#11 Achieving an Ultimate Vocabulary: Employing E-Learning

Tip: If you are serious about achieving an ultimate vocabulary, then we strongly recommend you try the popular program, Ultimate Vocabulary. Click Ultimate Vocabulary for more information.*

Many of us contemplate what it would be like to have the ultimate vocabulary. We ponder over what it would be like to be more articulate in the board meeting; never being stuck for words in a social setting; or not feeling embarrassed when you are presented with an unknown word. For others, interest in vocabulary development is not just a way of improving one’s communication and personal image, but a way of increasing reading comprehension and day-to-day understanding. We live in such an information-rich society that the inability to understand this information can cause us to miss out on life.

This is where E-learning comes into its own. With increased technological advances and public access to technology, learning via electronic means has made a grand entrance. This may include learning using the Internet, DVDs, or CDs. A number of studies have found that computer-assisted teaching can increase vocabulary and verbal language development (Green, 2005). There are many benefits E-learning offers over traditional methods, such as:

  • Decades of experience and research findings in the field of vocabulary knowledge and instruction is incorporated into the highest of quality instruction in E-learning materials;
  • E-learning provides the learner with tools that enable the learning to be more efficient (such as bypassing already known words). In this instance, the student can progress through the lesson and does not have to sit through redundant vocabulary instruction.
  • In some cases, the need to increase one’s vocabulary, or the actual process of instruction, can be a cause of embarrassment. E-learning can be done at home and is self-paced. This is additionally useful as different students learn at different speeds.
  • E-learning is fun and interactive. This increases interest, thereby increasing motivation, information retention, and learning.

Austermuehle and others (2005) suggest that computer activities improve vocabulary, such as the use of games, hyperlinks (that link to context), animations, online dictionaries and reference matter, and websites that are specifically related to the content that is being studied. It is suggested that some students learn best with audio techniques (eg, pronunciation of online dictionaries). Animations also increase attention. Blachowicz (2006) states that when merged with active learning and engagement, computer learning increases success and can motivate the learner.

E-learning is a proven method of increasing vocabulary. There are also many benefits that are unique to this form of learning. Tools such as Ultimate Vocabulary’s software products can offer these benefits and assist learners in achieving an ultimate vocabulary.

References

Austermuehle, D, Kautz, T, and Sprenzel, J, Improving the Knowledge and Application of Vocabulary within Content Areas (2007).

Blachowicz, CL, Fisher, PJ, Ogle, D, and Watts-Taffe, S, ‘Vocabulary: Questions from the Classroom’ (2006) 41(4) Reading Research Quarterly 524.

Green, T, ‘Using Technology to Help English Language Students Develop Language Skills: A Home and School Connection’ (2005) 13(2) Multicultural Education 56.