LESSON: Characteristics of Appropriate Instructional Materials

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be significantly useful as tools for language
instruction. In the Philippines, the languages that are being taught are Mother Tongue; Filipino, English and
other foreign languages. With the integration of ICTs in teaching languages, the need to process data quickly
and integrate voice, music, video, pictures, and text into lessons can be fully addressed. Eslit (2017) claims that
ICTs can be programmed to tailor instruction and tests for each individual language learner

To be able to use these technologies successfully as tools and materials and to help in effective
conduct of language classes, some principles on suitability, adequacy, and efficient utilization will also be
discussed in this Module. The effectiveness of instructional tools in promoting students' academic
performance in teaching and learning is indisputable. It provides the much needed sensory experiences
needed by the learners for an effective and meaningful behavioral change (Ajoke, 2017). Slavin (2010) also
added that, well-planned and imaginative use of visual aids in lessons banish apathy. Supplement inadequacy
of books as well as arouse student's interest by giving them something practical to see and do, and at the
same time help to train them to think things out themselves.

In language teaching and learning, there are a lot of instructional materials that can be prepared to
enhance the teaching-learning process. These instructional materials can be prepared with the support of
technologies.

Some of the common language teaching materials will be presented in this module and the
technological tools that can be used to prepare them are also described. Gone are the days when cassette
tapes, radios, and televisions were the only technologies being used to allow students to demonstrate
language skills for the English or Filipino subjects or courses. Today there are a lot of instructional materials
that are being used to enhance language learning that are ICT-based.

Computer-Based Instructional Tools and Materials in Language Teaching

The numerous technology tools being used in language teaching are fully supportive of the different
types of instructional materials commonly used in language teaching. Below are some computer based
instructional tools. Strategies and materials in language teaching

A. Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a fundamental part of English teaching methodology
and it is a highly acknowledged means in attaining learning objectives. Computers provide many opportunities
of exchanging ideas and information at both national and international level. Before this technology, students
were not able to learn language easily and they had to face many hurdles and difficulties. The classical and
traditional methods used by the old teachers couldn't help them to learn foreign language effectively. The old
teaching methods couldn't fulfill the requirements of learning and learners. But now the advanced and
progressive technology of the computer has motivated the learners to learn language effectively. The
computer has become a valuable tool of learning for modern students (Lohdi, 2019). Eslit (2017) also
described CALL as one of the many tools and techniques that can help improve the students' language
competencies. He claims that this new technology in language education has increased learner autonomy,
creativity. Productivity and team work it has been used with interactive teaching approach to tutor language
learners through language drills or skills practice. It has also been used as stimulus for discussion and
interaction; or as a tool for writing and research.
Abate (2018) conducted a research on blending Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and
CALL The research found out that the use of simple but efficacious web tools during lessons in CLIL approach
improved learners' competencies. The web tools enable communication, facilitate access to knowledge, online
dictionaries and other learning resources and increase exposure to using a foreign language CLIL develops
cognitional improvement, cultural understanding without any substantial loss to content learning. The use of
ICT enhances effective student's motivation to learn languages.

The use of CALL in today's language classroom has improved a lot because of the new trends of
technologies and because of the various challenges and innovations in language teaching and learning. In a
research conducted by Paul Lyddon (2018), it was pointed out that digital technologies have increased
communications betw speakers of different languages, but the widespread use of online machine translation
has become a disruptive force for foreign language education, as it permits intelligible exchanges between
persons with httle or no knowledge of a foreign tongue The research further notes that as machine translation
technology only continues to improve the entire purpose of foreign language learning, computer-assisted or
otherwise, may one day soon likely be called into question. It is therefore, recommended that while nothing is
ever truly future-proof, the sustainability of foreign language education may require a shift in focus, away
from traditional language acquisition and toward social semiotic awareness and multimodal intercultural
communication. This suggests possible roles for digital technologies in sustainable language teaching

B. Language Instructional Materials Supported by Technology Tools

Ajoke (2017) cited the different types of instructional materials m teaching English as a second
language. These types are also useful in teaching other languages
1. Instructional Charts
One of the common types of instructional materials in language teaching and learning is a chart. Charts
can be seen on printed materials but their presentation can be enhanced and are presented in 3D or 4D form
with the aid of technology. Charts can help language learners read with understanding data and concepts that
are not presented in text forms. By the use of charts, students writing skilis beyond text writing are enhanced
because some charts also involve how to show relationships and demonstrate processes and so on. The
following are some of the many technology tools that can be used to develop charts.
a. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word does not only allow you to create documents but it also has a provision to allow you to
create charts or graphs that will add to the visual appeal of the presentation of your text
b. Microsoft Excel
One of the main features of Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheets applications is to create charts and
graphs For language learners, a simple chart in Excel is more comprehensible than to see a lot of sheets and
cells full of numbers.
c. Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint offers various tools that can make your presentation interactive. One of its features is to
present charts in a slide
d. ios, Andriod, and Windows Phone and iPad Chart Maker Apps
These are Numbers, Viz, 3D Charts, Chart Maker, Graphing Calculator HD, Roambı Analytics, and Graph
2. Posters
Many of the schools in the Philippines have been requiring their students to participate in poster-
making activities to further develop their creativity and to help them express their ideas through a pictorial
device. With the advent of tutorial videos on YouTube, students can develop more creative and digitalized
posters. Moreover, there are several applications that students can download and use for their poster making
activity. These are free samples of the free poster maker applications available:
a. Spark Post
https://spark.adobe.com/make/posters/
Adobe Spark is a suite of design tools that allows you to make your own posters, videos and webpages
using your computer or iOS mobile device. The poster-making tool of this collection of apps is called Spark
Post. This app offers a range of poster templates and layouts that you can use to create your own custom
posters for sharing on social media and for print.
b. Canva's Poster Maker
https://www.canva.com/create/posters/
Canva's poster maker has hundreds of templates designed by their team of professional designers.
Templates are have shortcuts to great design: You'll have a custom poster in minutes.
c. Block Posters
https://www.blockposters.com/
Block Posters can let you make your own custom poster for free Upload an image, choose your
options, and then download and print out your own personalized huge poster
d. Posterini
https://www.posterini.com/
Posterini poster maker redefines the meaning of design, combining augmented reality, artificial
intelligence and gamification in a unique way.
e. PosterMyWall
hmpw/www.postermy-wall.com
It to a website that features amazing poster templates and has an easy-to-use custom graphics arrvice

3. Flashcards
Flashcards are indispensable instructional materials in language teaching. These are commonly used in
reading and in teaching lessons in phonology and morphology. With the presence of free educational
websites, language teachers will not have difficulty in preparing their flashcards. The following websites,
organized by Softonic (2020), may help you prepare your flashcards for your language classes:
a. Anki
httpsanki.en.softonic.com/
Anki is a powerful, multi-purpose application. Flashcards created using Anki can contain text, sound,
images, and formatted documents in standard LaTeX.
b. Vocabla: English Dictionary
https://en.softonic.com/android/education-reference
Vocabla focuses on the study of words. To make expanding your vocabulary more fun and addictive,
Vocabla introduces competitive elements, with achievements and points in the rankings, just like in games.
The unique feature of Vocabla is an add-on for Mozilla Firefox, which allows you to add words and create
flashcards directly online
c. Learn Spanish with Edukoala
https//en.softonic.com/android/education-reference
Edukoala is pretty similar to the previously mentioned app, but its uniqueness is in the way it lets you
learn new words every time you unlock your Android phone In the settings, you can choose to be challenged
with words, instead of the traditional code or swipe pattern, to unlock your phone Edukoala will display a
question and three possible answers, answer the question correctly to unlock your Android. It's an interesting
approach, but as the developer admits, it doesn't work on every phone, and you'll need to download a
different app for each language you want to learn (the app offers English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese,
Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese, Norwegian, and Greek).
d. Study Blue
https://en.softonic.com/iphone/education-reference
Study blue allows you to easily create flashcards with text, sound and images. You can, for example,
take a photo or draw something, and then add more information manually or verbally.

4. Slide
Among the various types of materials that are available for projection, slides and film strips are the
foremost visual aids. They are of great value in teaching traditionally, slide projectors have been used by
teachers for their slide presentation. These slide projectors have been used for projecting pictures from a
transparent slide on a wall or screen. Nowadays, innovative and stimulating presentation applications are
commonly used by teachers. These presentation software applications have very good features that can make
the presentation of lessons near to seeing real objects and subjects. Some of these are
a. Microsoft PowerPoint
Segundo and Salazar (2011) in their research state that PowerPoint this program has become the
world's most widely used presentation program and is a complete presentation program that allows teachers
to produce professional-looking presentation in EFL classrooms.
b. PowToon
Semaan and Ismail (2018) stated in their research that PowToon is a web-based tool that offers a wide
array of media options, graphics, cartoons, and animated images to create animated presentations that flow
smoothly and logically. It also features classroom accounts for project-based learning PowToon can be used to
teach any subject. In 2014, Tracy Weber cited by Semaan and Ismail (2018) described PowToon as a potential
application to teach language courses particularly English. She said, it could be employed in an English class to
demonstrate knowledge of Romeo and Juliet from a students' perspective; and even in industrial arts class by
demonstrating welding techniques. PowToon paves the way towards teaching higher order thinking skills like
critical thinking, summarizing, and problem-solving which are basic skills for a successful global citizens in the
21" Century.
c. Google Drive Presentation
Google Drive Presentation is a cloud-based presentation; hence, it is always available because you can
always access it anytime there is net connection using your PC, Chrome Book, Android etc.
Since it is part of the Google's Software Office Suite within the Google Drive, you can also easily share it
to your students in your language classes
d. Slide Rocket
This is a web-based program that will allow you to create presentations for your language classes. This
software is very similar to other presentation software like PowerPoint and Prezi is notable features are its
templates which can be used to make presentations more visually appealing
e. Prezi
Just like PowerPoint Presentations, there are several pieces of research that claim that Prezi is
commonly used for presentation in academic instructions. Houska (2013) stated that Prezi is taking hold in
some disciplines and circles. Instructors, professional speakers and students continue to post presentations
created though Prezi online for public perusal. These presentations can be an excellent starting point for tech-
savvy instructors intending to reinvigorate their classroom instruction or present material in a novel, engaging
format In language teaching, the research of Yusny and Kumita (2016) concludes that teaching grammar
utilizing Prezi presentation helps students improve their grammar mastery. Additionally, it also shows that the
students have positive responses toward utilizing Prezi presentation in grammar lessons. However, they
emphasized that the development of Prezi presentation in all education materials should carefully adhere to
the principles of instructional design and must not overuse the features as it could also lead to negative effect
to the learners.

5. Work Sheets and Forms

A worksheet is not only completed on printed materials but these can also be accomplished through
the web. By the use of some word processing software like Microsoft Word, a teacher can also develop
electronic forms.
a. Google Forms e. Quick TapSurvey
b. Monkey Survey Form f. Type Form
c. Paper Forms g. Cognito Form
d. Survey Planet h. Ninja Forms

6. Newsletters
A newsletter is a very useful material in language teaching and learning. Preparing a newsletter will
develop and build the vocabulary and writing skills of students through drafting, revising, editing. and
publishing. Students will become familiar with the process of producing formal written documents, such as
magazines and newspapers. Through interacting with others in the class, students will also learn how to work
within a team. Moreover, the following skills can also be developed:
 Receptiveness understanding to language, reading, listening and
 Writing, spelling, grammar, drafting, revising and editing
 Imagination, confidence in using oral language and creative skills
 Use of dictionaries and thesauruses to extend and develop vocabulary and spelling

The following are also important factors to consider when preparing a newsletter (explorer, n.d.):
 Accuracy: Ensure the facts are right (including how to spell names). Always use the five Ws and H
(Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?).
 Audience: Who will read the paper? Is your story of interest to them?
 Research: Always check facts that you have collected use reference materials if needed.
  Images: Don't leave the images to the last minute - always think how the image can grab the reader's
attention- that can be used with the article.
 Writing: What is the WOW factor of the story? Start with a good lead. Remember that you want to
grab the reader's attention and then want to read more. Use the worksheet below to assist with
writing stories.

7. Pamphlets
A pamphlet is a small, unbound booklet focused on a single subject for educational purposes.
Pamphlets are non-periodical. They are written for the layman, simply and without excessive jargon. Authors
present text and images in an organized fashion to communicate a clear message. Pamphlets can be folded in
a variety of ways, such as in half, in thirds, or in fourths (Lucid Press, 2020). The sample technology tools that
you can use to develop your pamphlets are:
a. Microsoft Publisher
b. Adobe Spark
e Lucid Press

8. Brochures
A brochure is used to advertise a company and its products or services (Lucid Press, 2020) Some
applications that you may use to develop your brochures are
a. Microsoft Publisher
b. Canva
c. Venngage
d. Visme
e flipsnack

9. Cartoons
A cartoon is a simple picture of an amusing situation, sometimes it is a satirical comment on a serious
or topical issue A strip cartoon is a sequence of framed drawings, which tell a story Both types are to be found
in newspapers, magazines and leaflets. In development situations a cartoon is a method of conveying a
specific message. How to use cartoons Cartoon pictures enable people to discuss sensitive issues and so are
useful for teaching and training. Listening skills in the language class can be extended and developed using
cartoon strips. You can read out a description of something, which needs to be drawn in sequence, each part
in a separate frame. Ask the students to listen carefully, while you read the piece two or three times. Then ask
them to draw what they have heard. You could provide a template with several ready frames for them to fill
in. You could do this with two separate groups and ask the students to discuss what they see in the picture.
You can then evaluate how well they have understood the piece you read. Cartoon strips can be used to teach
sequencing to students. Find, or draw, a cartoon strip with between three and eight separate frames. Cut out
each frame and rearrange them so that they are in the wrong order. Stick them down in the new order and
make one copy for each group. Ask them to cut each frame out and put them in the correct order Before you
do this, show the students an example on the chalkboard of pictures in the wrong order and ask them to put
them in the correct sequence. The above exercise can also be used in a workshop or training session, using a
topic related to the subject of the workshop or session. As it encourages discussion and team decision-making,
it can be introduced as an ice-breaker The less obvious the order, the more interactive the process will be as
each group may suggest different answers. This creates an opportunity for each group to explain their answers
and defend their position (Ajoke, 2017) There are cartoon making software that can be paid online but the
following are free cartoon making software that you may use or let your students use:
a. Animaker
b. Pencil 2D
c. Synfig
d Inkskape
e Pixton

10. Journals
Journals are records of personal insights and experiences of students. These can serve also as
instructional materials to be used by teachers to be able to manage the reflections and sharing of insight in
the class. Journal writing is a very good activity for students because they have the freedom to write their
thoughts and feelings about their learning experiences. The following are some examples of free technological
applications that can be used to help students write their journals digitally
a. Perspective App by Blinky
b. Journey Journal App
c. Momento Journal App
d. Penzu Journal App
Diaro Journal App

11. Bulletins Boards

Digitally, a teacher can develop online bulletin boards where he or she may post some language
activities or information that are helpful for the students' acquisition of the language competencies. There are
applications (Ferlazzo, 2011) that can be used for this purpose and these are:
a. Wallwisher (now called Padlet)
This was the first online application that enables you to place virtual post-it notes on a virtual
corkboard or bulletin board easily and allow you to post text, images, and/or videos on them.
b. Corkboard Me
This is now called NoteApp which is a Wallwisher-like tool. The site enables you to embed your virtual
bulletin boards. Other features include real-time collaboration and a chat room for the people collaborating.
c. Popplet
You can make an online "bulletin board" with virtual "post-its" (called "popplets" Except for the fact
you have to register to use it, Popplet is just as easy and, in some ways, easier to use with a lot more
functionality.
d. Spaaze
This is similar to the others on this list, with registration is required.
e. Group Zap
This app joins a long list of online virtual "corkboards." It has some nice features, including the ability
to convert your board to a PDF and being able to "drag-and-drop" images and documents from your files.
f. RealtimeBoard
This is an online whiteboard that seemed like a decent tool for real-time collaboration. It's easy to use,
and lets you upload images from your computer or by its URL address. They offer free "Pro" accounts to
educators.

Characteristics of Effective and Efficient Instructional Tools

Simply using technology is not enough to learn a language. An effective ICT-based instructional
material is a well-planned and a well-designed one. This means that the preparation of the IMs must be
planned very well and it must be ensured that they are developed to meet the learning objectives of the
language class. In addition, English language competencies should be given importance during the planning,
in-service training and in the making of ICT strategic plan, action plans and strategic intervention materials for
English language instruction. It is also highly recommended that teachers maximize the use of teacher-made
websites, OER (open educational resources) and, software or mobile applications to encourage autonomous
learning of students at the same time utilize these tools in flipping the classroom along with task-based
language activities, content and language integrated learning and project-based outputs (Beduya, 2018).

The following are the characteristics of an instructional tool that is effective in the classrooms.
1. Enhances instructional effectiveness
The instructional material must be able to facilitate the increase of students' achievement in language
classes. Through the instructional materials, all students including those with special learning needs and
students at risks will be benefited and will be helped to demonstrate the intended learning outcomes of their
language courses. With the use of technological tools, students' progress is monitored and acted upon by
concerned individuals like the teachers, the parents, and the school as a whole.
2. Promotes active learning
Instructional materials are expected to help promote active learning. Through the use of interactive
technological tools, learning interest is stimulated and students focus is redirected. By this, students and
teachers will be highly engaged in the learning process.
3. Develops critical thinking
Technological tools and instructional materials must be designed and implemented in such a way that
they help develop critical thinking skills among the learners. According to Barron et al. (2002). the structure
and use of technology can promote higher-level thinking skills. They further stated that some technological
tools are designed to encourage problem-solving skills.
4. Accommodates differentiated instruction
Students have diverse backgrounds and have diverse intelligences and learning styles. They learn in
different ways. They express their thoughts and ideas also differently. Consequently, instructional materials
and tools must be of help to the teacher to facilitate his or her classes considering the different profiles of the
students. There must also be an opportunity for individualized and independent learning with collaborative
and cooperative learning.
5. Motivating
The use of instructional materials is a big help for the teacher to facilitate the teaching-learning
process. The use of these materials is expected to motivate the students to pay attention and actively
participate. With the ubiquity and variety of educational tools available to language teachers, selecting the
most appropriate and best format is very critical to stimulate learner motivation.
6. Multisensory
One of the biggest challenges among teachers is to prepare for instructional materials that are
multisensory. With the advent of technological tools developed by very good programmers, multimedia are
available that allow teachers to just learn how to use them the maximum in the teaching of their lessons.

ACTIVITY: Creating Newsletter

Create your own newsletter. Select a topic that you already know.

Step 1: Exploring of Newsletter from the World Wide Web

Check on the following websites for additional newsletter writing ideas. In case the identified websites
are not available, you may search for other websites for your reference.

Example references:
1. Newsworthy Journey
http://www.microsoft.com/Education/journey.aspx

2. TEACH Newsletter
https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/learning-standards-instructional-materials/materials-adoption-
course-supports/teach

Step 2: Planning the Content

Remember that you are creating a newsletter for your future students to understand you lessons.
Hence, you need to think about how targeted learning objectives will be achieved. In defining your contents,
be guided by the following:
Overall Goal of the Newsletter
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Title of the Newsletter

Elements Necessary for the Targeted Learning Objectives

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Topics and References Materials Needed
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Other resources that will be used in the creation of the content. The following are some possible information
that you need to gather to include in the newsletter.
 Cartoons or sketches
 Puzzle or trivia questions
 Survey
 Public opinion poll
 Features
 New discoveries

Step 3: Creating a Newsletter

To ensure that are guided by the principles of lay outing a newsletter and of the development of its
essential contents, it will help if you create first a story board.

Newsletter Title:______________________________________________

Lead Story Headline:

Secondary Story Headline:

________________________________________________________________________________________

Featured Articles
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Newsletter Rubric (Total: 60 Points)

Criteria Points
1. Content Accuracy & Relevance
Information is accurate, complete, and clearly aligned ___ / 10
with the theme or topic.
2. Organization & Structure ___ / 10
Newsletter layout is logical, with clear headings, subheadings,
and easy-to-follow sections.
3. Creativity & Visual Appeal ___ / 10
Use of color, images, design elements, and overall creativity
enhances readability and engagement
4. Writing Quality ___ / 10
Text is clear, concise, and well-written, with appropriate tone and vocabulary.
5. Grammar, Spelling & Mechanics ___ / 10
Minimal to no errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling.
6. Use of Graphics & Media ___ / 10
Images, charts, or other media are used appropriately, labeled
correctly, and contribute meaningfully to the content. __________________
TOTAL: 60