Friday, February 29, 2008
Searching on MEC and MEDO clinic

Product Trainer, Sarah Milligan, writes:

 

On the 26th February we held our seventh online MEC Clinic. I took MEC users through the different searches on MEC and gave a tour of MEDO.

 

                       

 

The clinic included a summary of the differences between each search facility and in what situations we might use them. It also included some extra information on search operators for the Word and Phrase search with examples. Finally we looked at the wide variety of resources available on Macmillan English Dictionary online.  

 

Click on the link below to see a downloadable PDF of the clinic presentation:

 

 

 Searching on MEC and MEDO presentation1.ppt (1.83 MB)

 

 

 The clinic participants were:

 

Vivienne Antognini - LAC Lombardia Language Consultants

Astrid Krake - VHS Munich

Donna Liersch - VHS Munich

Michelle Lechner - VHS Munich

Christina Kaku - IH Prague

Nataliya Yordanova - AVO-Bell Sofia

Milena Grudeva -  AVO-Bell Sofia

 

Thank you very much to everyone who took part. Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and comments.

 

If you are interested in attending the next MEC clinic please contact us by leaving a comment or emailing s.milligan@macmillan.com

Friday, February 29, 2008 10:56:41 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Thursday, February 28, 2008
MEC Clinic

How do you use MEC? Would you like some inspirational ideas on how to build your own courses on the Campus?


MEC clinics are short sessions (maximum 90 minutes) involving small groups of no more than 10. They are on a first-come, first-served basis to any teachers who use MEC.

 

There is no cost involved: we will set up and host the sessions. Those attending simply need their web-linked computer and a separate phone line to dial a freephone number. 

 

Our next clinic will be held on Thursday 20th March 2008, 11am GMT

Subject: Course-building on MEC - tips and ideas

 

If you are interested in attending this event or you require any further information, please let us know through the 'contact us' section of this site or by emailing s.milligan@macmillan.com.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:58:11 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
MEC February newsletter

MEC Marketing Coordinator, Jane Petrie, writes:

Macmillan English Campus announces the launch of new resources for English for Academic Purposes

                                                  

 

Macmillan English Campus is delighted to announce the publication of a new, flexible bank of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) material. The first set of materials, Academic Grammar and Writing, is being published in February, with two more content sets to follow in March and April 2008.

                                             

Academic Grammar and Writing consists of 42 exercises at C1 / IELTS 5.5-6.5 level. Written by experienced university teachers, the material includes 12 sample essays using extracts from academic writing in a range of disciplines and genres to help students with planning and writing their own work. The sample essays also look at common problems such as paraphrasing, quotations, referencing and plagiarism. Each includes examples of good (and bad) practice, with detailed hints for students. The sample essays are supported by eight interactive language exercises which give students the opportunity to practise academic vocabulary, error recognition, and style and register.

 

A detailed knowledge of academic grammar is essential for students studying in an English-speaking university and the writing resources are supported by 22 grammar reference units which explain grammatical points in an academic context, drawing examples from academic corpora. Each grammar reference unit also includes an interactive exercise, designed to help students apply and practise academic grammar. The exercise can be completed before or after reading the explanatory text.

Flexible yet comprehensive, this is the ideal resource for both pre- and in-sessional EAP provision.

Key Features:

  • Flexible resources which can be used individually or combined into a course.
  • Interactive grammar and language exercises give students instant marks.
  • Exercises use input texts designed to teach and practise academic skills.
  • Sample essays introduce students to techniques for writing different types of essays.
  • Use of authentic academic writing from a range of disciplines and genres.
  • Grammar reference units introduce advanced grammar using examples drawn from academic corpora.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 4:33:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
News items update!

MEC Senior Editor, Jeremy Smith, writes:

Kosovo splits from Serbia

 

This week's news item, adapted for MEC from a news article originally published in the Guardian Weekly, is about Kosovo declaring its independence from Serbia and the world's reaction to this decision.

 

 

 

Go to the Headline News section on your Work Area screen to find out who is and isn't supporting Kosovo and why.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:24:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Friday, February 22, 2008
Twitter

MEC Marketing Assistant, Julian Chant, writes:

Have you heard about the Web 2.0 sensation known as Twitter?



Twitter is a free, web-based social networking program that allows users to quickly share small comments, or micro-blogs, with each other via SMS, instant messaging or a third-party application such as Twitterrific.

Although primarily used for social purposes, Twitter has found use as a modern form of cablese in political journalism as well as being utilized for educational purposes. Elena Bonito offers some useful language classroom applications such as asking students to open an account and post five entries a day, describing what they’re doing. David Parry from AcademHack has more ideas for Twitter in Academia, finding that Twitter encourages a sense of classroom community beyond the classroom space.

If you’ve tried Twitter before in or out of the classroom, we would love to hear any suggestions you might have for applications in ELT.

And if Twitter is new to you, Jenny Laycock's guide to getting started with Twitter provides a step-by-step explanation of how to get the ball rolling. So, what are you waiting for? Encourage your students to start Twittering!
Friday, February 22, 2008 2:57:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Thursday, February 21, 2008
MEC in Munich: Münchner Volkshochschule training report

MEC Product Trainer, Sarah Milligan, writes:

 

We're delighted to announce that Münchner Volkshochschule has recently started using Macmillan English Campus. Their MEC training took place on the 8th and 15th of February in Munich, Germany.

                                  A view of Munich cathedral
                                 

Münchner Volkshochschule is a highly esteemed, adult learning centre which offers a multitude of classes including EFL. We were impressed by their wonderful IT training room and participants who were eager to use MEC. Münchner Volkshochschule plan to build a blended course to provide their learners with extra practice outside lessons. Their MEC courses will compliment the books they're currently using in class.

We felt that the participants really showed enthusiasm for MEC during the training sessions and gave us some great suggestions for future developments. We're looking forward to finding out what their students think of MEC in the coming months.

Thursday, February 21, 2008 4:57:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
MEC Clinic

Are you taking advantage of all the search facilities on MEC? Would you like to get the best out of MEDO? Why not come and join our next clinic which is all about searching on MEC. 
MEC clinics are short sessions (maximum 90 minutes) involving small groups of no more than 10. They are on a first-come, first-served basis to any teachers who use MEC.

 

There is no cost involved: we will set up and host the sessions. Those attending simply need their web-linked computer and a separate phone line to dial a freephone number. 

 

Our next clinic will be held on Tuesday 26th February 2008, 2pm GMT

Presenter: Sarah Milligan, MEC Product Trainer

Subject: Searching on MEC - making the most of search facilities

 

If you are interested in attending this event or you require any further information, please let us know through the 'contact us' section of this site or by emailing s.milligan@macmillan.com.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:19:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
News items update!

MEC Senior Editor, Jeremy Smith, writes:

 

 

Global meltdown

 

This week's news item, adapted for MEC from a news article originally published in the Guardian Weekly, is about a report by scientists ranking the regions in the world that are most vulnerable from the effects of climate change.

 

Go to the Headline News section on your Work Area screen to discover more about which places are under threat and why.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 4:47:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Friday, February 15, 2008
RSS feeds

MEC Marketing Assistant, Julian Chant, writes:

Do you know what an RSS feed is?

In a nutshell, RSS feeds - which generally have this icon next to them - contain a summary of content from an associated web site, making it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

There are many different 'RSS Feed Readers' to choose from. The Mozilla Firefox version of Google Toolbar has a great function called "Subscribe" which enables you to add RSS Feeds to your toolbar in the same way that you add web pages to your Bookmarks folder. The Toolbar will automatically detect if content of the page you're browsing is available for subscription and enable the "Subscribe" button to notify you. When enabled, simply click "Subscribe" and you'll be taken to your chosen feed reader to confirm the subscription.




In the image above you can see an example of what an RSS feed using Firefox Live Bookmarks looks like. To enable Live Bookmarks, simply click on the "Subscribe" icon in your Google Toolbar and select "Choose Reader". In the drop-down menu you will see "Firefox Live Bookmarks".

RSS feeds are an excellent compliment to Web Links as they encourage your students to regularly view online content that you recommend. As well as connect2mec, other useful sites to subscribe to could include online news such as the BBC or regularly updated online content such as Wikipedia.

For a more detailed explanation of RSS feeds, take a look at this article from Wikipedia. If you don't already have them, Mozilla Firefox and Google Toolbar are both free to download.

Friday, February 15, 2008 4:37:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
News items update!

MEC Editor, Sarah Cumming, writes:

 

 

 

This week's news item, adapted for MEC from a news article originally published in the Guardian Weekly, is about the World Bank's global economic report for 2008.

 

Go to the Headline News section on your Work Area screen to find out why developing countries are taking the lead.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:01:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mec Clinic

Are you taking advantage of all the search facilities on MEC? Would you like to get the best out of MEDO? Why not come and join our next clinic which is all about searching on MEC. 
MEC clinics are short sessions (maximum 90 minutes) involving small groups of no more than 10. They are on a first-come, first-served basis to any teachers who use MEC.

 

There is no cost involved: we will set up and host the sessions. Those attending simply need their web-linked computer and a separate phone line to dial a freephone number. 

 

Our next clinic will be held on Tuesday 26th February 2008, 2pm GMT

Presenter: Sarah Milligan, MEC Product Trainer

Subject: Searching on MEC - making the most of search facilities

 

If you are interested in attending this event or you require any further information, please let us know through the 'contact us' section of this site or by emailing s.milligan@macmillan.com.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:09:15 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Friday, February 08, 2008
Onestopenglish update!

Onestopenglish Web Editor, Becca Sams, writes:

 

 

February on onestopenglish sees the launch of a new series of dictionary skills lesson plans by Tim Bowen. These worksheets are pitched at three different levels and aim to train learners in dictionary use and to help develop their vocabulary.

 

January's Young Learners lesson share competition was won by Dennis Baker for a fun lesson on creative writing (The three boxes writing activity). This month, the competition is back to normal, with no particular theme, so send us you ideas!

 

We've also launched a Facebook group for our audio soap opera, The Road Less Travelled. There is a profile page for Katie, the main character, and an open group for discussion. Each month we would like to add to Katie's Facebook page - either by completing her profile, adding pictures or posting notes from her. And we need your help - this is where you and your students come in! Find out more here.

 

There's lots of other great content so please take the time to explore and enjoy another packed edition of onestopenglish!

 
Friday, February 08, 2008 3:57:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
How do you teach phonetics?

MEC Product Trainer, Sarah Milligan, writes:

      

 

How do you teach phonetics to your learners?

 

Adrian Underhill shows teachers how he thinks it should be done in a fantasic video posted on The world according to Macmillan. It's definitely worth spending five minutes of your time watching and listening to Adrian as he gives a workshop on pronunciation and how to teach it. On this website there is also a link to many more methodology videos which you can access by clicking on the Methodology link under Adrian's video.

 

After watching Adrian’s entertaining and informative video you could also use some MEC resources to practise Adrian’s techniques on your learners. Why not try the resources listed below.

 

 

  • Sounds - Pronunciation Activity (Level 1)
  • Vowel Sounds - Pronunciation Activity (Level 2)
  • Feet or Fit - Pronunciation Activity  (Level 3)
  • Minimal Pairs Contrasting Vowels -Pronunciation Activity (Level 4)
  • Same Sound Different Spelling - Pronunciation Activity  (Level 5)
  • Clusters of Three or More Consonants - Pronunciation Activity (Level 6)

 

There are over a hundred and fifty pronunciation activities to choose from in MEC. Remember that some learners, even with a very high level of English, lack confidence in pronunciation, so it's always useful to dedicate time and effort to incorporating it into your lesson. Some of the pronunciation activities are suitable for various levels which means you have even more to use.

 

 

On top of all that, you can find more teaching help by going to the Methodology Database from your Work Area in MEC. If you type 'pronunciation' in the search you will find Adrian Underhill's well-known book, Sound Foundations divided into 31 units. As well as Sound Foundations there are other chapters relevant to pronunciation taken from Inside Teaching and The Language Teacher's Voice. These are all part of the Macmillan Books for Teachers Series.

 
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:36:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
News items and words games update!

MEC Editor, Sarah Cumming, writes:

 

This week's news item, adapted for MEC from a news article originally published in the Guardian Weekly, is about services in Japan which reunite couples months, and even years, after they've separated.

 

 

 

Go to the Headline News section on your Work Area screen to find out more about this story.

 

 

February word games

 

This month's Witch's Pot topics are 'months of the year' (Easy), 'words relating to computers' (Average) and 'words relating to the theatre' (Difficult).

 

The Swamp Disaster topics are 'sporting terms' (Easy), 'clothing and jewellery' (Average) and 'travel and tourism' (Difficult).

 

The Wordsearch topics are 'numbers' (Easy), 'words relating to water' (Average) and 'scientific words' (Difficult).

 

As usual, there are new Crosswords and Bridge Builders at all levels too.

 

Visit the Word Games area to find them all.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008 5:29:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [1]  | 
Friday, February 01, 2008
Free Rice!

 

Product trainer, Sarah Milligan, writes:

 

Have you seen this website?

 

Free Rice is a website dedicated to eradicating world hunger. You get to play a fun word game and for every question you answer correctly 20 grains of rice will be donated to countries that really need it.

 

The game itself is a challenge that can be played by learners of English and native speakers alike. Your advanced learners might appreciate the chance to play this game for five or ten minutes at the end of a lesson. Plus they get to feel good about themselves whilst doing it!

 

In fact you could even base a whole lesson around it. It would make a really interesting warmer for a lesson based on 'problems in the third world' or 'world causes'. You could team this warmer up with some of these MEC resources:

 

·         News Item - Charities are the most trusted public institution (all levels)

·         News Item - Not enough food for Darfur (all levels)

·         Listening Activity - Listening 076 Mini-Lecture (level 5)

 

Go and take a look and see how many points you can get!  

 

 Free Rice

 
Friday, February 01, 2008 4:06:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Comments [0]  |