If any of you have ever taken a foreign language before, you know that there are several different verb endings that can be used to express different times (past, present, future), as well as different moods. That's right folks, verb endings also change depending upon the mood of what is being said. The three moods (both in English and Spanish) are the indicative, imperative, and the SUBJUNCTIVE. We hardly ever hear anything about the subjunctive in English classes, so many students are shocked when they discover it even exists.
How could you use this everyday technology to teach students the difficult concept?
As a foreign language teacher, I could use this technology by posting readings on a blog in which the students would be responsible for picking out what ever form of verb we happen to be working on at the moment. I could also post links to additional practice, vocabulary websites, dictionaries, YouTube videos, music (particularly helpful with subjunctive and conditional moods and tenses).
A foreign language teacher could also use SKYPE to connect students with students in other countries. Those of you who were in Assessment this summer with me have already seen a presentation that my group did about using SKYPE in the foreign language classroom. It would essentially allow students to connect with different cultures and practice using the language. We could speak Spanish (or whatever language is being learned) and the other students would have to practice their English with our students. Of course it would have to be monitored to make sure that nothing inappropriate is being discussed.
What would you expect students to gain from the learning experience? Would they discover new ways of applying everyday technology for their own learning?
I would expect students to be engaged by the use of technology in the classroom. Some students will gladly do a practice exercise or worksheet if it is online and easy for them to access. I would expect students to gain skills necessary to function in the 21st century (computer, communication, etc.). I would expect them to demonstrate proficiency in whatever area we happen to be studying at the time. If I see that the technology is not helping, I will have to readjust my strategies for utilizing technology, and/or model for the students how to use it successfully.
How do your ideas align with the principles you read about in this chapter?
I realize and understand that "technology itself does not improve student learning" (p.13) It must be used in conjunction with legitimate methodology that has been proven to work. I like the fact that the book mentions the idea of integration also because I have seen far too many people teaching directly from PowerPoint or using videos and computers as a crutch instead of as supplementary tools. I'm all about the learner-centered classroom, and I hope that the rest of you are too!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This is a very dynamic way to try and help students with learning a new language. I love the idea of using Skype to interact with students around the world. I took 6 years of Italian throughout high school and college, and we never spoke to anyone outside of the classroom. It was lame. Speaking to another student, just like yourself, could be very helpful and fun for a student learning the new language.
ReplyDeleteAlso, having the class blog would be very helpful, much like Blackboard is for us college students. If they have something to refer back to that you can continuously post content on, then this would make doing work at home much easier for them