Learn Vocabulary with Quizlet

Quizlet is a great way to practice and learn new vocabulary. It is an online application that allows you to make flash card sets. You can make your own sets or use one of the many available for public access.


There are several functions within the Quizlet application. After you have create a set, or found one of the many already created, you can familiarize, learn, or quiz yourself with the new vocabulary. There are also two games you can play which help to make vocabulary review fun.
There are several functions within the Quizlet application. After you have create a set, or found one of the many already created, you can familiarize, learn, or quiz yourself with the new vocabulary. There are also two games you can play which help to make vocabulary review fun.

The Familiarize function allows you to review each of the slides, switiching from side to side. You can use this option to review flash card sets for the first time, testing yourself to see what vocab you already know. This is also a great study tool to use when simply reviewing words.

The Learn function prompts you with either the definition or the target word, and asks for a write-in response. Quizlet keeps track of your correct and incorrect answers, so you know how well you're doing.

Scatter is a vocabulary matching game, where you can drag-and-drop words and definitions. When you match the two together the terms disappear. This is also a timed activity, so you can practice word recognition against speed as well.

Space Race is a game where each of the terms tracks across the screen. The player must type in the appropriate match before the term disappears. Points are given for each correct answer, and incorrect answers are recorded. This game is great for word recognition too, but the player must have good typing skills in order to input their answer quickly.

Finally, the Test feature generates a quiz out of the vocabulary in the flash card set. There are several multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer questions generated by the application, and every time you select the Test function, a new, randomized test is created. This allows the Quizlet user to test themself multiple times.

Quizlet easily supports English and other languages using roman letters. It is possible to use other writing systems, but the only way to input them into the program is with a separate word processer such as Unitype. To input words you will need to copy and paste the text into the Quizlet application. Read more!

Cloze Passage Builder

As part of my online CALL course, I've been investigating different interactive web applications that can be used for assessment. One way to test listening is to have students complete a cloze (fill in the blank) activity while listening to a song or text. I used an online cloze passage builder to create my own activity. Here is the example I made. Try filling in the correct words while listening to this song.
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Language Review - Online Flashcards

There are quite a few digital flash card programs, both online and available for download. Flashcard Exchange, SuperMemo, and Mnemosyne are three that I've investigated and would like to share. My favorite is Flashcard Exchange.

Flashcard Exchange is an online flash card library where you can also create your own sets of flashcards. It is a web-based application, but it's free to use. You can create your own flash cards, or you can use any of the other sets publicly available which are sorted according to their key-word tags. You can visit my sample flash cart set and try it out. Make sure to check out the matching game feature too. It turns studying into a fun game that you can play on your own or with a partner.

SuperMemo is a multi-platform software system that uses flashcards to practice vocabulary, grammar, and any other topics in language learning or studying in general. SuperMemo.net, the online learning system is free and offers several options for language study. There are multiple courses available, including some for TOEFL preparation. You can also download SuperMemo for Windows, and create your own flashcards.


Another program, which works in much the same way, is Mnemosyne. Just like SuperMemo, you can create your own flashcards. As you review the cards, you can grade them depending on how well you remember them, and the program will calculate how soon you should review them next. This organized revision helps to move new information from short-term to long-term memory.


In my own language study, I've started to use a similar flash card program online called Reviewing the Kanji. Just like these other applications, the flash cards are organized according to how well I know them while being tested on them. In addition, Reviewing the Kanji also includes a forum where different users can submit mnemonics and 'stories' to assist in studying.

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Skype

Skype is a great tool for communication and interaction with others. It's text, audio, and video chat options allow people from all around the world to share information and conversations in real time. This means that if you are in the USA, and you want to talk with your friend in New Zealand, you can chat for as long as you want. The best part about Skype is that it is FREE!

I first heard about Skype when I was studying abroad. Many of the other exchange students and Americans living abroad in New Zealand were using Skype as an alternative to international calling cards because the cost to call home for an extended period of time was quite pricey. The first time I actually used Skype was during an online conference chat with my CALL Online class at St. Michael's College.

Skype is a great way to connect with others around the world for language learning purposes too. Teachers can set up voice chats, or video conferences for groups of students to communicate across distances. Students can also use Skype to practice speaking and listening with conversation partners who may live in another area. In this way, Skype can provide language practice, and exchange of cultural information and experience. Read more!