Rock Students w/ GuitarHero

(If you don’t like reading, just watch the video above)

We all accept the fact that language learning process is not only about boring students with tenses, topic sentences, skimming/scanning… Teaching is creating difference in students’ lives and we all look for ways to do it. Teaching “about” English can lead a horse to water but does not make him drink. Technology provides a great virtual world for learners of today.

Virtual world of today can help you become a Rockstar! Many songs have been composed on how cool it is to become a rockstar. Now as an ordinary person it is your turn to become one. You can be drummer, lead or bass guitarist or even the vocal.

With this opportunity in hand I took my students to a Guitar Hero Café where we had access to Guitars, Drums and Microphone. All of my students played Guitar Hero for the first time and this made me a little anxious as I was worried about the outcome. I was expecting to be there for about an hour but we spent two and a half hours and got out because there was no air condition inside. My students said they really enjoyed it and are now sending me messages saying they want to do it again soon. It also improved cooperation between students, two people shared sticks for drums and other two shared Fret buttons and Strum bar of guitars and this allows 7/8 people to play and sing together. The best thing about this is that you are not teaching something directly but creating an awareness of language. Do I have to mention that you turn out to be a cool teacher?

Suggestions:
Try to introduce the songs before you go (if you have the chance).
Don’t direct but lead.
Give them time to practice and learn.
Don’t expect the best of them.
Let them enjoy and want to do it again.

Watch this if you are into Videogames.
http://youtu.be/RTJUrJ44kew