c.o.d. library esl/abe/ged faculty newsletter january 2013
welcome back! resource of the month
this spring in the library Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a peaceful winter break. In the Library we had a slightly longer break than usual as the Main Library closed on the 15th to accommodate our ongoing construction project.
duolingo.com
There are many interactive language sites available on the internet. Some are free, some have premiums; some are nice to look at; some are clumsy and amateurish. Ultimately, if the site helps a student learn vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and grammar it can be called a successful tool-- but only if the student uses it!
If all goes according to plan, this will be the last semester with our collection across the street in the OCC Annex. The current timeline has a newly renovated Upper Level opening in May when construction begins on the Lower Level. Keep an eye on the Library’s news blog for any updates.
Duolingo, a free service with courses in English and 5 other languages, does plenty to encourage use. The site itself is clean and uncluttered. A first-time user can register by email or through Facebook. After a quick log-in and language selection, the student drops right into some basic translation exercises. To easy? Duolingo let’s you skip ahead. Too challenging? Just hover your mouse over an unfamiliar word and Duolingo provides an instant translation.
As with last semester, we have two computer classrooms available for library instruction and orientations. Though spaces fill up quickly, we had very few problems meeting demand this past fall-- we met with classes in the library, in classrooms and online! There are many reasons to bring your students to the library: ● to introduce your students to our print or online resources ● to give your students an opportunity to start a research project ● to provide your students with a basic college library orientation ● to explore a testing database like Learning Express Library or the Testing and Education Reference Center Need some specific ideas for a library visit? Take a look at the activity and visit options on the ABE/GED and ESL Orientation pages.
In addition to the site’s ease of use, Duolingo offers incentives to users by providing points and virtual badges, giving the learning experience a game-like excitement and urgency.
To schedule a visit to the library or from a librarian, just give me a call (x2383) or email me (kelleyj@cod.edu). You can also get in touch with me if you’re looking for suggestions on creating research assignments or library activities.
To enhance this game-feel, users
can invite friends (again by email or Facebook) to join and compete for points in language exercises. So users can learn/play on the go, Duolingo also offers a free iPhone app. Duolingo gets points for being easy and fun, but also wins by providing free translation service to the internet. Just like the ReCAPTCHA technology that offers website security while digitizing books, Duolingo helps “translate real-world content from the Web” with every use!
Don’t forget that I have funds available to help develop the collection supporting ABE/GED and ESL students. If there is a book, tool or resource you think would be useful to you or your students, please get in touch. You can also forward me publisher catalogs, websites or other materials. Any suggestions for this newsletter are especially welcome! Best wishes for the new year and the new semester. As always, I look forward to working with you and your students! --Jenn.
Learn more about Duolingo from this short video introduction: http:// youtu.be/WyzJ2Qq9Abs
Found a resource you’d love to have in the Library? Request it for the collection!
Schedule a Library tour, orientation, activity or librarian visit for your class-- just contact Jenn
Visit the ESL and ABE/ GED Research Guides for student and faculty resources
Jennifer Kelley, ESL/ABE/GED Librarian * kelleyj@cod.edu * BIC 2814E * 630.942.2383