iPad English

Ottercall: English Practice for Kids

DESCRIPTION
Ottercall is a free app that helps learners of English practise their pronunciation and learn basic vocabulary. There are six topic-based lessons in the free version, each with eight words. An additional 13 lessons can be purchased in-app for $0.99 (€0.79). Having chosen a lesson, you tap the picture to listen to the word. You then have to record yourself saying the word. The closer your pronunciation is to the model, the higher your score. You can try a demo version here.

COMMENT
A nicely-designed, fun app which, although primarily aimed at kids, could also be useful for older learners at lower levels.

Sounds Right Phonemic Chart App

Sounds Right is the British Council's free phonemic chart for learners and teachers of English worldwide. Pure vowels are arranged the same way as in the IPA chart: according to mouth shape (left to right, lips wide / round - top to bottom, jaw closed / open).  Diphthongs are grouped in rows according to their second sound. You just have to touch the symbol to hear the corresponding phoneme.

COMMENT
A simple but effective one-screen app, which acts as a useful reference guide. See Macmillan's Sounds for a more sophisticated pronunciation app.

Sounds: The Pronunciation App

Based on the best-selling book 'Sound Foundations' by pronunciation expert Adrian Underhill, Sounds is Macmillan's mobile English pronunciation app for both students and teachers. The free version includes Interactive Phonemic Charts for British English and American English, as well as some taster activities. In the Premium version  (£3.99) you can look up, listen to and record words in the WORDLIST; PRACTISE your pronunciation skills; test yourself with the pronunciation QUIZZES; use the phonemic TYPEWRITER; and LEARN with Top Tips, videos and more.

WHAT I THINK
The video above shows the iPhone version, and the app looks even better on the big iPad display. If  you are interested in learning (or want to teach) the phonemic alphabet, it's worth investing in the premium version. I wish I'd had it when I was doing my TEFL course back in the eighties! And even if phonemic symbols are not your cup of tea, you should download the free version and play around with that—it's quite addictive. For more information, read reviews here and here, or visit the dedicated website.

LESSON IDEA
Hook your iPad up to a videoprojector and use the app for classroom games.