Screencasting...

Screencasting could be very useful in a language class. I look forward to create lessons using this tool. When I need to explain a grammar point or vocabulary word explicitly I write up lessons using a word document; I include visuals and use language I know my students will understand.

A possible way of improving these lessons and notes is through the use of screencasts. It allows me to record an audio file as I explain a grammar point or use a specific word in context. It gives students the chance to listen to a lesson repeatedly; so it could be a great tool to support different learning styles.

On the other hand, it could also be a useful tool for students to use. They could create screencasts to show their understanding of a concept, or show the subtleties of language; or use language in a greater context. For example, a great cross-curricular activity for Math and Spanish could be to explain, in Spanish, how to use a Quipu

Altough screencasting does not allow interaction; it becomes a resource for students to use continuously and a tool for them to show their understanding.

Videos in the language class

Videos can be rich language and cultural resources in a language class. The web now offers a great variety of videos; you can pretty much find anything you need! These are some ideas on how videos can help enhance learning.

Videos and music/literature: This is probably the most popular way of video use. Using a song which goes hand in hand with a lesson, vocabulary or theme. It is not only the music, but the images and lyrics with it - all in one- it provides students with one of the tools they enjoy the most. The same applies for poetry; with images,and sound.

Videos and culture: I have found great videos to introduce cultural aspects of South American culture; from celebrations such as the Day of the Dead; to the typical Quinceaniera, to South American dances...

Videos in class and assessment: Students can create videos easily to show their understanding. It is also a common tool for assessment; several placement tests recommend video taping students to see their language growth. It is a great way to record language growth.

Videos allow to play and replay to practice different language skills. Students can create and work with these independently.

A digital story to share...

One of my favorite tech tools to use in my language class is voicethread. It is not only easy and manageable but it allows great interaction in different ways.

Last year, I created a project for my Spanish students in which they had to choose images which describe them best; their interests; their nationality; family…any information about themselves (but no pictures of themselves) They made a recording, in Spanish, to explain why they chose that particular photo and what it tells about them. The final product was a slide show of photos with the students’ voice explaining who they are.

This project did not look for one particular grammar point, or vocabulary; it attempted to have students use Spanish as a whole. The goal was to interact with other learners via a digital tool; using powerful pictures to show who they are.

The students did not only interact with other students and teachers in our school; but with students at an international school in Taipei...all in Spanish!

This is what I created to show my students how to use voicethread...

Take a look...

"A picture shows me at a glance what it takes dozens of pages of a book to expound" (Ivan Turgenev)

We all know that images can carry a stronger meaning than a text. In a language class; sharing cultural experiences through images may bring great opportunities to go beyond reading or hearing about different cultures. It may also become the means for students to use the target language in various ways. Through better presentations students will also learn to become better presenters - despite the language they may be using.

With this in mind, during our last session I had the chance to sit and improve a presentation I used last year in one of my Spanish classes. The presentation intended to open up a discussion about the celebration of Carnival around the world; and reflect on any similarities the students may find in their own cultures.

I selected better images which conveyed a clear message, used a few words and allowed the pictures to do the talking for me...

This is what I now have...

Carnaval En El Mundo

View more presentations from Gabriela Jimenez .

Teaching with images

Learning a new language inevitably gives you a taste of culture. In my classes I attempt to integrate culture in different ways.
Displaying an object for example. I combined Google Earth to show my students the monument to the Equator located in Ecuador, but first I placed a small wooden replica of it on a desk for students to look at it and discuss what they thought it was - fun and very creative ideas came up!
With audio, the sound of a "charango" or a "quena" may lead us to talk about music instruments in the Andes and/or life in the Andes.
The image in this blog is part of a short powerpoint presentation about the celebration of Carnival in South America and around the world. It is a picture of the well known "Diablada de Oruro" in Boliva. This is presented in context with other images as examples of how Carnival is celebrated around the world. Because the image is beautiful and it allows a variety of activities; I can ask my students to brainstorm on what they see; describe the costumes, research on what is the Diablada, or compare it to other forms of Carnival celebrations around the world.
Images in a language class open broad opportunities to practice any skill.It takes time to look for and find the right one; but once you have it; the time was worth it.

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Technology in a language class

As I am taking the courses in our program and applying technology in my class, I have to admit it has brought the best and worst out of me. Applying technology in education does not only require an extensive amount of time to search the right tool and then implement it; but it also demands flexibility when it does not work and you need a "plan B."

On the other hand; when technology works smoothly it highlights learning and offers variety; it brings originality and ownership to students. It has allowed my students the option to show what they can do with language - with tools that make sense to them.

Skype, chat rooms, audacity, voicethread, Google Earth are some tools that have great value in a language class. We have had virtual tours, chatted in Spanish, collaborated with other teachers and students in different countries! These tools have transported my teaching outside the classroom in a valuable way giving my students an opportunity to experience real Spanish despite being in Asia.

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Reflection

The main highlight from working with James in this project has been collaboration. Team work is not only about dividing the amount of work to be completed; it has to do with creation and expertise. It is valuable to become collaborators when we are involved in education; to set this time into our busy schedules to have professional discussions, share ideas, revise curriculum and ultimately think about increasing student learning.

My students in their third year of Spanish are now working on a project using voicethread. They are using this tool to describe themselves within specific guidelines. This project required support and team work; from setting it up with our school's IT support teacher, to having other Spanish speakers in our community contribute by listening to the projects and posting comments. This project gave my students the opportunity to use the language in a real context; it opened the opportunity to use it outside the classroom. At this point, my students are commenting each other's work on voicethread, giving feedback to what others have created. The best part, it does not limit to our school. We have shared what we created with students in Taipei. This experience has created a "linguistic collaboration" as these students listen and view each other's projects and post comments on each other's work.

So, our learnings as teachers are great when given the chance to collaborate with other colleagues. The result has brought incredible learning opportunities to our students.