The Future of Education

Edition 14

Accepted Abstracts

Personalized Learning with Microsoft Tools

Marina Stanojlović Mirčić, Elementary School “Ljuba Nešić” (Serbia)

Abstract

One of the most innovative approaches in teaching foreign languages is the use of the platform "Skype in the classroom" in which I have been involved for five years. It all started in 2014 with the idea to connect my students with their peers in another country, giving them a chance to practice their Italian or English skills in real life situations. Then SITC became our window to the magical world of learning and by now we have explored all five ways to connect our classroom to the world: Mystery Skype, Skype lessons, Skype Collaborations, Virtual Field Trips and Guest Speakers. I can showcase with photos and videos our most memorable Skype calls. My students benefited from the Skype meetings in the best way. They had the opportunity to practice their communication skills and break speaking barriers in Italian or English, as well as enrich their vocabulary with spoken language expressions. This experience also gave them the opportunity to make friends with their peers, which has broaden their vision of cultures and lifestyles other than their own. But not all students have shown interest in this kind of teaching. Some were too shy, some concerned about not expressing themselves incorrectly and that they would not be understood by the peers on the other side of the screen, some were still bored because they were not  "language" types. It was necessary to find a way for them to participate equally in the work, so I looked for a solution in the framework of other Microsoft products that were available to us in the digital classroom. I found a solution by adding new activities for certain students. I prepared a list of actions so that all the students, even those with learning difficulties, could participate. Students who were not comfortable enough to participate orally in the activity photographed or filmed the class and made presentations in Sway by introducing directly that material with the text composed in Word. Students began a path starting from the first class to learn how to use simple programs such as Word and Sway. In that way they strengthened their digital competence through a targeted use of multimedia tools to find and process information, and collaborate with new partners. The next time, they could change their roles and become presenters, ask questions to the speakers, as they slowly regained self-esteem. It was essential to strengthen their motivation and to give them the needed support to achieve the expected results. One student with auditory difficulties has decided to build a cultural-historical locality of Felix Romuliana, a Roman Palace near our town in Minecraft, which his friends presented to their peers in Italy.

Keywords: Sway, Skype, Minecraft, Microsoft;

References: 
[1] https://sway.office.com/UvL5cPMPmx8JKrA3
[2] https://education.microsoft.com/Status/Public?token=8f014ef8

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