Currently working only on desktop (perfect for zoom lessons)

Over the past months I’ve been researching the idea of interactivity in language learning. I’ve gathered a large amount of material and many insights. One idea keeps guiding my work: less is more. Instead of flashy effects, what really matters is purposeful, clean, and effective learning content, supported by technology that is reliable and accessible.

Some of the key benefits of interactivity include negotiation of meaning, noticing gaps, and modified output. These appear when learners respond to real input from another person and adjust their language choices in the moment. In the activity I’m sharing here, I use a personal idea board with a few enhancements. Here is an actual demonstration from a real student at the Novice Mid or Novice High level.

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In the first part of the exercise the learner reads different answers and places them on a scale according to their meaning. Together we negotiate the meanings behind their choices and often learn new terms.

On the second screen the learner adds at least one new phrase from their own knowledge. We discuss this addition as well. If the learner doesn’t have the exact words, I’m fine with them adding an emoji instead.

On the third screen the learner categorizes the answers as either formal language or slang. These categories depend on the learner’s environment, which is why the discussion that follows is often very meaningful.

I used this activity in a one to one Zoom lesson, but it also works well in a group setting. Learners can take screenshots of their final boards from the second and third screens, and then we can have a full class discussion about their choices.

in the bottom line – we practiced the numbers, created meaning for given words, the learner added their own phrases, and finally we had an opportunity to discuss context pf language (how to talk in daily vs. formal setups)
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Click the ⤢ button or click the link to interact – currently working only on desktop (perfect for 1X1 zoom lessons). not supported in mobile.