Moving to a New URL

Future postings for this technology blog will now be accessible at http://sig.nysaflt.org. This archive will remain at this current URL.

Using Google Earth in the Foreign Language Classroom

While surfing through Youtube recently, I came across an short movie entitled "Using Google Earth in the Foreign Language Classroom". This is a very comprehensive and in-depth analysis of how to use this phenomenal program.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M9MbmBPp4xs

The video references this website, too. - http://juicygeography.co.uk/

Distance Learning in a Distant Land

Thanks to NYSAFLT Past-President Carol Reed for sharing this article about French students using video conferencing technology in Alaska ... http://newsminer.com/2007/12/02/10196

classzone.com - What a resource!

I recently had the good fortune of presenting a technology workshop for my friends up in the Northern-East Region. I love these times of sharing because I not only get to share what I know about technology with participants, but I always end up leaving smarter than when I arrived. This particular workshop presentation was no different. I met Carole Goldie, a French teacher in Canton, NY who told me about classzone.com

I had a chance to check it out (you should, too!) after our meeting - what an amazing resource! Sponsored by our friends at McDougal Littell, getting to what you need is as easy as 3 clicks:

1. Select your subject (and level) - in this instance you would choose World Languages for Middle School or High School
2. Select New York State
3. Click "GO"

You are then presented with thumbnails of every book published by McDougall Littell for the subject and level you selected. Avancemous (1-4), Discovering French (Bleu, Blanc, Rouge), En español (1-4), Abriendo puertas, Nuestro mundo, Auf Deutsch (1-3) and Dime are all represented at the high school level.

Clicking on one of the books will then take you to a more specific page dedicated to that book. I selected Discovering French Bleu. Here I have access to an online workbook, interactive maps, webquests, the "A votre tour" activities, composition practice, flash cards, lesson quizzes, an on-line copy of the book and a teacher's toolkit.

To access certain areas of this more in-depth section, students need to create a student account. As teachers, you can create a teacher account. I believe you have the ability to create your own activities as well as track student performance.

What an awesome option for students! It could eliminate the need to lug their textbook home. It allows students to use a medium that they're used to (and enjoy) and it gives them an immediate and accurate response when they practice on their own.

Many LOTE teachers who I shared this with already knew about it. If you haven't already stumbled across this resource, take some time and explore. I also encourage you to share the resource with your non-LOTE colleagues. Books are available for Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Enjoy!

Quality versions of German Music Videos

I was recently questioned about where to find quality version of German music videos. Generally, yahoo.de has worked well, but apparently this wasn't good enough for what the teacher needed. Through a little research, they discovered www.musicload.de.

Check it out and compare for yourself!

Preparing Our Students for the 21st Century

NBC's Meet The Press moderator Tim Russert moderates a very interesting discussion of educational leaders (including NYSED's own Commissioner Richard Mills) on the importance of preparing our students for the 21st century. There are some very interesting issues discussed during this 30 minute video conversation.

http://www.thirteencelebration.org/video8f.html

Mes Aiëux and some Educational Exercises

Quebec musicmeister David Graham has teamed up with fellow Quebec aficionado Madeline Turan to bring some great music into the foreign language limelight. Quebec musical sensation "Mes Aiëux" has incorporated into their on-line music catalog some educational exercises for educators. Check it out! Not only do you hear some great musique québécoise, but you can make it a classroom activity for your students. Un grand merci à David et Madeline!

French Word-A-Day

Hello all ...

A colleague of mine told me about the "French Word-A-Day" website.
There is a lot of great information on this page - you can subscribe via RSS or simply by giving the website your e-mail address.

Lots of great information - I encourage you to check it out! Thanks SF!

Lesson Plans Using Technology

A NYSAFLT member recently wrote me with the following question:

Hi Ken -- just getting a head start for the new school year. I'd really like to use more technology in my Spanish class--I do portfolios and exhibitions so I'll need activities and long term projects for my kids. i'd also like to use more of the workshop model.My classes are all levels --so just about anything goes--any suggestions or web sites I can visit. thanks

My reply to this member is as follows:

Perhaps creating Webquests might be right up your alley. Webquests are teacher or student created - almost like an on-line scavenger hunt that could deal with any topic. Google "Spanish Webquests" to see examples.

To create one for free, visit: http://gotoscience.com/Make-Webquest/webquests-home.php

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I am sure there are other options as well that I'm just not thinking about. If you have any, send me your thoughts and I'll add them to this post. Thanks RB!