A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article for the February issue of the Falcon Flyer, see below. Now I would like to invite you to read the article and to share in class how you have used your phone, or any other gadget, to do or turn in assignments, or to study. If you have not yet used your "toy" for these purposes, find out an application for Spanish learning, use it for a few days and prepare a brief presentation to show how this application works. You will also need to post a review of the application on the blog. All submissions are due by March 3 and your presentation will be schedule for the week of March 6 to 10.
Phones in the Classroom?
“Ms. Martin, can I use my phone (in class)?” (Note: You may substitute iPhone for Blackberry if you prefer.)
It has been a while since I heard this question for the first time.
“Of course, no!” I replied. “You are not supposed to use your phone during classes.”
“But I just want to show you my online homework. I did it, but I forgot to e-mail it to you.”
“Oh! Ok then.”
After that event, I have made exceptions whenever students asked if they can use their IPhone, Blackberry, or any other gadget to prove that they had done a given assignment, or to show me something they have learned on their own. Whether students want to review their Spanish, French or any other foreign language, they are sure to find a wide array of applications to support and enhance language learning. They can easily complete their homework or review grammar and vocabulary while they are on the bus, or traveling for school events. In addition, they can also listen to music or watch video clips to improve their listening comprehension skills, as well as their pronunciation. The advent of Internet and other technology has made it easy to bridge the gap between a foreign language learner and the place where the language is spoken, so why not take advantage of these new resources?
Although I will continue to ban the use of the mentioned gadgets in class unless I deem it appropriate, I would like to encourage students to use them during their spare time to enhance their learning while having fun. Let’s look out for the next gadget and the next application!
Phones in the Classroom?
“Ms. Martin, can I use my phone (in class)?” (Note: You may substitute iPhone for Blackberry if you prefer.)
It has been a while since I heard this question for the first time.
“Of course, no!” I replied. “You are not supposed to use your phone during classes.”
“But I just want to show you my online homework. I did it, but I forgot to e-mail it to you.”
“Oh! Ok then.”
After that event, I have made exceptions whenever students asked if they can use their IPhone, Blackberry, or any other gadget to prove that they had done a given assignment, or to show me something they have learned on their own. Whether students want to review their Spanish, French or any other foreign language, they are sure to find a wide array of applications to support and enhance language learning. They can easily complete their homework or review grammar and vocabulary while they are on the bus, or traveling for school events. In addition, they can also listen to music or watch video clips to improve their listening comprehension skills, as well as their pronunciation. The advent of Internet and other technology has made it easy to bridge the gap between a foreign language learner and the place where the language is spoken, so why not take advantage of these new resources?
Although I will continue to ban the use of the mentioned gadgets in class unless I deem it appropriate, I would like to encourage students to use them during their spare time to enhance their learning while having fun. Let’s look out for the next gadget and the next application!
Nada Abu Amarah/A1
ResponderBorrarEspañol 1
“Spanish Lite”
Upon accepting this tech-based challenged, I began exploring an application for the iPhone called “Spanish Lite”. This application enabled me to practice common terms and vocabulary that we have learned throughout the course of Spanish I. The application has 5 categories: Town & Country, Food & Dining, Opposites, Basic phrases, and Questions. Upon choosing a category, you are given a choice of exploring a set list of vocabulary words through: Multiple Choice, Puzzles, Writing words in, and Flash Cards to help learn and practice your words. After exploring the various categories of words, I found the “Town & Country” category to be most relevant to what we were learning as the set list of vocabulary included and expanded on the vocab. we had already taken. Furthermore, I was able to practice and review “Basic Phrases” in Spanish as well as get a head start on the next chapter by practicing “Food Items” through flash cards. Overall, I would rate this application as a useful tool for practice. However, if I was able to upload my own list of vocab directly relevant to our class, then I would be able to use this application more frequently.