Technology in the Classroom
Technology is a critical element to any classroom and can also be used as a tool to raise student interest in course material or enrich the lesson. I like to bring relevant youtube clips, pictures from the internet, and music into the classroom to expose students to authentic linguistic material and also add variety to the teaching lesson.
Allowing students to create videos, blogs, or use other forms of social media allows them to express their creativity and utilize the most current technologies to keep language learning relevant and fresh. I also communicate with students by email and dropbox to receive homework and give corrective feedback for students to process and redraft outside of class.
Technology is a critical element to any classroom and can also be used as a tool to raise student interest in course material or enrich the lesson. I like to bring relevant youtube clips, pictures from the internet, and music into the classroom to expose students to authentic linguistic material and also add variety to the teaching lesson.
Allowing students to create videos, blogs, or use other forms of social media allows them to express their creativity and utilize the most current technologies to keep language learning relevant and fresh. I also communicate with students by email and dropbox to receive homework and give corrective feedback for students to process and redraft outside of class.
QR Codes
Using QR codes in the classroom can give students more information about certain grammar points or extra work to do while waiting for other students to finish work. http://goqr.me/ |
Weebly
I use Weebly to build classroom websites for students to keep up to date on assignments, in-class materials, and for extra practice. www.weebly.com |
Dropbox
One-on-one dropbox folders created between the students and teachers allows for direct digital feedback on assignments. Students can also keep a record of their work to create a portfolio in the future. https://www.dropbox.com/ |
Google Voice
This allows students to record audio files of their own speaking so that the teacher can listen and give feedback. Teachers can also give students the files so they hear themselves speak. www.google.com/voice |
Youtube
Youtube is an excellent source of authentic language videos to engage students and give them access to naturalistic input. When linked to the class website, students can listen multiple times to catch more of the material. www.youtube.com |
Powerpoint
I use powerpoint to organize my lessons. I include youtube clips, pictures, practice problems, activity directions, and other information that helps me run the classroom smoothly. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/ |
During my own language studies, I have participated in videos where I collaborated with my classmates to create projects for class. Below is an example of a project I did in 2008 for an Advanced Japanese class to adapt a chapter of the classic Japanese novel Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu for a final project.