As we face changes, disruptions, and uncertainty in every part of our lives, one thing that has emerged from the last three months with absolute clarity is the importance of teaching online. For many teachers, the shift has been a challenging one. Practically overnight, they were asked to switch from classroom teaching to purely online classes — and often without any training or assistance.
Using ClarityEnglish programs off-site
Every Clarity subscription can allow students to run the ClarityEnglish programs from home, the bus-stop, the library and the classroom. What are the elements required for this to be as smooth as silk (as Tense Buster, Intermediate, Equality would teach us)?
Introducing Admin Panel, the rebirth of Clarity’s Results Manager
In anticipation of the big Admin Panel release in August, we ask Clarity’s Technical Team about why teachers and administrators should look forward to the new version of this seemingly mundane administrative tool.
How to take an online test when you have no Internet access
Andrew Stokes explains how an online test can support those with unreliable connectivity — or no Internet access at all.
“Is it OK to speak English with a foreign accent?”
Andrew Stokes looks at how the new version of Clear Pronunciation can enable students to speak clearly, and with confidence.
The importance of placement testing
As both a teacher and test developer I often have the feeling that the seemingly related fields of teaching and testing are in reality worlds apart. Being active in both fields, I try to mediate, to put it in CEFR terms. On one hand, as a test developer I want to measure skills and collect empirical data on my subjects. On the other hand, I am a compassionate teacher (I think) and I really do want all my students to do well.
A world in lockdown: adapting to remote testing
Amongst the many disruptions caused by the covid-19 pandemic has been the closure of IELTS test centres and widespread postponement of IELTS tests. For most students, schools and universities this has brought the academic application process to a halt – but not for all.
Computer-delivered IELTS: why you must try it out
Sieon Lau reports on a Road to IELTS upgrade that enables IELTS test takers to prepare for the increasingly popular CD IELTS.
Running tests from home
Now more than ever, institutions are finding the need to deliver tests to students who are not able to go to a controlled computer room. What can you do to find the best setup that will make this run as smoothly as possible? This post refers principally to the Dynamic Placement Test, but many of the ideas are relevant to other tests too.
Why librarians are embracing digital for language learning
At a recent gathering of librarians in Melbourne, an interesting discussion sprung up about the advantages and disadvantages of providing digital resources for library patrons. Andrew Stokes gives a summary.