aucenglish

In recent months, I have been speaking to people who are helping residents of Massachusetts learn to be more proficient in English. These are people who are connected with the local government and businesses in an effort to increase study opportunities for English language learners.

One of the things that they have told me is that people have less and less time to do classes. Yet, the need for them is greater and greater. Thus, classes that are intensive are the best, rather than classes that continue on and on for months and semesters.

Another point that I gathered in my research was the fact that people's hurried lives make them more dependent on technology, particularly communication technology. The rise of Facebook and other social media demonstrate that even in the midst of the constant rush, people can use technology to improve their lives.

What we have tried to do with aucenglish is to combine the intensivity of a short burst of study with the power and appeal of technology in language education that makes it all come together for our students.

Welcome to aucenglish!

2010 ACTFL Convention in Boston

I attended this convention in Boston two weeks ago. It was awesome to learn more that I can share and use with my students!

Language Instruction Video Conferencing

This is a video of a new friend I met last week at the ACTFL Convention in Boston. Dr. Tim Cook teaching Japanese through videoconferencing. Although, I don't understand much Japanese at all, it is still pretty cool and funny!

Videoconferencing with a Japanese class from Tim Cook on Vimeo.

Dr. Sung and I - Lab Techs

This school year is getting off to a great start. One of the reasons is that I have a new friend, Dr. Backil Sung. He is a medical doctor and a Ph.D. He has joined my other good friend, Dr. Richard Brown, in the Natural Sciences Department.

Dr. Sung has a special interest, and that is helping grow the English Language Institute with students. He is Korean and has many contacts in that country, where there is a great passion for English language study.

This is a photo of us working on the ELI Language Lab, which had been defunct for about 5 years. Once Dr. Sung came around, miraculously, the lab began working again! Hallelujah! Now we are trying to work the bugs out so that this machine can once again help students learn language.

God bless you, Dr. Sung!

Students v. Faculty at La Sierra?

The following videos are very insightful into the dynamic between some students and some faculty members at La Sierra University since their evolution/creation controversy began.

The Last Generation (Preview) from The Last Generation Directors on Vimeo.

Biblical Interpretation; Deleted Scene from The Last Generation Directors on Vimeo.

A Polyglot's Daily Linguistic Routine

This is an inspiration to me. I just wish I had developed the habits this gentleman uses much earlier in life. I do believe in his methods of acquiring languages - multiple and varied! Everyone can learn language is they have the desire and practice daily. It is a lot like music. Enjoy this video!

Second Life in Education

Second Life can be a great tool in Education. Learn more in these videos:






ESL IN SECOND LIFE