[emile]

What online activities do you use with your students?

[mesmark]

I'd like to do more on-line with my students but to be honest I wish they'd do more on their own. I just don't have the time to do it in class.

[Eric]

When i was teaching young learners i built a website for them that matched their book. There were 10 questions for each unit of each book. (too much work!) I would assign it for homework and the results were emailed to me.

Currently with my university students i don't use anything.

[emile]

There were 10 questions for each unit of each book. (too much work!)

I think the key is to do it template-style. Then it's a lot less work. You can get the computer to read in questions from a database.

[openmind]

We are running a newsletter I started in 2002 for one my groups. Back then we didn't have website so I simply put their emails addresses on a list and would send them an email on a frequent basis. Now the newsletter has almost 8000 subscribers from all over the world and those inital readers are still on the list. In addition I often have my groups create key word lists they have to google and read up more information on Wikipedia.

[emile]

That's actually a great idea. I think I'll steal it if you don't mind. It's a nice idea to keep in touch with all your students from the past, too, and to keep them interested in improving their English - promote lifelong learning.

Any chance I could see a sample or get on the list. My mail is emiledodds <at> gmail.com

[openmind]

Yes of course you can take a look at the newsletter:
ESL newsletter

Let me know what you think,
Regards
Torsten

[emile]

Thanks Torsten,

I've already gotten my students' email addresses. Pity I only have six students at the mo!

I had a look at a couple of your newsletters. They look fun - simple and effective.

Emile

[openmind]

Hi Emile, good doing - even if you have 'only' 6 addresses you can start your mailing list. Put it on your website and you will see how many other learners subscribe. It's an effective way of staying in touch with your learners/partners and exchanging ideas. Use the newsletter to support your website and your website to support your newsletter ....