The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL: Recent Episodes
Brent Warner & Ixchell Reyes
The DIESOL Podcast covers EdTech in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. The show helps teachers consider best practices for their English Learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom to help students where they are. DIESOL: Digital Integration in English as a Second or Other Language
While we frequently focus on digital tools and EdTech, what about the physical items in your room that impact your students' focus, energy, and overall mood? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell get physical and discuss how to build a tangible "classroom kit" that can lower the affective filter and set your students up for success.
Show Notes and Transcript: https://diesol.org/episode/episode-140-whats-in-the-box-building-a-classroom-kit/
How do we help students build genuine writing skills when AI tools can easily do the work for them? In this episode, Brent & Ixchell share practical strategies, low-tech solutions, and clever ways to use AI as a scaffold rather than a shortcut, ensuring students still do the hard work of learning.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/139
How can you explore new ideas while still taking time to unwind from the school year? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent share practical tools, creative pedagogy, and accessible resources to keep your innovative juices flowing without leading to summer burnout.
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/138
Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes are joined by internationally recognized consultant and former teacher, Sara Davila, to explore how creative thinking strategies can boost productive fluency in language learners. From practical techniques like the Idea Box and reverse brainstorming to the role of AI as a creative partner, Sara shares actionable ideas teachers can use right away, whether low-tech or no-tech environment. If you've ever wondered how to move students from knowing English to actually using it with confidence, this episode is for you!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/137
In today's episode, we're tackling a common challenge. Your students want to build their vocabulary, but your class isn't really focused on vocabulary learning. So what can you do? We're looking at simple, practical ways to weave vocabulary into any lesson, without needing to redesign your whole curriculum. From choosing the right words to helping students actually use them in real contexts, we'll share ideas you can start using right away.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/136
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@DIESOLpod
We're seeing many reports of schools banning the use of mobile devices during school hours. There are multiple articles sharing the impact that the use of mobile devices has on student academic achievement scores. Is the backlash against classroom tech justified, or are we missing something important? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell dig into the growing global movement to ban phones and devices from schools, and discuss ways for more thoughtful approach to EdTech without compromising student achievement.
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/135
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It's a heavy subject, but it's also incredibly relevant, both right now and for anyone working with English learners. Our field serves populations who, more often than not, have experienced some form of trauma in their lives.
Most instructors are not trained in trauma counseling or mental health support. Because of that, Brent and Ixchell turned to research articles and expert perspectives to help listeners better understand how educators can create supportive, responsive classroom environments for students who may be carrying these experiences.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/134
"Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over time, these can become stale, predictable, and dreaded by both students and teachers. Fear not! A simple twist and a fresh purpose can add some spark to these activities. Better ice-breakers can promote community and rapport from day 1! Join Brent and Ixchell as they help teachers upgrade from stale icebreakers to fun icecrushers!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/133
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher's perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? How can students utilize it? We look at how it works with your own lesson notes and materials, what it's genuinely helpful for, and what still needs a human touch. It's an honest conversation about where this tool fits into ELT language tasks without the pressure to use "all the things."
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/132
Happy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Brent share 26 tools for 2026. Whether they're resource collections, useful websites, or physical items, we hope something on this list will pique your interest!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/131
No December episodes, but we do have a message from a very special guest as we wrap up 2025!
We'll be back with new episodes starting on January 5th!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Research shows that finding things to be grateful for actually releases dopamine and serotonin (the happy chemicals!) in the brain, which means more calmness during difficult times, resiliency, a stronger will to survive and thrive, and overall groundedness. This means we can make better decisions under stress, and who doesn't want to be better at that? Join Brent and Ixchell as they share what they're thankful for this year!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/130
We tend to think expertise is always an advantage, but what if knowing too much can actually hold you back? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore the research showing that experts can struggle with creative problem-solving in ways beginners don't. Discover why well-worn mental pathways can become traps, how automaticity makes it harder to explain what you know, and when a fresh perspective beats years of experience. Listen in for ways to open your mind back up to the "beginner's mindset" and seeing your students' learning experience with fresh eyes.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/129
Halloween classroom activities don't have to be boring. We've got 13 ideas that are actually going to make your students want to learn - from storytelling twists that'll get everyone engaged to activities that go way beyond just putting on a costume.
In this episode, we're breaking down creative approaches that work across different language levels. Have some fun using these strategies to make your classroom come back from the dead. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced students, we've got something that'll spark their imagination and make learning feel like an adventure. Want to know how? Tune in!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/128
In Episode 127 we’re exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), an affordable, customizable alternative to pricey textbooks. We’ll dive into what OER is, benefits of an OER, how and why Brent is building his own OER, and more. OER isn’t without its challenges. Designing well and integrating activities can be tricky, as Brent explains. How can a teacher start building their own OER? Tune in to learn more!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/127
We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work.
This is part two of a two-part experimental mini-series, continuing where we left of and moving into conversations about practical strategies to implement Reflective Teaching.
The previous episode was done the DIESOL way, and this episode is done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. If you liked this episdoe, please check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field.
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/126
We're teaming up for a shared episode with the Anna and Shè from the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast to talk about the what reflective teaching is and how to start finding ways to incorporate it into your work. This episode goes deep - far beyond thinking about your lesson and moving into transformative teaching for dedicated educators. Listen in for a deeper understanding of reflective teaching and approaches you can make to use it to improve experiences for both you and your students.
This is part one of a two-part experimental mini-series. This episode is done the DIESOL way, and the next episode will be done the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast way. We hope you'll check out more of Anna and Shé's work as they do excellent work contributing to the field.
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/125
In a world full of apps and digital tools, sometimes the most powerful classroom connections happen with nothing more than paper, name tags, and a little imagination. In this episode, we explore some of our favorite community-building ideas, and add fresh, low-tech strategies that get students moving, talking, and genuinely engaging—with each other and with the language. Whether you're just starting the term or looking to reboot your class culture mid-semester, these ideas are easy to implement, low on tech, and high on impact.
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/124
If you’re not ready to dive into anything heavy but still want to stay a little connected to your teaching brain, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, we’re sharing low-key ways to dip into PD—stuff you can explore between naps, walks, or iced coffee refills. No pressure, no big goals—just light, helpful ideas to keep you inspired while still enjoying your break.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/123
In this episode, Ixchell and Brent dive into #ISTELive 25 in San Antonio. From eye-opening sessions that revealed cutting-edge tools to the pervasive influence of AI in ESOL, we'll cover what truly stood out. Join us as Brent shares his insights on the most impactful trends for ESOL education, advice for teachers, and some memorable moments from the vendor hall. You won't want to miss this discussion on what's shaping the future of language teaching!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/122
In this episode Ixchell Reyes and Brent Warner discuss the integration of technology in English as a Second or Other Language teaching, coinciding with the upcoming release of Brent’s new book. They emphasize the importance of using technology to enhance student learning beyond traditional methods, highlighting a student-centered approach. Brent shares specific classroom activities from his book that effectively utilize technology to improve listening and writing skills. The episode also addresses the challenges teachers face in staying updated with new educational technologies, stressing the need to focus on effective tools rather than just the latest trends.
Listen for a special chance to participate in a giveaway and other surprises!
Show notes at www.DIESOL.org/121
Tired of textbooks that leave you scrambling to create supplemental activities? Join Brent and Ixchell as they break down what actually makes a language textbook worth your time and money. From spotting integrated skills and authentic materials to ensuring cultural representation that reflects your diverse classroom, they reveal the insider secrets of textbook evaluation. Discover why layout matters more than you think, how to push back on publishers, and what to look for beyond just pretty pictures. Whether you're stuck with assigned texts or have the freedom to choose, this episode will transform how you evaluate teaching materials. Stop letting textbooks control your teaching—make them work for you!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/120
Ready to present at conferences, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of getting your name on the conference program.
If you've been attending conferences and you're thinking about the possibility of presenting, we're here to break down the things you should consider. The world needs to hear from you, so make sure your voice is out there!
Check out our advice on how to break into the conference presenting world!
Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/119
Join Brent and Ixchell as they dive into the top AI questions educators are asking right now. Straight from the TESOL conference, they break down the most pressing concerns about AI tools, from choosing the right platform to understanding classroom applications. Discover practical insights, hear real teacher experiences, and get a clear view of how AI is transforming language education.
Are you heading to TESOL 2025 in Long Beach? Brent and Ixchell share all the details about their presentations, including panels on AI in materials development, AI-generated artwork for language learning, and strategies for individualizing writing. Get the inside scoop on the revival of Drinks with DIESOL as well as their live podcast recording at the conference. They also highlight interesting sessions they're planning to attend, covering everything from social justice issues to neuroscience in language learning. Plus, Brent reveals his exciting new ELT Toolkit being launched through TESOL! Whether you're attending the conference or just curious about what's happening in the TESOL world, this episode offers a useful teacher's preview of what to expect in Long Beach.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/117
Tired of bloated all-in-one platforms that do too much? Discover simple, single-use tools that do one thing well and make your life easier! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share their favorite free and low-cost tools that can streamline your teaching workflow - most with no logins required. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming time at TESOL and a potential in-person meetup.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover versatile tools that enhance student engagement and learning
- Learn about accessible, fuss-free alternatives to complex edtech platforms
- Gain insights into leveraging technology to boost productivity as an ESL educator
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/116
Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? You’re not alone. In this candid episode, Brent and Ixchell open up about the struggles of coping with uncertainty, stress, and anxiety—both for themselves and their students. They share practical strategies for staying grounded, maintaining mental well-being, and finding small moments of joy in difficult times.
🎙️ In This Episode, You'll Hear About:
- Practical coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety
- How disconnecting from social media can improve your mental health
- The importance of real-life connections and small acts of creation
- Why humor and positivity can be powerful tools for resilience
Tune in for an honest conversation and helpful takeaways to help you (and your students) navigate these challenging moments.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/115
What’s the buzz about BlueSky? Should you join the migration from Twitter?
In this episode, Brent and Ixchell explore BlueSky, the emerging social media platform educators are flocking to. Reflecting on Twitter’s past and this promising alternative, they dive into BlueSky’s potential for professional networks and classroom impact. Whether you’re curious about its decentralized structure or how it stacks up for educators, this episode will guide you through the ins and outs of this new digital space.
Tune in to learn:
- Why educators are moving from Twitter to BlueSky.
- BlueSky’s unique features, including moderation and data portability.
- How to build your Professional Learning Network (PLN) on this new platform.
- Tips on finding and joining BlueSky educator communities.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/114
Conferences are a good place to get a pulse check on what people are thinking about in the field, and with CATESOL 2024 right up the road, Brent chased down educators in the TESOL field to get their impressions of the conference and what they're focusing on these days. Join us to hear straight from a variety of teachers about their insights and takeaways!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/113
If you've got tech in your classroom that you haven't implemented with your students, Jesus Huerta talks us through some of the reasons and ways you should consider bringing Project Based Learning into your English Language Learning classes. Whether it be opening students' minds to the possibilities of language, or just having fun with talking their way through using tech, there are lots of possibilities to explore!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/112
AI is still here and is coming to get us all! This Halloween season Brent and Ixchell bring you a list of thirteen scary approaches to AI. The discussion points range from assumptions about student cheating and AI proficiency to neglecting AI's impact on critical thinking and the digital divide.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/111
Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book
Are deadlines hurting students? Should we adopt more flexible submission policies? In this episode Ixchell & Brent discuss the pros and cons of deadlines: hard, non-existent, and in-between.
Join in as we discuss how educators are reconsidering their policies and implementing flexible approaches to foster a more supportive learning environment.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/110
Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Jen Roberts, an experienced high school English teacher, shares her innovative approach to using AI for student feedback and grading. Discover how AI tools are empowering her students, improving their writing, and transforming the feedback process. Hear Jen's insights on the benefits, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI into the classroom. This conversation offers a glimpse into the future of writing instruction and the role technology can play in enhancing the student experience. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the effective use of AI in education.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/109
Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Ice Breakers are a great way for students to get more comfortable with each other, but students may be burnt out on the same old activities or you may be looking for something to distinguish your class from the rest. Listen in for 10 different approaches to Ice Breakers for your new classes or just for a change of pace.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/108
Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Drill activities have gotten a bad rap over the last several years, but is there a place for them in the language learning classroom? Instead of throwing out an entire methodology, let's look at when it's appropriate and when it's not appropriate to use drills. This episode explores how we can build fundamental skillsets without boring students to death.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/107
Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
This is the last of our summer vacation episodes before we return in August!
Reminder that you can get on the mailing list to be informed about updates regarding Brent's recently announced book with ISTE, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book
For now, we wanted to revisit the big question of how AI will impact TESOL as an industry. Some thoughts have changed, some have remained the same - all are worth us continuing to discuss.
You can find the original show notes for this episode at www.DIESOL.org/88
We're on vacation taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects.
Reminder that you can get on the mailing list to be informed about updates regarding Brent's recently announced book with ISTE, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book
For now, as you're stepping into summer, that may mean chances to catch up on your PD! Step back in time with us to Episode 98 where we talked about 7 ways to fit PD into your busy schedule.
You can find the original show notes for this episode at www.DIESOL.org/98
We're taking just a little time off to allow room for some international moves and wrapping up of projects.
But first, listen in for a BRAND NEW ANNOUNCEMENT about Brent's latest project... or if you already listened and just want to get on the mailing list, please sign up at www.DIESOL.org/book
In the meantime, enjoy a revisit to a few episodes that continue to provide value and can spark some ideas you forgot about over the last year. We're starting off with our January episode of 24 Tools for 2024 and a chance to look at some ways you can integrate interesting tools into your classes.
You can find the original show notes for this episode at www.DIESOL.org/96
What’s the best way to teach grammar? Explicitly laying out the rules for students, or giving them opportunities to discover it as they go? The research is clear, but it’s probably not what you were taught in your teaching program. In this episode Ixchell and Brent explore the realities of Deductive vs. Inductive grammar teaching.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/106
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Do you love the idea of music in your teaching but struggle to find songs that fit your teaching needs? In this episode Brent and Ixchell share all about how AI can help bring customized, language focused music right into your classroom 🎶
Show notes at www.DIESOL.org/105
In today’s episode, we explore classroom observations and how to prepare for one. Join us as we discuss strategies to shift your mindset, engage students effectively, and avoid common pitfalls during observations. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a new teacher, this episode will equip you with practical tips to ace your next classroom observation.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/104
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Brent A. Jones is currently the Director of Language Programs at Konan University, Hirao School of Management, joins us to share about how he and his colleagues built a Content & Language Integrated Learning program that uses practical and applicable skillsets while acquiring English in a setting where most people don't speak English.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/103
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Ever wondered how AI-generated images could transform language learning beyond just saving time? Join us on this episode of DIESOL, where we explore the uncharted territories of AI in language education. Ixchell & Brent try to break down the the self-scaffolding process of image generation and language development.
Topics include:
- Discussing the potential of AI images in active language development.
- Exploring the shift from passive to active engagement with language through image generation.
- Highlighting the immediate feedback loop offered by AI, enabling real-time language and concept adjustment.
- Addressing the pedagogical implications of this novel approach to language learning.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/102
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Ever wonder how you can inspire your teaching team to embrace PD, despite their busy schedules or PD resistance? Tune in to this episode to uncover practical solutions that bring professional development into the daily routine without the dread.
- Understanding Resistance: Recognizing some of the common obstacles to PD, from time constraints to skepticism about new methods.
- Building a PD Community: Tips for fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration within your school or department.
- Redefining Professional Development: Discover alternatives to traditional PD that resonate with busy teachers.
- Brown Bag PD Sessions: Learn how to start informal, peer-led sessions that can transform your team's approach to professional growth.
Listen in to reinvision how you and your colleagues think about professional development in a local and supportive environment!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/101
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
Welcome to a special milestone episode of the DIESOL podcast – Episode 100! In this celebratory edition, we turn the spotlight onto our listeners, friends of the show, guests of the show, new and old time listeners, the #DIESOLcrew, across the globe. We invited you to share your favorite tips, tricks, and / or tools with us. The response was overwhelming, and the result is a compilation of your favorite tips and tricks that every teacher should know!
Here's to more sharing and innovating together in the field of ESOL! Above all, thank you all for being part of the DIESOL journey!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/100
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Do you find that you don't have enough time to customize your lessons and materials in the way that you want for your students? In this episode of The DIESOL Podcast, discover how AI can revolutionize your classroom prep strategies, offering personalized, innovative solutions to help you get ready for your curriculum, your lessons, your daily activities, and more. Listen in as we explore possibilities of integrating AI into your prep time, ensuring your lessons are as dynamic and effective as possible.
Listen in for:
- Strategies for curriculum building with AI, tailoring content to meet your class's unique needs.
- Tips for crafting engaging lesson plans that captivate students and streamline your teaching process.
- Creative ideas for classroom activities and management techniques that save time and enhance learning.
- How to personalize learning materials quickly and efficiently, keeping content relevant and stimulating.
- And a lot more!
We want to hear from you! Episode 100 will feature the voices of the #DIESOLcrew, and you're invited to share! Let us know your top tip for teaching, whether it be a strategy, an activity, or a tool you couldn't live without. Share with us for 1-2 minutes and we may add it into the show! It's super easy at this link: http://www.speakpipe.com/DIESOL
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/99
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Are you a busy educator looking for practical ways to integrate professional development into your hectic schedule? Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes share 7 practical strategies and resources to customize your professional development journey, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
In this episode:
- Discover how to organize your podcasts for targeted professional growth.
- Explore platforms like edX and LinkedIn Learning for free, flexible courses from top universities.
- Making sure your social media works for you, and not the other way around.
- And more!
Got other ideas that would help? Let us know! Visit the show notes or drop us a line so we can share out with more teachers.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/98
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Dive into the inspiring journey of Mahmoud, an English instructor and former artillery field member, in DIESOL podcast episode 97. Discover how Mahmoud, also known as Polaris, built his English language skills on his own terms, fostering a unique perspective on self-empowered language learning. His experiences, from offering free tours on the streets of Jordan to teaching English, offer valuable insights for both students and teachers. Tune in to hear about his innovative approaches to language learning and teaching.
Key discussion points in the episode:
- Polaris' path from student-leader to teacher.
- The role of self-motivation and cultural immersion in language learning.
- Challenges faced by Arabic-speaking students in learning English.
- Innovative teaching methods and technology use in language education.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/97
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Happy new year! In this episode Brent and Ixchell dive into 24 tools to explore: lesson planning, time-savers, AI-infused search engines, angent builders, and more!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/96
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
EdTech Trainer Greg Foreman joins us to talk about helping teachers get on board with technology use in the classroom, how to avoid overwhelming the tech resistant, and focusing in on what's important.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/95
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
What are “Agents” and “GPTs” and most importantly, what does it matter in the ELT setting? We break it down and talk about some of the implications for what these “next wave” implementations of AI might mean for you and your future teaching.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/94
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
This month we interviewed Clare Kaneko, current president of JALT (Japan Association of Language Teaching). We spent time chatting about the mission of the organization, how it's structured, and what they do as a PD organization for language teachers. We also discussed the upcoming 2023 JALT conference happening from the 24th to the 27th of November in Tsukuba
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/93
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
All good things come to an end. Do not worry! We are still here, just no longer on Twitter. This year we are saying our official goodbye to Twitter. Brent and Ixchell discuss why they made the decision to leave the platform and why they felt it no longer aligned with the reason they initially joined. Have you been considering transitioning to other platforms for similar reasons? We have a few tips on that too!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/92
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
We all know students can have some scary habits that block their language learning. To step into the Halloween Season, listen in as we share some ideas about how to help them escaped the “haunted house” of bad habits!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/91
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Ryan O'Donnell has been building out slide decks to play classroom versions of famous game shows for years. Join us as he shares some favorites and we figure out applications for ESOL classrooms!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/90
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Every student has some amazing technology in the palm of their hands, but how often do we ask them to use their cameras in class? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore some possibilities for students to better engage with language through their cameras!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/89
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe to the show on YouTube
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
There's a lot of concern around AI and what will happen to teaching jobs, especially in the field of TESOL. Are they legitimate? Will AI Kill TESOL? Certainly disruption is inevitable, so listen in as Brent and Ixchell discuss the possibilities and where concerns are legitimate vs where people can take control of their own teaching futures.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/88
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Happy beginning of summer! ChatGPT isn't even a year old and we have seen the number of tools relying on AI grow exponentially since its inception. Is there something you want to try out before starting back in the fall? Here's what we have for you! In this episode Brent and Ixchell give you twelve AI tools to explore this summer at your leisure.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/87
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Join in on this open conversation with Katie McNamara about Media Literacy, changes in teacher preparedness for working with ELLs, developing a sense of inclusion, and more!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/80
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
School’s out for the summer! Many students will return to their home country and take a break from the books. Inevitably, there will be less language interaction in English, and students worry about their skills decreasing over the summer. How can students ensure they still practice independently until the return of fall term? In this episode Brent and Ixchell share some fun ideas for students to continue using English through the summer.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/85
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Why are language learners so drawn to learning the curse words so often as they begin playing with their target language? Should we be teaching cursing in class? In what context?
Explicit language has huge cultural implications and is one of the first things ELLs learn, but we almost never teach it. Listen in as we discuss teachers’ responsibilities around bad language.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/84
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Join us as we speak with Taiwanese ESOL instructor Maj. Jojo. who has begun incorporating ChatGPT into his language classes for EFL learners in Taiwan.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/83
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
How necessary or useful are idioms for language learners? Can idioms be more of a roadblock at different language proficiency levels? Join Brent and Ixchell in a conversation about how to strike a balance in teaching and exploring language through idioms.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/82
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
The conversation around Artificial Intelligence is only starting to grow. There's a lot to continue to explore. In previous episodes we made predictions about the future of AI in our field, then we discussed theory with Eric Roth upon the launch of ChatGPT. Now that we've had some time to play with it, we're talking practical uses in the classroom and in the office.
Of course, this conversation is too big for a single episode, so with the endless questions coming in, we decided to launch a side offering at AIinESL.com. Please feel free to check it out as we develop the site, and SHARE with us if you have experiences using AI with your students.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/81
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
In this episode, special guest, Sallie Finklea joins us to discuss English War Games, a unique approach to gamification in the ESOL classroom. We chat about how she comes up with language-related scenarios that promote speaking and authentic use of language while supporting autonomous learning. High tech or low tech, this approach can be applied to engage students in week-long segments of a concept.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/80
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Ixchell & Brent break down students names and nicknames and cover the blurry lines between encouraging them to use their given names, helping them understand their "English name" meanings, and respecting the names that students choose for themselves.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/79
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
In Episode 78, we sit down with Jose Goulette to talk about simple and practical ways to engage students and motivate learning. Jose has easy ways to turn everyday resources like Uno cards and strings & pencils into fun learning activities with the class. Join in to hear how Jose integrates Gamification & Game Based Learning into his classes without a lot of extra effort.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/78
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Happy Year of the Rabbit! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share 23 tools to explore or have on your radar. AI and implications of ChatGPT are taking the education world by storm--how will new tools shape and define the way we approach teaching? What oldies but goodies are worth looking at again in 2023? Join us as we talk through what caught our attention for the new year.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/77
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
A couple of weeks ago, ChatGPT exploded onto the scene, and teachers across the globe are scrambling to understand how this automated writing technology will affect every aspect of their teaching, pedagogy, and careers. While nobody has the answers, it's important to open up the conversation and make sure ESOL Teachers have an idea of what they're stepping into. This open conversation with Professor Eric H Roth explores the perils and potential of AI and automated writing in the classroom. Listen in today, and please let us know how you'll be approaching this shift in the paradigm of teaching.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/76
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
Flippity.net has provided a handy way to turn basic information into interactive games and resources for years. Brent & Ixchell look at a number of ways TESOL Teachers can use Flippity in the ESOL Classroom. If you have any of your ideas, please share them using the show notes below!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/75
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
The connection between coding and teaching English Language Learners may seem like a far stretch, but Holly Sawyer has made the link and has helped students learn practical, future ready skills at the same time as improving their language. Join us as we hear from Holly about her innovative approach to teaching English with coding, game development, robotics, and more.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/74
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
What do we mean when we speak of accessibility in the language classroom? Are there guidelines available for assessing what we currently provide for our students? What factors do we need to keep in mind when making materials accessible for language learners? In this episode Brent and Ixchell discuss the importance of accessibility in TESOL and share some points to consider to ensure your material is accessible for your students.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/73
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
All of us are guilty of implementing some "not best" practices. For this spooky special episode, Brent & Ixchell discuss 13 of the worst offenders in the English Language Learning classroom. How many of these are YOU guilty of?? 👻
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/72
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
We know that speaking another language helps English language teachers to understand and support language learners use of their L1 as a tool to navigate and negotiate the L2. But what about teachers who might be monolinguals? How can they help ELLs language learning experience? What is a Heritage Language (HL) and how does it come into play as a student learns English? Join us in this episode to find out!
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/71
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Thank you!!
What are choice boards? How can we differentiate instruction for multiple skill levels and in different modalities? Do choice boards support creativity and engagement? In this episode, we share research on differentiating instruction with choice boards and give some tools and ideas to start building your own.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/70
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
What are choice boards? How can we differentiate instruction for multiple skill levels and in different modalities? Do choice boards support creativity and engagement? In this episode, we share research on differentiating instruction with choice boards and give some tools and ideas to start building your own.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/70
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
How can you build rapport and connect with students when you have to launch a new class & cover required content? Listen in as we talk about using forms to make connections that last.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/69
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
How can you build rapport and connect with students when you have to launch a new class & cover required content? Listen in as we talk about using forms to make connections that last.
Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/69
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
In this episode we welcome back Dr. JPB Gerald as we discuss his upcoming book release, "Antisocial Language Teaching: English and the Pervasive Pathology of Whiteness." Where is he now? What has progressed since our initial interview on decentralizing whiteness in language teaching? Have any professional language organizations changed their approach to move to less racism in the ELT field? Join us for a chat and preview this fresh resource that we feel should be a required textbook in all language teacher programs.
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Do restrictive cell phone policies work? What effect do students' perceptions of instructors with strict policies have on student teacher ratings? How has the pandemic changed expected appropriate behavior for students who have been using mobile devices for emergency distance learning? Will Gen Z instructors have a different approach to cell phone policies in the classroom? Brent and Ixchell discuss these questions and look at what pre-pandemic and current research articles say about it.
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Winnie Dinh is a professor of ESL at Irvine Valley College, specializing in working with students beginning their journey in learning English. Winnie joins us to talk about how to engage beginners and how to make tech work when the students are still developing the fundamentals of English. She also shares about making videos for students on YouTube and TikTok to help them build their skills wherever and whenever they want!
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
You may have heard teachers talking about UDL, but what does Universal Design for Learning mean, and how can we implement it? Brent & Ixchell give a brief introduction to UDL and explain some tools that can help you implement it.
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Jen is a Teacher Librarian, Co-host of #ShukesandGiff the Podcast, Google Innovator (#WDC17), Sketchnoter, teacher match-maker, and much more. She joins us to talk about how librarians can support language learners in and out of the classroom. Listen in as she shares her experiences and insights. Know a librarian who might benefit from Jen's ideas? Feel free to share the show! Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
How does classroom design affect student behavior and their learning environment? A search for classroom design might yield expensive or time-consuming decorated set-ups on Pinterest or Instagram. However, true classroom design takes into account maximizing student learning, interaction, and freedom. What does that approach look like in today’s classroom?Join us for a discussion on approaching classroom design even in classrooms that may not seem like they can be redesigned.
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
What are the implications of Google’s latest updates and announcements on the ESOL community? Join in as Ixchell & Brent explore the possibilities and predictions!
Also, updated features allow for Cloze activities in Google Docs, but are they pedagogically sound? We jump into the research to find out.
We are back from our break and we've got news! After sixty episodes, we start our third year on the air by making a few adjustments to the content of our show. We want to include innovation that is not limited to digital tools only. We know there are many creative ways our listeners are innovating and that might simply be with pen and paper! Join us as we shift our gears and introduce you to DIESOL 2.0 : Developing Innovation in ESOL!
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the current situation in Ukraine. We are offering a list of reputable places to contribute donations.
Lots of people like to use TV shows, but a lot of teachers get stuck in “their” generation. Many of our students weren't even born when shows like Full House and even Friends ended. It is important to bring updated media to our students' repertoire and for us to consider new shows that might reflect American culture as the times change. Shows of 2022 have more diversity representation, storylines and characters that reflect the makeup of the U.S. better than in the past, and often tackle issues that our students will see reflected during their stay in the U.S. or read about overseas. In this episode we give you ideas and suggestions for more modern media.
Want to support the show?
- Share the show with a friend or colleague 🙏🏼
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Where does artificial intelligence fit within the realm of ESOL? Is the fear that AI could replace language teaching jobs unfounded? Where does AI need improvement? Join us in this episode as Brent and Ixchell discuss the current impact of AI in language teaching and share their predictions.
Want to support the show?
- Share the show with a friend or colleague 🙏🏼
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Brent & Ixchell sit with Dr. Sarah Thomas, a Regional Technology Coordinator in Maryland, and the founder of EduMatch. We're talking Digital Equity, New learning environments, building your network, and more!
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
The New Year's tradition continues, and Brent & Ixchell explore 22 tools, apps, services, plugins, etc to consider testing out in the new year. There's a lot to explore, so come join in. If there's anything you already use, or anything we should have mentioned but didn't, let us know!
www.diesol.org/57
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
We dive into gamification strategies with Michelle Quiter, EFL / ESL Instructor and Google Certified teacher. Join us as we chat with Michelle on game theory, ideas for games, and tips on what to do when starting to gamify your classroom!
Want to support the show?
- Leave us a review right here in your podcatcher!
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
In this episode we explore using Exit Tickets. Why use them? What do effective Exit Ticket strategies look like? We discuss Marzano's approach to Exit Tickets and share some ideas that Brent and Ixchell have tried in the classroom.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
How can students stay motivated outside of the language classroom? What can students do to support their own learning? In this episode we are joined by Talal who has been studying English in the states for about 3 years. Dig in with us as he shares his own learning journey and reveals his secret to improving and gaining confidence while learning English.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Warmup activities are a great way to activate background knowledge, preview upcoming content, get students in the headspace for class, and allow learners to form bonds with classmates. Today we're looking at the whys and hows of warmups, what you should pay attention to, and some ideas on different approaches in the classroom, from fully connected to pen & paper options.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Dr. Katie Toppel (@Katietoppel) is a language specialist serving multilingual learners in Oregon. She is the co-founder and leader of #MLLChat_BkClub on Twitter and co-author of the book DIY PD: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners along with Carol Salva and Tan Huynh. Join us as we discuss littles and the approach to helping them thrive in the digital classroom. Dr. Toppel also shares her insights to the new school year and her upcoming book release to make PD more tailored and accessible.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
There are myriad mobile apps for language learning, but how do we know which ones are effective? In this episode we revisit the use of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) and take a look at different applications students can use to support their language learning.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
We're celebrating 50 episodes of DIESOL by reflecting on the last couple of years. Brent & Ixchell contemplate how they've grown as podcasters, as trainers, and of course, as classroom teachers. A lot has changed since the DIESOL launched 50 episodes ago, including your ever vigilant hosts. Listen in for a consideration of those changes, and an encouragement for you to reflect on your own changing practices, beliefs, and teachings.
Want to support the show?
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Face to face instruction, online instruction, and “hybrid” models all now face new challenges. Ixchell & Brent explore what new classes might look like and how to make adjustments for the current sea change in education. In this episode they look at classroom behavior, expectations, assessment, grades, deadlines and more. Then they discuss how to use tech to make a novel approach possible.
Support the show:
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
In this episode we get to ask Larry Ferlazzo himself his thoughts on getting ready for a new school year amidst the aftermath of a pandemic year. Larry teaches English, Social Studies and International Baccalaureate classes to ELs and mainstream students at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. He is a prolific writer in the world of ESOL with eight books and over 130 articles written. He is also active on EdWeek and on the BAM! Network with a Podcast. He runs a blog and MORE! Join us for some wisdom on starting up a new year.
Show Notes: DIESOL.org/48
Support the show:
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
In our final episode of SUMMER OF SAMR we look at the fourth level of the SAMR model: Redefinition. Redefinition can seem like a heavy lift, so we're breaking it down for you here to help you see what Redefinition assignments might look like.
Support the show:
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Sarah Fisher is an ESL Instructor, Online writing Instructor, former French Instructor, a Wakelet Ambassador, an Adobe Creative Educator, and is a certified Google, Mote, and Flipgrid educator. But the path to becoming a technology leader was not obvious: before the pandemic, Sarah didn't even know how to update her iPhone. Still, when opportunity knocked, she recognized how much tech can help with efficiency in her teaching and the freedom that comes with using it. Listen in as we hear about Sarah's journey, how she uses different tools, and her mindset around growing with tech!
Want to support the show?
- Visit our Patreon (and listen in to the bonus interview with Sarah)
- or Buy us a Coffee
In our second episode of SUMMER OF SAMR we revisit the third level of the SAMR model: Modification. Modification takes us into the transformational phase of the model, but how is that different than Substitution and Augmentation (Episode 43)? What would assignments look like in Modification? Join us to find out!
Support the show:
- Subscribe on Patreon
- or Buy us a Coffee
Martin Ricardo Cisneros (@TheTechProfe) is a Modern Learning Advisor, speaker, and Director of IT. Listen in to a high-energy conversation as he shares the changing history of tech in language learning and ways to engage.
Show Notes available at DIESOL.org/44
If you're so inclined, you can support the show:
- Visit our Patreon (and listen in to the bonus interview with Martin)
- or Buy us a Coffee
The 2020 Pandemic forced many English Language Teachers to use digital tools to facilitate the delivery of content. However, what kind of framework exists to make sure we aren't using at tool simply because it's popular, but because it can help us enhance the learning experience for the student? The SAMR model is still relatively unrecognized by many in the ESOL field. Our summer series focuses on breaking SAMR into examples for better understanding and application. Join Brent and Ixchell to discuss the first two levels of SAMR, Substitution and Augmentation.
Shownotes at DIESOL.org/43
Want to support the show?
- Visit our Patreon or
- Buy us a Coffee
How can we separate our feelings about what's working in our classes from the reality? Many ESL teachers have a passing knowledge of using data, but most may not actively pursue using spreadsheets to better understand classroom dynamics. Mark Makino shares some ways that he uses hard data to better balance his practices, and serve his students.
In this episode we dive into the use of interactive video and the role of captions in language learning. What value is there in including videos in our teaching? How do interactive videos help content retention in learners? How do captions support literacy for language learners? Join us as we discuss these questions and talk through some tools to enhance your teaching!
Teachers can talk all day long about what's working and what's not working, but it's important that we hear directly from students to hear what's engaging them and how they learn on their own. This episode features one of Brent's current students, Luna, who takes her English Language Learning into her own hands and shares some of the things that keep her going.
While reading is a huge topic with too many areas to give justice in just 40 minutes, Brent & Ixchell take a first swing at it here. A look at a little bit of research on L2 reading strategies, along with some articles that give some structural advice, and then some thoughts on how to integrate tech and reading.
WARNING: <> silliness ahead!
On 5th Mondays, we open up the floodgates to the #DIESOLcrew for games, trivia, and drinks. Hair down, feet up, manners out.
This time we did some Mad-Libs and other stuff in a decompress from all the conferences happening in March. Listen in for some laughs - back to our normal scheduled programming next week.
And if you want to join in on Drinks with DIESOL next time around... YOU ARE INVITED!
Many of our interviews have been with instructors of adult learners, so this time around we are fortunate to sit down with Angela Barnett (@MrsBarnett_tchr), third-grade teacher, and educator for close to 20 years to talk about the challenges and changes she's faced with ELLs during the pandemic.
In an age of unparalleled stress around high-stakes testing from home and proctoring problems across the globe, digital portfolios can offer students a better way to show the depth and breadth of their work as they're developing their language. This episode looks into some of the research supporting e-portfolios for language learners, and some tools and tips to make them a valued part of your students' learning journey.
Dayamudra Dennehy shares insights on how to create a friendly and accepting online community with your English Language Learning Students. From creating a liquid syllabus that's open before class starts, to showing a better understanding of student needs and respecting their personal situations at home, Daya has ideas to help us all reflect on our approach to online teaching.
Punctuation causes all sorts of disagreements among native English speakers, and despite seemingly straightforward rules, there are always exceptions, variations, and style differences. Still, students need help understanding when and where to use different forms of punctuation, and many rely on well-meaning myths that should have been thrown out years ago.
In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore some resources to build a foundation with, and some tools that you can use to help students explore and build on their punctuation knowledge.
We sit down with Dustin from Board Gaming with Education to talk about understanding and using board games, both physically and digitally to help engage students. Dustin shares ideas on games and how to integrate them into your class needs while keeping students coming back for more.
We made it to 2021! Congratulations on making it through, and we're excited to shake off "that year" and explore some more fun with twenty twenty-one! The truth is that 21 tools is probably an overwhelming number of things to look at and explore, but remember that you should NOT be using all of these, it's just meant to see what matches your needs and hopefully can help you out.
Listen in as Ixchell & Brent talk about what each tool is, then if one tickles your fancy, give it a spin! Not sure if a tool is right for you? You can join our Patreon and every month we'll explore something together and see how it works.
Matt Miller joins us to give a positive ending to a trying year! Listen in as he shares how he transitioned from being a textbook-dependent teacher to an innovative educator in his language classes and beyond. Matt shares how to Ditch That Textbook (gently) and build that language (quickly)!
We've spent two episodes looking at the TESOL Technology standards and in our final installment of this series we explore the ISTE standards. Why is it important to look at the ISTE Standards when we already have TESOL technology ones? What can we glean from them that we can strive to include in the TESOL standards? Join us for a discussion on the importance of including the concepts of the ISTE standards as we blend technology in ESOL.
In this episode we meet up with ESL Instructor, Robert Jonte, to discuss several games that translate well into Zoom! He discusses how to recreate classic favorites as Zoom versions; best of all, these require little to no prep because as Robert shares, all you need is the ability to share a screen, annotate, and use the chat function. Listen in as we dive into ways to use up those few minutes left of class and target specific language areas!
In the second installment of a three-part series, we take time to discuss understanding technology standards for ELLs. Why is it important to have a plan when introducing students to technology? How can we approach what can be a daunting task in an organized way? What approach should we take when teaching media literacy skills? Brent and Ixchell review the rationale for a framework and discuss the TESOL Tech Standards Framework and its three goals and eleven standard. Finally, we share ways to apply the standards in our own classrooms.
Breakout rooms are a great way to get your students communicating, and they're more likely to share and practice in small groups, but you can't just send them away and hope that it will work. In this episode, Brent & Ixchell talk with Savyonne Steindler about the ins and outs, the technical setups, and the activities you can do with breakout rooms in your online ESOL classrooms.
With the COVID rush to teach from home and meet the needs of our students, we’ve been pushed to sample all sorts of tech tools. This urgency has exposed us to testing a plethora of educational technology. That has been both exciting and overwhelming. How do we make decisions on what the best tool is? Do we have a framework to apply when choosing something? What standards exist in our approach to selecting tech tools? Join us in this episode to find out!
Weina Li Chen is a Visiting Instructor of the MA in TESOL program at Pepperdine University and teaches MA TESOL candidates, MS in Educational Leadership, and Learning Design and Innovation. She has extensive experience and passion for multilingualism, educational technology, hybrid, and online learning. Join our conversation on the importance of creating a risk-free environment for language learners and on the importance of supporting teacher candidates in creating habits to foster creativity and life-long learning.
What are some of the challenges students face when learning verb tenses? In what order should teachers present the tenses? In this episode, we explore what some experts in the field recommend and we offer some practical ideas as to apply them.
School has started and we already need something to take our mind off of things! On Fifth Mondays we join up for an informal get-together with the #DIESOLcrew - including you! Join Brent & Ixchell along with Daya, Mark, Denise, Simone, Brian, Michelle, JPB as we have a couple drinks and play a couple of games, including Ixchell's already infamous "Stump the Teacher"!
Flipgrid has recently launched a whole new roll-out, just in time for the 2020 school year, when many of us are still working to figure out better online engagement.
Ixchell & Brent chat with Educator Innovation Lead at Flipgrid, Ann Kozma, and Flipgrid Ambassador & ELL teacher Luis Oliveira to discuss fun, meaningful, and innovative ways to use Flipgrid to support our ESL students. Listen in to hear the powerful ways giving the opportunity for student voice can empower language learners.
Today we celebrate DIESOL's first birthday! Brent & Ixchell spend time reflecting on the minor and major changes that have happened over the last year. Then they take a look at Adobe Spark and what it can do for your students on their goal to improve their English.
How can we set up constantly engaging structures for our students to work with, without boring them to death? Jon Corippo joins us to share how Eduprotocols can be used for low/no prep activities with high engagement and quick grading.
Listen in as Jon shares how to use free resources to develop activities and lessons that will hook your students.
A lot of teachers aren't aware that they are struggling to make a good resume or CV, and this is as true in TESOL as it is anywhere. Due to the massive changes happening in education, having a well prepared resumé and digital portfolio can help position you well in front of hiring committees or potential employers. Brent & Ixchell break down what they've seen over years of job-seeking and hiring.
Every once in a while there's a 5th Monday of the month, so we've decided to invite listeners in for some time to kick back and have fun! This is our first ever Drinks with DIESOL featuring educators from across the States! If it sounds like fun, you're invited to join us next time! Follow on Twitter @DIESOLpod to see when our next open invite is!
In this episode we are not talking about technology in the classroom, but rather looking at how our field is involved with the bigger national conversation around racism, whiteness, and how TESOL teachers are involved with the systematic disparities happening to BIPOC in English Language Teaching.
JPB Gerald is a scholar in the field focusing on the understudied area of whiteness in TESOL, and shares insights and challenges on how we can go about decentralizing whiteness in our field.
Not an episode, just a plea to listen to the voices of Black Americans right now, and a couple of resources if you don't know where to start.
Ixchell & Brent talk culturally responsive teaching and literature with Dr. Mary Patton, Professor of ESOL at El Centro Community College in Dallas, and President of TEXTESOL V. This discussion covers finding novels that engage students, recognizing where students are coming from, and of course, how technology impacts their learning.
To avoid Summer Learning Loss, we can encourage our students with some useful ways to keep their language acquisition skills up even when they aren't in class. This episode covers why this is important, and a number of resources students can use for autonomous learning during the summer.
Judie Haynes, co-founder and facilitator of #ELLchat, TESOL columnist, and author of several ESL Books including Teaching to Strengths: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence, and Chronic Stress, joins us to discuss the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) of ESL students as we continue to deal with the shift to distance learning.
With the shift to distance learning, a lot of teachers are concerned about how to Engage their ESOL students online. Since Brent is teaching via Zoom, and Ixchell is teaching with a combination of telephone and alternative resources, this episode covers some of the ways we have been exploring as possibilities to keep our students learning and focused.
Sometimes we just need to take a break and hang out with some friends. This episode is a wide-ranging open conversation with Brent and Ryan & Brian from the Check This Out Podcast, Tom & Mike from TOSAs Talking Tech, and Shukes and Giff from Shukes & Giff.
This episode is just for fun, because we all need to blow off some steam, so come join us for some laughs. Back to the regular schedule next week!
With the worldwide switch to online teaching due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to bring on Denise Maduli-Williams, a teacher with in-depth experience working with English Language Learners online.
Denise shares from her wealth of expertise and helps distinguish best practices for the current crisis as well as for fully developed online classes. If you're not sure where to go with your transition to teaching over the Internet, listen in!
Brent & Ixchell explore issues with anxiety around speaking for English Language Learners and share some ideas for best practices in helping students with low stakes opportunities to improve.
How much does it take to build a brand new game for your class? Brent and Ixchell talk with Cate Tolnai about gamification, game-based learning, and how to use games to make learning more accessible. Then they create a game live on the show for everyone to use - LEVEL UP!!
Brent & Ixchell dive into a meta-analysis of best practices in teaching grammar, and then transfer those practices into tech to help students improve.
Carol Salva drops in as the first guest on the DIESOL Podcast! This open conversation covers best practices, improving as a teacher, managing our daily lives, and much much more!
Why is it important for teachers to try new things and explore new tools? Brent & Ixchell discuss why it's important to move out of your comfort zone, confront confirmation bias, and experiment with new technology.
In the spirit of exploration, we explore 20 tools we want to look at in 2020.
Brent and Ixchell break down the research and best practices behind groupwork, and what to do when students are reluctant to work in teams. They then lay out the response to the argument that if kids are working together in class, then they don't need technology. Finally, they discuss some useful technology to ensure collaboration.
Show notes at www.diesol.org
Brent and Ixchell look at some of the research behind writing and engaging students and use that information to discuss how teachers can use message boards to help English Language Learners.
We also discuss auto-summarizers, a bit of plagiarism, and some techniques for helping students through drafts of papers.
The DIESOL Podcast focuses on helping TESOL Teachers support their ESL/EFL students through using research-based pedagogy with modern technology in the classroom.
In Episode 4, Brent and Ixchell talk about short-term and long-term motivation for language learners. We discuss how to build it, & how to maintain it, and we also talk about using games as a technique to keep the motivation levels high.
Tune in for information on EdTech, ESL, Education, EFL, ESOL, TESOL, TEFL, ELT, TEAL, ELL, Motivation, Games, Gaming, & Gamification
Conferences are a great way to build your knowledge, understanding, and contacts in the ESL field, but many people don't know the best way to take advantage of conferences. Brent and Ixchell share best tips for attending TESOL related conferences including how to find useful sessions, and who to talk to when you're there.
Second, if you're ready to step beyond attending and get into presenting, we've provided a number of things to consider as you're getting into giving presentations. Whether you are interested in starting with poster sessions, or getting more advanced with breakouts or even featured presentations, we get you started with things to consider.
If you do end up presenting, send us a message and let us know where you're going to be!
Brent and Ixchell discuss some common myths around vocabulary acquisition, including the idea that students should avoid anything in their mother tongue. This episode looks at ideas from Keith Folse and goes on to share ideas for apps and services that can help students become independent vocabulary learners.
In this episode, Ixchell & Brent launch the show and discuss the many acronyms involved in the field of English Language Learning. They also take a look at best practices for listening in an ESL class, and offer some advice on getting students to build their listening skills beyond the classroom walls.