Speaking Max

http://www.speakingmax.com/maxTool/selectcourse.php

Area : Speaking
Rate : ★★
Target : Middle and High school students

Well, it is actually good, but it's not free!
That's why the rate is low.
Students can speak or dictate what they heard.
Though it is not all free, they can use free version.




Isn't it interesting?

Speaking Max makes students see the differences between their own pronunciation and native speaker's pronunciation clearly because of the visual feedback.

There are many interesting and funny videos with exciting games that can grab students' attentions, so it is not boring and students will do their best.

If there is the Internet, you can use it anywhere, anytime.

If students repeat native speakers' speech everyday, their pronunciation can be like theirs.






Just introducing this website can be good for your students.
But it's not free, it is hard to use in the classroom.



1)Learner fit :
The accent is various. So learners may have problems to takc appropriate programs. But basically they are fine.
2)Explicit teaching :
The activities can help the learners focus on some words not particular sounds including how they are made and how they contrast with other sounds. And also the program doesn't come with materials to help preteach and develop follow-up activities.
3)Interaction with the computer :
The activities provide opportunities for interaction between the learner and the computer to practice frames in contexts. But The interactions allow learners to speak but not to record their own voices. Howeber the language of the interactions provide interesting useful material for learners to use in other activities.
4)Evaluation and visual feedback :
The activities provide accurate evaluation but not feedback to learners about the correctness of their responses. And the program can't provide visual feedback.
5)Strategy development :
It fuides learners in developing strategies that will help them find and use technology for oral language outside of the class.

How to use?
Web sites for speaking ability is very rare. So you can use it in class. Make your students repeat what the video shows. With this web, your students' listening ability also can be developed. Actually you can't give them feedback directly. But try to give a chance to some students to get feedback. And encourage your students to use this web site.