Technology
can be a terrific tool to use in a Foreign Language classroom. There is such a vast array of sources once
you open your classroom to the opportunities of the 21st
century. My article referred to the use
of a video chat to link Spanish students with native speakers and teachers in
order to improve conversational skills. This
seamless exchange of audio and video allows for the most realistic impression
of a face-to-face dialogue. This practice
even just once a week displayed improvement to vocabulary, accent, and overall speaking
ability.
Other
resources such as YouTube are extremely great to find authentic music and
videos to present material in different and captivating ways. Our blog is a great example of something that
could be done in any Foreign Language classroom with weekly topics and
responses in the L2. Facebook allows for
connecting with native speakers and is a great way to network as well as increase
proficiency. Everyone learns in a
different way, especially with languages, so expressing a grammar lesson
through a song, video, or other non-textbook manner may spark an understanding
or interest in one of your students.
Practicing talking through an exchange with a native speaker will
increase comprehension and is a varied and interesting activity.
I would be really interested to see or read about how the video exchanges work. Was it sort of like a video version of a pen pal? I can see how the interaction with the native speaker would improve the vocabulary and especially the accent of the students. That sort of authentic L2 input really makes a difference, which is another reason that a study abroad creates such improvements in the L2.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think video chats with native speakers would be the closest you could come to a real interaction through technology. I also agree that study abroads are absolutely necessary to improve the non-native speaker's confidence and fluency.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of video exchanges is really neat. It is similar to having a pen pal - but via skype or other webcam programs. The interaction with a native speaker would not only improve pronunciation and vocabulary, it would also dramatically help listening comprehension. Also, when working with a native speaker, you are able to learn about their customs and culture. This is more authentic then some information that you might find or learn in a text book.
ReplyDeleteOut of all of the available technologies when it comes to conversation, video chat definitely seems, to me, to be the best. It can connect native speakers to potential learners seas away, and still gives all the facial and body expessions, making it less like talking to a typing robot.
ReplyDelete