Google Doodles: Thank you coronavirus helpers

If you had the chance to use the Google search engine on the days when the COVID-19 outbreak was still occurring, we could see Google images on the old face that were different every day. Google has launched a different Google Doodle series every day to express its gratitude to those who always maintain the stability of the running of a country. One of the Google Doodles that was launched was the Google Doodle Teachers and childcare workers series which can be seen on Friday, April 17, 2020. Google's appreciation of teachers and education personnel is not without reason. Teachers have contributed to helping keep education going, even online. They directed students and parents to understand the dangers of the COVID-19 outbreak.

They lead children directly to stay at home with a variety of positive activities that parents may not be able to do alone. So it's only natural that Google places teachers and child workers as one who is appreciated in times of epidemics like this.

Many complaints from students and parents about the difficulty of learning from home, whether from the burden of work, the provision of adequate internet and gadgets, including the cost of education.

From the point of view of the teacher who is carrying out the teaching, it is also difficult to work from home.

Working from home requires many things, such as the unclear division of work hours that make teachers unable to divide time between work and family and household chores, and back again with internet facilities that may not be fulfilled by the teacher himself. When people appreciate complaints about students' learning difficulties when learning from home, then reduce the burden of learning so that students do not stress that can cause a decrease in body immunity or boredom with learning at home, it is also important to realize that teachers should not be burdened with too many assignments outside of teaching that might have caused the same events experienced by students. To make them more expressive, more creative, they also need spare time to do what normal people do, like exercising or doing their hobbies, which is of course that are done at home. If they can do this, they can be happy and they can share their happiness to students and parents.

What Google has done makes us aware that teachers and educators are part of the community who are also struggling against this extraordinary event. Hopefully, all teachers in this world remain healthy, remain dedicated in their work, and can still develop themselves so that they can spread it to others.

APPS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING SKILL WHILE STUDYING AT HOME

Now the era of learning does not have to always be in a formal institution, mainly in a classroom. With technological sophistication, everyone can learn in a digital way. For students in quarantine time like this, the learning system can continue to run this way. It is certain that students can develop with current technological advancements. They can independently explore knowledge in cyberspace. By not meeting friends and teachers at school, it does not mean that students cannot develop English speaking skills.

There are several applications that can be used by both students and anyone who wants to develop language skills. I have searched and summarized several applications that can be used to develop English speaking skills. Combined with other English learning strategies, these apps can be powerful tools to learn how to speak English fluently.

I’ve found several of the most unique, innovative English speaking apps out there. They’ll be the talkative digital companions you need to develop your accent and speak more naturally.

So grab your favorite device and let’s get talking!

How Using Apps Benefits English Learners

Ok, I get it, apps are great. But why should I use apps when there are so many other learning methods out there?

Freedom to learn anywhere you are, anytime you want: You can learn on your own time and create a program that fits your needs. For instance, you can practice in bed before sleep using these apps. Or you could practice while you travel and watch that otherwise boring time on the plane flying by as you learn!

You can clearly learn English this way with a book, too, but with an app, you don’t need to carry anything other than your favorite device.

Increased productivity: An English speaking app is always with you. Sometimes, you waste time while waiting for an appointment or on your commute, but by using an app you’ll have the chance to invest that time in a more productive way: reviewing, learning and playing.

Fun and motivation: Yes! You can learn while having fun. These apps let you play games and complete exercises while learning the language.

Plus, with an element of fun, English apps will help you stay motivated to keep practicing. Many of them will also track your learning progress, which can further boost motivation.

Affordability: Maybe the biggest benefit of English speaking apps is that they’re affordable—sometimes free! There are tons of apps that offer free lessons, activities, and resources for speaking English.

I’ve selected some of the best ones for you.

ELSA

Website/iOS/Android

Before you start speaking English, you’ve got to focus on your pronunciation. ELSA—which stands for English Language Speech Assistant—is an interactive speaking app that helps you speak English better by fine-tuning your pronunciation.

When you begin learning, ELSA asks your native language to sense how your English pronunciation might be. Then, it presents you with a few common phrases and words and listens to your own pronunciation of them.

Once that’s done, ELSA starts teaching you specific syllables and sounds that you’re having trouble with.

ELSA’s program was designed by experts in communication and speech coaching. 

Nativox

Website/Android

Nativox claims to be the first method to teach English based on improving intonation (pitch/cadence of speech).

Like any language, English has not only its particular sounds but also its own intonation patterns. Nativox focuses on helping users visualize and comprehend American English intonation to improve speaking abilities.

While using Nativox, first you listen with your ears and eyes—you’ll be able to see the melodic line of the intonation patterns. These are specially designed for you to find out which part has a stronger pronunciation and what part has a weaker one.

Then, you’ll be able to repeat phrases and record yourself imitating the pronunciation and intonation until you get good at it. Just like we learned when we were children.

Finally, you’ll listen to yourself while you find out the meaning of what you’re saying. Nativox is designed so you can learn how to say something while learning what it means. That way, your brain is free to focus on speaking, rather than on grammar or vocabulary.

Duolingo

Website/Android

Duolingo is an interactive English application you can use if you are a novice learner or a young learner. It is really to use. But if you need to learn to speak English seriously, this app is not a good choice. On the other hand, if you need less time to study and want to have fun while developing your pronunciation and vocabulary, Duolingo can fulfill that need.

It's more like a game, so instead of learning in a boring way, you can feel easy and fun to study like you're not studying at all.

Duolingo has taken boring language textbooks with methods that don’t work very well and turned them into computer games that still don’t help you learn a language very well.

FluentU
Website/iOS/Android If you’re keen on audiovisual learning and want to learn to speak English while having fun, then FluentU is the right way to go. FluentU uses engaging, authentic English videos—such as popular talk shows, news, and funny YouTube clips—to provide you an entertaining English speaking experience.

If you want to watch it, FluentU’s probably got it.

Each video comes with interactive captions that provide definitions and pronunciations for any word you don’t recognize.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world-famous celebrities.

For example, tap on the word “brought,” and you would see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Videos become English lessons—each one comes with flashcards, vocabulary lists, and fun quizzes. With FluentU’s questions, you can always see more examples of the word you’re learning. FluentU also helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. That means not only will you learn English naturally, you’ll also be able to speak English the way native speakers really use it. What I like most about the FluentU app is the chance to keep a record of my progress as I’m learning, as well as the recommendations it gives me based on what I’m learning. No one will have the same experience, even if they’re learning with the same videos.


Apps4Speaking
Website/Android Missing having an English speaking companion? Then, this app is perfect for you. You can keep an interactive conversation with a video character so you can work on your English speaking skills even if you have no one to practice with. First, you listen to a dialogue in a video as many times as you need. You’ll be shown pictures to link with the meaning of the words. That way, you can focus on speaking instead of reading a text. Then, you can read the dialogues to better understand them before you start speaking. Finally, you get to play the role of one of the characters in the video and immerse yourself in the conversation. The app combines the latest speech recognition technologies with videos so you can speak with the characters like in a real conversation. What I love most about this app is the continuous feedback you get—as you progress you’ll get points based on your performance anytime, just like in a video game!


In conclusion, you don't need to worry about continuing to develop yourself, especially in your ability to speak English. instead, at this moment you have positive activities with lots of free time which will certainly benefit you both for now and in the future. I really hope that this blog will help you and you can take advantage of it.

Source:
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/english-speaking-app/
https://language101.com/reviews/duolingo/

Try to adapt to Current Situation

How to say this? Upset? afraid? Ignorant? Or just act normal? Extraordinary events from the beginning of the year to the middle, make many changes for everyone in all aspects, both at work, community, not to mention the habits themselves. Everything must be forced to change. The responses were varied. For myself, the level of change is large.
Not something big for others, but maybe, no, there must be a woman out there who experienced something similar to me. Initially worked outside the home, doing a lot of activities, meeting lots of people, not even long distances became a barrier.
I am currently pregnant with my second child. Imagine more fear and beware of others when faced with the current situation. Plus the emotional side that fluctuates due to hormones. Just one week at home is really boring.
However, as a mature person, I try to be mature by thinking calmly. It's not too much thought, just take the positive side, can rest at home, learn to look for creative activities. I would not say I could work from home like many people say. Working from home requires a supportive situation, both from yourself and family at home. A funny thing happened, when I had to attend an online meeting, suddenly my child shouted, "Bun, it's raining! Clothesline!"
Or when there is silence, suddenly a voice says, "Plasticware! Plasticware!"
The point is, in a situation like this, it's only natural that we have to make new habits and adapt again. We can do it. As people say now, when else can we help others by staying at home?
This is my first blog. I hope you can be inspired.