Software To Help Teachers With the IELTS Speaking Test

   Teaching the speaking part of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test can be challenging, but several software technologies can assist teachers in this situation. Here are some applications and websites that can be helpful for IELTS speaking preparation:

Video Conferencing Tools 

   Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. They are all for FREE. They enable teachers to conduct online speaking practice sessions. These apps can help the teachers to teach international students. Your student can be Dutch, German or Korean. You will have the chance to help students from all around the world because these tools can connect you with your students wherever they are. Also, they allow for real-time communication and interaction with students, simulating the test conditions.

Audio Recording and Playback Tools

Recording students' speaking responses and playing them back for analysis is crucial. Teachers can use simple tools like voice recorders apps. For example:

“Voice Recorder” in windows

“Voice Memos” in iOS

 “Samsung Voice Recorder” in android

 Speech Analysis Software

There are speech analysis programs that can evaluate pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy. The teachers can use them to see the speaking level of the student.

“Speechace” website

   Tools like Speechace can provide students with instant feedback and detailed reports on their pronunciation. This website gives the student questions, and the student must speak to answer them. The answers will be evaluated in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency and grammar. After the website’s feedback, the teachers will know the student’s weaknesses and what to focus on in the speaking sessions with the student.

Digital Flashcards and Vocabulary Apps

If you want to help your student with remembering new vocabulary you can use digital flashcards as they help the student to memorize words.

To improve the students' vocabulary and fluency, teachers can recommend to their students vocabulary apps like:

“Anki” in windows

 

“Anki” in android

 “Anki” in android, iOS and windows

   Anki is open-source. It is free for most platforms except for iOS. You can download it on your PC, laptop and smartphone. It helps with gaining new vocabulary. Also, It offers a fun and interactive way for students to expand their word bank.

YouTube

YouTube is a great tool that teachers and students should use. It is a website and also an app. There are many YouTube channels, but these two channels are the best in my opinion:

- IELTS English Academy 

IELTS English Academy

- AcademicEnglishHelp

AcademicEnglishHelp

  Remember that while technology can be a valuable aid, use it to make your students better at speaking. Also, Don’t forget that teachers should be actively involved in assessing and providing feedback to students to ensure their speaking skills are well-rounded and test-ready