroom, Perplexity Spaces can streamline resource gathering and support differentiated instruction by allowing teachers to create customized learning experiences for students at various proficiency levels. Teachers can also use it to engage students in collaborative learning, helping them develop research skills and build personalized study spaces. Whether planning lessons, designing activities, or aligning with colleagues, Perplexity Spaces offers a flexible, AI-powered tool that can transform the way educators approach teaching.

EdTech

Unlocking Learning with TPR: Movement, Language, and Technology

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a dynamic teaching method that combines language learning with physical movement, helping students adapt to new school environments and academic content. Developed by Dr. James Asher, TPR allows students to internalize vocabulary through action, making even complex concepts in subjects like math, science, and social studies easier to grasp. By pairing TPR with storytelling and technology, such as video creation and interactive whiteboards, teachers can create engaging, memorable lessons that support long-term retention and deeper understanding. This blend of movement, language, and tech offers a creative way to enhance learning and ensure students can navigate both their new language and academic challenges successfully.

Woman holding a sign about Spanish tips and anglicisms in Spanglish.

BTLPT

Los anglicismos y el Spanglish

Los anglicismos y el Spanglish pueden afectar negativamente tu desempeño en exámenes de dominio del español, como el BTLPT, y en contextos profesionales. Evitar estas mezclas de idiomas y optar por un vocabulario académico adecuado es fundamental para proyectar un mayor nivel de competencia lingüística. En este post, exploramos ejemplos comunes de Spanglish y anglicismos, y ofrecemos alternativas correctas en español, ayudándote a mejorar tu expresión escrita y oral en entornos formales. Además, tendrás acceso a un sistema que te permitirá hablar y recibir retroalimentación de una inteligencia artificial sobre tu uso apropiado del español académico.

A family engaged in playful learning activities at home, illustrating the concept of Homework vs Homeplay from EnablingLearning.com.

EdTech

Homework vs Homeplay: Playful Learning Beyond the Classroom

I understand that the subject of assigning homework can be controversial, but recent research is increasingly validating what I tried to apply as a teacher years ago. Studies now show that traditional homework, especially for younger students, offers limited academic benefits and can even diminish the joy of learning. Many schools are shifting toward more meaningful and engaging assignments that connect with students’ lives outside the classroom. When I was working as a bilingual teacher, I always believed that learning shouldn’t be confined to the school walls. True learning happens when students connect what they learn in school with their everyday lives and when families become active participants in the educational process. This belief led me to move away from traditional homework and implement a strategy I called “Homeplay.” This approach not only transformed how my students engaged with learning at home but also strengthened parent involvement, making learning a shared and enjoyable experience for everyone.

AI in Education

Claude’s Artifacts for Education

At Enabling Learning, we’ve been investing significant time, work, and research into exploring the intersection of AI and education. Among the various AI models we’ve explored, Claude, created by Anthropic, offers powerful tools for educators. In particular, we want to highlight a feature that has recently become available to all users: Artifacts.

Tag: EdTech in Language Learning

Teaching Critical Thinking in the Age of AI and Social Media

Using Perplexity Spaces in ESL Classrooms

Unlocking Learning with TPR: Movement, Language, and Technology

Los anglicismos y el Spanglish

Homework vs Homeplay: Playful Learning Beyond the Classroom

Claude’s Artifacts for Education