More and more ESL teachers are trying out online software. There are plenty of tips to help make the process easier for you and more pedagogically useful for your students. Here are two secrets (from conversations with teachers all over ESL) that will save you time and help your students learn. 

More Communication in Class—Use Software for Controlled Practice 

A big problem for many teachers is not having enough time in class for communicative activities. The main cause: too much time spent on controlled practice. The solution: move more controlled practice outside of the classroom. 

Online software allows students to spend more time on their own problem areas and then come to class better prepared for more communicative practice. By letting a computer do what a computer is good at, you will have more time in class for the things that only a teacher can do. 

More Learning About Writing in Class—Use Software for Writing Practice 

Ask your students to submit their writing online. You will save paper and have all of your students' writing in one place. Better software allows instructors insert feedback into the essays and assign a grade as well. 

The huge advantage here is teachers don't have to take up class time with students sitting in silence as they write. This time is much more productively spent studying other aspects of writing. For example, students can learn about the writing process and even advanced students need to study sentence mechanics. All these activities will then help students to produce better writing when it’s time to go online and turn it in. 

Time saved in class results in better student writing. Controlled practice online results in more classroom communication. Check out the options available to you. Go to Longman English Interactive and Focus on Grammar Interactive — and sign up for a 30-day trial while you’re there!