Blog: Evaluation of Software Resources List

Being an English for Academic Purposes instructor at Dalhousie, I often am required to include in my lessons statistical analysis, statistical data collection, statistical imaging, and finally statistical summarizing. If approached in the wrong way, such topics can really bore and frustrate students. Some common pitfalls include dealing with complex statistical imaging tools, attempting to graph data without the aid of tools, software incompatibility, complicated program sign-up applications, and getting mired in moot. After trudging through app after app after app, I finally found a really simple graphing tool that students can learn how to use quickly and also one that students can produce and save images of to show the class on the smartboard. It is easy to sign-up, doesn't require any payment, is very user friendly, produces quick results, and doesn't try and corner you into any 'gold' programs. So in terms of quick set-up and easy-to-learn matters, I give it hig...

Duolingo - Complimenting Beginner Language Classes https://www.duolingo.com/ As a language teacher I'm always tuned-in to how people are learning languages. I love to hear what's hot, what's working, and what the pros and cons are. People outside of my teacher/ teaching circles often mention Duolingo. If they are travelling to Mexico, they gamify their trip prep using Duolingo Spanish. If they are taking a beginner Italian class at Dalhousie University, they fill in the the gaps and get their practice playing Duolingo on the bus. As I, myself did some travelling in recent years, I also spent time waiting for flights and falling asleep at hotels playing a few rounds. Now as a language-teaching expert, I know how to deconstruct and evaluate the effectiveness of a language lesson. I have to admit, Duolingo was great. The gamification of language learning provides high levels of motivation. It is simple to use and doesn't clutter your experience with passwords, paym...