Innovation in Language Learning

Asking a student today to learn from a blackboard and chalk is like asking me to write with an  inkwell and quill.  Foreign language class is rarely as popular as physical education class.  The task at hand: how to create excitement and motivate students.  Solution: enter their virtual world; ever changing, constantly evolving.  After all doesn't language itself mirror that very world?

Utilizing technology in the classroom not only captures the students' interest but also gains their respect; you as a teacher are acknowledging their virtual world and thus validating them as independent thinkers. Students preconceived mindset of "I can't learn a foreign language. I don't want to learn a foreign language. Who needs to learn a foreign language" is quickly replaced with "This video is cool" "Kids have a texting slang in Spanish?" Even the most reluctant student, the computer techie, who challenges, "Profe did you make this PowerPoint?" A moment of triumph!  The barrier successfully torn down, the mindset open to learn, the path to embrace foreign language acquisition set in course. Students come to class eager to actively participate and share their enthusiasm: a new song in Spanish to watch on YouTube, an oral presentation on social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in Spanish, the list is endless.

My students' scores on national and state achievement exams proved the effectiveness of this teaching method.  Percentiles rose significantly in proficiency on listening and speaking components of the examinations, when compared to previous years.  Students also demonstrated ownership of the language in writing sections expressing themselves in a fluid, clear and concise manner while adhering to the guidelines set forth as to grammatical structures and parameters of the topic.

Using technology in the classroom is the perfect learning environment for the Flip classroom/ learning model, as defined by Flip Learning Network:  ...a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space.  For example, I assign a video to watch at home and we use class time to complete the critical thinking and questioning.  The student watches the video as many times as needed and I challenge the students in class and serve as a mentor. This dynamic environment pushes the learning way beyond  traditional homework. 

I will demonstrate how the use of an iPad in the classroom is the perfect tool to navigate today's digital world with ease and grace.  The excitement in my classroom is palpable! All students are actively engaged and are self motivated.

I will demonstrate how to utilize various  Apps; Duolingo, Spanishdict, YouTube, Photographs, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, social media; Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and specific websites to enhance your instruction. Your students will be rapping in the target language, some may even dance!  

If you're ready to create, imagine, and have fun, while teaching the foreign language you love,

and revel as your students learn seemingly effortlessly, then let's explore this innovative approach together.  Absolutely no workbooks or grammar text books required.