Andrew Stokes argues that a four-minute video can get teachers over the crucial first hurdle in learning how to use a new online resource.
Category: Clarity updates
Getting test takers started with Dynamic Placement Test
Subramoni Iyer describes how his experience with students and teachers in Syria led to localised test instructions and a pre-test video.
Placement tests: Can your choice of device affect your result?
Clarity’s Technical Director, Adrian Raper, considers the issue of fairness when students are taking the same test on different devices.
English Australia Journal reviews Practical Writing
Vanessa Tod of Macquarie University reviews Practical Writing for English Australia Journal.
Looking after student data
Recent developments in data protection regulations, and especially GDPR, have made Clarity think harder about how we deal with student data. In this interview, Dr Adrian Raper, Clarity’s Technical Director, who is also in overall charge of data protection, discusses where he draws the line between two opposing imperatives.
ClarityEnglish’s readiness for the GDPR
We care about protecting your privacy. Over the last 25 years, we have been scrupulous in keeping and updating our clients’ information in our database. In light of the GDPR, we would like to reassure you that Clarity and its staff are determined to protect the personal data that you have shared with us.
“I didn’t have time to finish the test — and I’m an English teacher!”
Surely the more questions you answer in a placement test, the more points you get and the higher your score? If you can’t finish, you can’t do yourself justice. And that must invalidate the result.
Understanding student activity
Should independent learning be directed, free, or somewhere in between? How much do you need to advise, and how much feedback should you expect? This is partly a question of maximising learning potential for students, and partly a matter of control for teachers — but wherever you stand on the spectrum, there is some information which you really do need to access. At an absolute minimum, you need to know whether the online resources you are paying are actually being used.
IELTS preparation: getting students excited
How do you get your students started on their IELTS journey? This post outlines a successful 45-minute orientation session.
mLearning and Study Skills Success
How important is it for students to be able to access learning materials on their smartphones? This post looks at some fascinating trends.