GitMind Mind Mapping App

 Online GitMind App

I am pleased to share with you an app called GitMind. It is a handy tool that combines mind mapping and project management in an easy way. It helps you organize your ideas smoothly as you switch between brainstorming and planning. You can use it on different devices, which is super convenient as you get access to it from your desktop, laptop and from your mobile as well so you can track your work and make any changes on the go. GitMind is simple to use, making it a good choice for people and teams working together on ideas and projects. 

A simple mind map of the 5 Cs easily made using GitMind. I hope you enjoy it.

Written By Brahim ARJAFELLAH

PicFlip Interactive Vocabulary Game

Download PicFlip Vocabulary Game 

I recently designed a game called “Pic Flip” using PowerPoint. It can be used to recycle vocabulary or review it or even pre-teach it prior to a new lesson and it is a lot of fun. There are pictures with corresponding labels on which the learners take a glimpse and try to visually memorize the pictures and their labels and then hide everything again. Using their memory, learners will try to uncover the pictures accordingly with the labels.

1.     Objective of the game:

Pic Flip is an engaging and immersive vocabulary learning game designed to enhance English learners' ability to internalize and recall vocabulary items incidentally. The game involves pictures and related labels, challenging players to create strong mental connections between the visual representations and corresponding words. The template can be easily modified and fed with new content following the procedure below.

2.     How to proceed:

·         Use the provided pictures which are connected to the units of the 2^nd year Baccalaureate program or integrate new customized pictures. Each vivid image can be associated with a corresponding label card with words or short phrases.

·         Students can play individually or in small groups. Players take a moment to study the pictures and their corresponding labels. This phase allows them to familiarize themselves with the vocabulary items.

·         Once done with the previous step, players hide the pictures and labels using the “HIDE ALL” button in the slide and then try to uncover them in sequence picture followed by the label. Other students can make sure to correct their classmates. The goal is to recall and match the correct pictures with their corresponding labels.

·         Players uncover one label card at a time and try to match it with the correct picture. For every correct match, players earn points.

3.    Benefits:

·         Through the immersive gameplay, learners incidentally absorb and internalize new vocabulary without direct instruction.

·         The game leverages the natural cognitive process of associating images with words.

·         Pic Flip reinforces the connection between visual stimuli and verbal expressions, promoting a holistic understanding of vocabulary items.

·         By associating words with specific images, learners build contextual understanding, making it easier to remember and apply the vocabulary in real-life situations.

·         The game aids in creating mental representations of words by linking them to concrete visual cues, facilitating easier recall and retention.

·         The interactive and game-like nature of Pic Flip keeps learners engaged, making the vocabulary learning process enjoyable and motivating.

·         Playing in small groups encourages collaboration, fostering a supportive environment for learning from peers.

Pic Flip, with its blend of visual stimuli and linguistic elements, transforms vocabulary acquisition into a dynamic and enjoyable experience, enhancing learners' language proficiency in an effective and memorable way.

Designed by: Brahim ARJAFELLAH

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!

 

Download "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" Game Template

 The above interactive game template was designed using PowerPoint and inspired by "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire". It aims to promote language development by creating a fun and immersive learning experience and it can be used as a warmup activity, review, or even as an assessment tool to students’ progress.

1.      How to proceed:

a.       The game is structured in a series of rounds, each corresponding to a specific unit or topic covered in the syllabus. The PowerPoint slides serve as the game interface, featuring visually appealing graphics, colors, and interactive elements to captivate the learners' attention similar to “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” competition.

b.      Each round consists of a set of multiple-choice questions related to the language skills taught in the previous unit. The questions are carefully crafted to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and cultural knowledge. As the learners progress through the game, the difficulty level can increase to challenge their language proficiency.

c.       To enhance engagement, players are given lifelines, such as "Ask the Audience," "Phone a Friend," or "50:50." These lifelines encourage collaboration and critical thinking, fostering a supportive learning environment. As learners successfully answer questions, they progress through the game, earning virtual rewards and unlocking new levels.

d.      Immediate feedback is provided after each question, whether the answer is correct or incorrect. For incorrect answers, the game offers explanations to reinforce learning and correct any misconceptions. This feature serves as a valuable teaching tool, providing learners with instant insights into their language comprehension and encouraging them to learn from their mistakes.

e.       The PowerPoint format can be easily adapted to various levels and language components. Teachers can customize the game to align with their learners’ specific needs.

1.      Benefits for Language Development:

a.       The interactive nature of the game keeps learners actively engaged, fostering a positive attitude towards language learning.

b.      Through the repetition of language concepts in the form of questions, learners reinforce their understanding and retention of vocabulary and grammar rules.

c.       The competitive aspect of the game motivates learners to actively participate in the learning process, turning language acquisition into an enjoyable challenge.

Designed by BRAHIM ARJAFELLAH