As I was completing the readings for this week and looking over some information for other classes, I see so much the importance of technology of students who are learning a new language. I spend a lot of time trying to cultivate my own learning by thinking about my experiences as a child who was extremely dyslexic. How did I learn to read or speak another language? What were some of the things that helped me become more involved with my learning? When I was in school, we all took French until we were in 6th grade when we could begin choosing French or Spanish.
French was so hard for me because I hadn't really learned how to read English yet! I remember the only technology that my French teacher used was the television program called "Muzzy" with what looked a Big Foot kind of character who provided me with much laughter and helped soothe my sweaty palms and I thought about suggesting it to the new school where I am working because I heard that 20 years later, and my pre-school friend, Muzzy, with his funny French accent is now an online language learning tool for all to enjoy. Before my suggestion, I Googled reviews and researched and found there is a large Muzzy-hating population that actually returned what they bought from BBC founded program, one reviewer even said, "We just couldn't watch it," referring to the supplemental information on videos that was presented.
My qualm this week is how to solidify to parents and students that a technology is needed or appropriate for the classroom? Everyone has different ideas on what is appropriate or necessary, and if a student is bringing in their own iPad, Kindle, etc. then why discourage other gaming and learning opportunities? How do we determine that? I'm interested in hearing other people's ideas on language learning and technology like Rosetta Stone, etc., what kinds of tools are out there to make learning a new language fun? I feel as though learning a new language increases the vocabulary and understanding of language learning that students will be able to complete in there own native language, whatever it may be.
I think it's a great challenge to influence others (be it teachers or parents) that technology needs to (sometimes) be more embedded in schools. This is where I think you need to be a voice on the matter. While it's one thing to share anecdotal information about a student or class that has done great things with technology, it takes more than that. You have all been exposed to some terrific research this semester and compiling some of that for teachers, parents, admin, etc can really help others to see the benefits.
ReplyDeleteOften we hear that tech is used as a hook, but what about the students who are writing with great success that a year ago didn't even speak in the classroom? What about the wonderful projects that students have completed?
Not that you have time to conduct a study in your own classroom, but sometimes it is as easy as compiling a mini report and showing that to admin. Or developing a professional development workshop that you can share at a department meeting on on a professional development day. We (students in this class) can see the value in new literacies and technologies, and while it may be hard to convince others of these benefits, sometimes it can be useful to put together a small report, power point, or showcase some articles.
My message is to be the voice in your own schools. If you have an open house, share with parents the growth that your own students have done.
Yes, more work for us, but it doesn't have to be too complex. Start small. If you can convince one person, you are on your way.
Oh, wow...Muzzy! I remember this from French class back in freshman year!
ReplyDeleteBut anyway. I think you make a great point about embracing the love/need/appropriateness of learning a new "digital" language. Honestly, I'm not sure how the "Bring Your Own Device" module first gets drafted and adopted in districts, but this is the second district I've worked at that has one. (shortened to BYOD) At first, I could not in a million years believe that kids were fully permitted to have their phones on their desks. Like, what?!?! But then I realized...it makes sense. And I bet if you asked some parents, you'd get a lot who would admit (perhaps anonymously!) that they text back and forth with their kids throughout the day. And why wouldn't you want that availability? It's your child, and while I do not have children of my own, I certainly see the desire to be up to date on goings-on such as early dismissals, sickness, after-school pick up, activities, and even, unfortunately, emergency communication. I bet with that admittance (and if I had to guess, I bet there's a lot more going on than we realize...), the district might someday soon see the point in allowing this new language to be an integral part in education.