In the fast-paced digital age, teaching has evolved far beyond traditional methods. As TESOL teachers, integrating technology into the classroom is essential for creating a stress-free and efficient teaching environment. By learning how to use computers for tasks like bookmarking, publishing, grading, assignment submissions, and testing, you can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and focus more on engaging with your students.
But as technology transforms the classroom, the language of your students is also changing. Today’s youth speak a different digital dialect filled with slang from online platforms like X (formerly Twitter), gaming communities, and YouTube. Staying ahead of the learning curve means understanding not just how to use tech tools, but also what your students care most about. This article will help you master both, ensuring that your classroom stays relevant and stress-free.
1. Bookmarking Resources for Easy Access
Organizing digital resources can save you hours in lesson planning. By using bookmarks in your browser, you can quickly access websites, articles, and activities that enrich your lessons.
Best Practices:
- Use folders to categorize bookmarks based on topics like “Speaking Exercises,” “Cultural Activities,” or “Grammar Resources.”
- Browser extensions like Evernote Web Clipper and Pocket allow you to save not only links but also entire pages, videos, or images. You can even tag resources for better organization.
New Slang to Know:
- “Chat heads”: This term originally referred to Facebook’s pop-up chat feature but has evolved to refer to anyone who is constantly chatting online or messaging in groups. It’s common in classroom discussions, especially if students are working together in real-time chat platforms.
- “X”: Referring to what was formerly known as Twitter, X is still one of the primary platforms for sharing quick updates. Many students, especially those who follow influencers or educators, use it for both casual interactions and finding study resources.
Fun Fact: The idea of digital bookmarking came about in the early days of the web to help researchers manage growing libraries of information. Today, students use tools like Pinterest and X to curate their own digital collections of memes, articles, and educational resources.
2. Publishing Classroom Materials Online
Publishing lesson plans, assignments, and reading materials online offers flexibility for both teachers and students. Instead of handling paper-based assignments, you can use Learning Management Systems (LMS) to keep everything organized digitally.
Recommended Tools:
- Google Classroom: With an intuitive interface, Google Classroom is great for organizing lessons, assignments, and announcements. It’s particularly helpful for creating a streamlined communication process between you and your students.
- Edmodo: A user-friendly platform for sharing resources and communicating with students. It mirrors the social media experience, which makes it more engaging for students.
New Slang to Know:
- “IRL”: Short for “In Real Life,” but often used to differentiate between the physical world and virtual or digital spaces. Your students might refer to classroom activities as IRL while discussing their digital tasks.
- “Youtubers”: Many students follow educational or entertainment YouTubers as part of their daily routine. Teachers can tap into this by creating video-based lessons or sharing educational YouTube content to keep students engaged.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the term “Youtuber” wasn’t even in the dictionary until recently? The platform has grown from a hobbyist video-sharing site to a place where students learn everything from science to language through popular content creators.
3. Grading Homework Efficiently
Grading can often be a source of stress for teachers, but technology has made it easier. With digital tools, you can automate parts of the grading process, freeing up more time to focus on teaching.
Best Tools for Grading:
- Google Forms: Create quizzes with automatic grading options. Google Forms will instantly score quizzes based on answer keys, which means no more manual grading for multiple-choice tests.
- GradeBook Pro: A customizable tool for managing student grades and tracking progress. It offers an organized dashboard where you can enter scores, calculate averages, and even track attendance.
New Slang to Know:
- “AFK”: Short for “Away From Keyboard,” used by students when they need to take a break from their screen during online classes or homework. Knowing this term helps you understand when students are stepping away during digital assessments.
- “Dex heads”: Refers to users of X (formerly Twitter), especially those who are deeply engaged with the platform and participate in trending conversations. This term might pop up when students share how they source ideas or engage with content outside of class.
Fun Fact: Before the internet, teachers had to grade everything by hand, and grading used to take up a significant portion of teaching time. Now, with automated grading tools, teachers can focus on feedback and interaction instead of just scoring.
4. Streamlining Assignment Submission
Handling digital assignment submissions is a great way to reduce paper clutter and save time. Instead of collecting and sorting through paper assignments, you can manage everything digitally, allowing for easy feedback and streamlined organization.
Assignment Submission Tools:
- Turnitin: Used for plagiarism detection and grading, Turnitin allows students to submit assignments digitally, while you can leave comments and feedback directly on their work.
- Dropbox or Google Drive: Cloud-based systems for managing large files, these tools allow students to submit multimedia projects, papers, or presentations effortlessly.
New Slang to Know:
- “Gamers”: Many of your students might identify as gamers, and video games are becoming increasingly relevant in educational contexts. Whether they are learning new vocabulary in online games or following storylines in RPGs (Role-Playing Games), understanding gaming culture can help you connect with their interests.
- “DMs”: Direct Messages, often exchanged on social platforms like X, Instagram, or gaming platforms. You might hear students say they will “DM” an assignment if it’s late, meaning they will send it privately through a message.
Fun Fact: Dropbox was founded by MIT students who wanted an easier way to access their files remotely. Now, it’s a favorite among teachers and students for managing assignments and project submissions.
5. Online Testing and Quizzes
Online quizzes and testing platforms can help you assess your students’ learning in a fun and interactive way. Many tools offer automatic grading and instant feedback, which makes the entire process less stressful.
Testing Tools:
- Kahoot!: This popular tool gamifies quizzes, turning assessments into interactive competitions. It’s especially useful in language classes where quick recall and engagement are critical.
- Quizlet: Create digital flashcards, quizzes, and study guides for students to use as they prepare for exams. It’s a great way to test vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
New Slang to Know:
- “No cap”: A phrase that means “no lie” or “I’m being truthful.” You might hear students use it to emphasize their honesty in responses or during discussions.
- “Goat”: Short for “Greatest of All Time,” often used when discussing achievements or the best of something. Students might refer to a particularly helpful lesson or tool as the “GOAT.”
Fun Fact: Kahoot! was originally developed as a tool to help students engage with educational content in a fun, interactive way. It now boasts millions of users worldwide, making it a classroom favorite for teachers and students alike.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Curve
By integrating computers and technology into your teaching, TESOL teachers can create a stress-free and dynamic learning environment. Bookmarking resources, publishing lessons, grading efficiently, managing assignments, and administering tests digitally allows for a smoother teaching experience.
Moreover, staying attuned to the latest youth slang and trends helps teachers connect more deeply with their students. Understanding terms from “chat heads” to “gamers” ensures that you are not just tech-savvy but also in tune with what your students care most about.
Top Tip: Technology isn’t just a tool for organizing; it’s a bridge between you and your students. Embrace both the digital and linguistic shifts happening around you to create a classroom that’s modern, engaging, and stress-free.
