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An article about virtual exchanges in WL instruction

An article about virtual exchanges in WL instruction

This is an annotation of a reading activity/ practice, from a guest blogger, Mónica Romero, to Grant Boulanger's Exploring the convergence of Language Acquisition and Arts. Like his CI suggestions and Freebies

Ooh, the internet tells me it's Free Voluntary Reading. This is an interesting article. I'm not sure it would be directly applicable to any of the classes I teach right now, but it's good food for thought.

This article summarizes various types of useful technological tools for foreign language teaching.

In my district, we are always being asked to connect our language teaching to other disciplines. Using Smartphone to do so is smart. However, not all of my students have these devices. They can definitely share a device. I like how this article is geared toward adult learners who can't or don't have time to attend physical classes. The App allows them to access this knowledge anywhere anytime. Thanks Akiko.

I love the statement about the importance of Math Literacy--YES!!!!

Since others posted tutorials, I chose an article from a teacher who shares its value.

I really like this instructor's take on communication in the classroom, and how to use FlipGrid to foster it.

I loved the story of Connie who was nervous to speak in class but felt comfortable and excelled in flipgrid! Her picture was Sully from Monsters inc which gave me the idea of having students use dolls or stuffed animals to present stories on flip grid in the voice of that character.

This is a really good suggestion Vivian! It is always nice to have plan B especially when using technology!

The author says that CMC helps in all of these areas, but doesn't provide any information about his sources. I think this shows the value of including links to other websites in blog posts about education!

Overview of Flipgrid and all the ways it can be used in the classroom for interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes.

Skyping in the classroom a Micorsoft attempt to break into the business of education.

A little off-topic for Week 5 but overall relevant to this course.

"The use of technology is not a goal in and of itself; rather technology is one tool that supports language learners as they use the target language in culturally appropriate ways to accomplish authentic tasks." This quote stood out to me and it is so true. sometimes we feel pressured to use technology but we forgot the pedagogy purpose.

Thanks for sharing it. We are using technology for our language lessons. I agree what ACFLT says about having clear that tech is a tool not a goal since the most important aspect is the learning.

Abstract: "Students deepen their content knowledge and collaborative skills as they interact with others across the globe. In order to deepen early childhood students' awareness and understanding of the world, teachers worked with their classes to develop and share school-based virtual field trips. The researcher sought to (a) identify the steps to create a school-based virtual field trip, and (b) understand how virtual field trips can promote global and/or content understandings. Qualitative results reveal that the steps taken to create a trip varied by grade. Students were motivated to teach other students about their school and were able to learn about different cultures. A variety of literacy skills were also utilized in the virtual field trips."

"This study was conducted to examine the use of social media, in particular Facebook and Twitter, as a pedagogical instrument in beginning level Spanish courses. "

Thanks! Now we have more examples on what we can do with VoiceThread in our classes ;-)

We have many creative ways to apply in class.

Cool to see a Wiki in action. Thanks, Ergan! The problem with Wikis is that sometimes the writing isn't so great - I noticed that with the college tab here. I suppose since it's open, I could edit it!

I agree with the idea about assigning specific tasks for listening activities. There is nothing more confusing than not knowing what to do when listening to an audio in another language. What do you think would be best, to watch the entire movie in the classroom, watch some parts of it or watch all of it each o the students in their houses?

I have struggled pedagogically about showing moves in class. I think that I need to thoughtfully incorporate them because the students enjoy them. I wonder if showing the whole movie, but in parts, depending on the movie, might be the way to go - I always feel that there is so much pressure to get through 'X' amount of curriculum. This has given me food for thought about how I could use them.

It is good to have a free tools, because when we ask school to buy it for us it takes a long time and sometimes we do not get approved, if you know more app that are useful for class luse ike the VoiceThread, I hope you can share it with me.

"Stephen Hersh outlines six steps for how you can create a community of active learning online if you 'use the medium.' "

Yes,Greg, Agreed, great resource!!! Will use often.

Zoom! I'm pretty sure Stephen Hersch is my neighbor! Teaches at Northwestern. "Stop talking so much!" Yes. Great take away. I saw this video when I looked up to see what TEACHx is since he's involved. Started in 2016. But this linked video https://vimeo.com/249442007 is 4 Northwestern students and how they use technology. Evidently they use Canvas as well. I want to look up want one student said about his Spanish class. But what I liked is one of the students talks about when she doesn't use technology. After having said that all her life she had never used her laptop so much, but still in class the expectation is to arrive prepared and be ready to discuss. Hersch says the same for the what is one of the best uses of Zoom... time for students to discuss. Now! How to really get them all to prepare!?

For all of you Padlet fans - here's a ton of ideas for putting it to more use!

More ways to use Padlet in class.

These are good tips to keep in mind as I plan my online classes for fall.

Thank you for sharing! This will come in handy as I'm prepping for hybrid teaching this fall.

I used Screencast-o-matic for sharing my presentation while creating a video and it was a great program. Kaltura is also a great way to create presentations.

Gives voice to concerns I've had as I contemplate using Zoom in my classes.

Thanks for sharing this, Greg! I've noticed that trying to share 20+ video feeds doesn't seem to lead to anything productive, and has a tendency to cause connectivity issues on my end. For my upcoming virtual class meetings, I I'll ask students to check in on video/audio when they join, and then mute themselves for the first bit of class. I'll then shift them into small breakout groups as soon as practical, where they can complete activities with cameras and mics on.

I definitely understand zoom fatigue from experience. This gives me some thoughts to contemplate to approach this differently. I am considering an exit question each student must answer...