Language_Arts

My new favorite website is: [] What a great way to get students to learn new vocabulary. This would be an excellent addition to my Language Arts Seminar for a 15 minute segment. It would also eliminate the need to purchase vocabulary books. It reminds me a lot of free rice, but I like the way that you can ask for hints and use the dictionary.

I like this site from the Web directory - Teacher's Domain [] I would use this to launch a discussion about poetry in a GED prep session for students that may be struggling to interpret poetry. It is very nice because the author is reading their own work. There are even discussion questions ready for use.

I like the web for the Purdue Online Writing Lab [] When I was searching through the web sites for this assignment this site caught my eye and my interest mainly because it did not scare me away! It is a non-threatening site ( my immediate reaction) which would allow a new learner and a beginning technocrat the space to explore information and work as slowly as needed perfecting their written skills while gaining experience on the computer.

I like the link for Web English Teacher []

When I poked around, I was able to see how I could use some of the exercises with students in CTP, especially those who need to supplement their English usage, but really all students for writing experience. The lesson plans I looked at appear to be well thought out and interesting. Then, when I went back to see who wrote the lesson plans or was in charge of the website, I couldn't find that information and so now my curiosity is piqued. I will do some more exploring.

Beyond that question, I would be less excited about using this site than some others because it does have a lot of ads on it.

Already, we use (and use and use) the Purdue Online Writing Lab []. It is invaluable, particularly when we work on our APA format research paper. Since it is kept up by Purdue University and is recognized as the "go to" source for formatting, I know the site is reliable. It is ready for a facelift, though.:)

Interactive Grammar Quizzes

[]

I liked Interactive Grammar Quizzes. I've used it before as a reinforcer to lessons taught in my basic English class. It has an easy-to-use grid where a student can review lessons or "test out" of grammar they already know. A teacher may use this as a way to differentiate the teaching of grammar to a variety of adult learners who most likely will be at variying levels. It is also easy to navigate and free of advertisement.

On the other hand, its heavily text-based lessons may be difficult for an ELL or low ABE learner to digest. I would use this to supplement classroom lessons, not as the sole teacher of the lessons.

I did love the Identifying Basic Sentence Parts. This would be great to reinforce the old-fashioned diagramming sentences warm-ups I have my students work on to reinforce the structure of a sentence, especially my high level ELL learners.

I tried using the Interactive Grammar Quizzes with my beginning ABE students most of whom are speakers of other languages. I was desperate to find something comparable to PLATO in a lab session for my English class. Though we had done review in many of the grammar areas, the language and vocabulary in many exercises far exceeded the level of my students:(

__Agree __

Yes, owl.english.purdue.edu and grammar.ccc.commnet.edu are two of my favorite for our transition students for quick reference when they have grammar questions or when they need to do exercises to refine some skills.

[|www.vocabulary.com] would be a fun one to change the pace a little during class. I would use it as sort of a game or competition. I'm always looking for ways to help the students increase their vocabulary.

How lucky we are that Maine offers free access to research databases through [|www.libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases]. WHen teaching research strategies this is a perfect source. My students now realize they can do all of their research online. Sorry, site is [|www.libraries.**maine**.edu/**maine**databases/info.asp] Julie Patten MARTI 06

I previewed the Interactive Grammar Quizzes at []

When I first visited the site, I thought is was more teacher oriented than student oriented. Then I realized that the actual quizes were in the 2nd half of the Web site. My first impression was that some of the quiz formats were confusing and complicted, but then I found others that were quite simple and easy to use. There were actually some quizes that were introduced with the comment that they would be good for ESL students. I quess teachers just have to spend time poking around.

I have read possitive comments on this wiki by those who use and like this Web site. They mentioned being familiar with the texts/resources that the quizes were based on. I guess I need to learn more about them.

I did, though, have trouble with a couple of links in the site. They did not work.

[]

I really like this site. It covers all aspects of grammar and I like the fact they can take quizzes. Bette Pulley

[]

I also like this one. I use it all the time for my personal research, and I can get help from my local librarian if I have questions. Bette Pulley

[]

This is an amazing site, and I have used it for many years. Answers are usually quite readily available, but I have contacted them with additional questions and someone always answers from email. Bette Pulley