EDPUZZLE

Edpuzzle is a very useful tool which allows us to cut videos and edit them with a view to using them for educational purposes. 

This is the first time that I have made use of this tool. In general, my overall impression is that it is a useful tool to help us to enhance our students’ acquisition of the foreign language.  It enables us to present and work with authentic material in a very motivating way.   The use of audiovisual material helps our students to develop a deeper understanding of the language, as well as been a very stimulating experience for them.

I chose to work on the video of The Snowman with my students, as it tied in very well with the festive season. As we have also been working on daily routines, I combined both topics in an authentic way. The use of this video also allowed me to review clothing, the weather and how to talk about a process with my students (how to make a snowman!), all through the use of an authentic video!!

Click on the following link to watch the video: The Snowman

I used the video in the practice stage, enabling students to use the language that they have learnt in a meaningful and attractive way.  The students first watched the video without answering any questions. Then they watched it and we paused at each question and the students shared their ideas. 

We worked on it as a whole class and the children were very enthusiastic.  Participation in class certainly improved, with each vying to be the first to answer the next question!!

However, this tool would also enable us to flip our class and permit students to work individually and at their own pace on the video. This would help us to promote autonomous learning, as well as facilitating attention to diversity. The teacher could also gather direct information on each students’ progress. 

The highpoint of this tool is certainly that it allows us to use authentic material which is very motivating for our students.   Perhaps the only drawback that I see (thinking of privacy and data protection) is when setting up the account and using the tool with the students to flip the class and assign work.  To open an account you are asked for the name of your school and you also have to get each child to register if you want them to submit work.