This document discusses using technology to enhance language learning and teaching. It provides an overview of different technological tools that can be used in language courses, including PowerPoint, video, sound, images, and course websites. It emphasizes that technology alone is not effective, and must be used thoughtfully to support clear pedagogical goals and strategies. Examples are given of free web tools like Google Docs, blogs, and Prezi that can facilitate collaboration and presentation.
1. Technology as an Aid to
Language Learning and Teaching
Chris Clark, Kaneb Center
University of Notre Dame
August 7, 2013
learning.nd.edu/flta
Fulbright FLTA Workshop:
2. Learning Goal
You will understand more about using technology in
language courses.
= VAGUE!
Clear and observable:
You will be able to name technological tools
which you would like to try in a language course.
4. Fill in any technology
_______ alone is not a strategy.
Use of __________ is inherently
neither effective nor ineffective.
When used thoughtfully, ______
can enhance a teaching strategy.
Used poorly, ____________
can make a teaching strategy LESS effective.
An iPad
PowerPoint
video
the blackboard
6. Good strategies
Chickering & Gamson’s “Seven Principles”
1. Frequent contact
2. Reciprocity & cooperation
3. Active learning
4. Prompt feedback
5. Time on task
6. High expectations
7. Diverse talents and
ways of learning
7. What technology does well
Store and retrieve
Simulate and visualize
Compose and revise
Communicate and disseminate
Calculate and manipulate
8. What’s wrong here?
Animated graphics or text
Clip art and sound effects
Screen transitions and color schemes
Fancy fonts – for titles only
Conservative, conventional, simple
Left to right and top to bottom
Logical flow of information
10. PowerPoint
Text, graphics, sound, video, links
Relatively simple
Easy to update
Hand out or post for outside of class
Not necessarily linear
Any tool can be used poorly …
17. Video
Content
TV series: drama, game, reality, etc.
Movie
News
Music video
Source
Library or rental DVD
Internet: YouTube, live stream
TV: Cable, Scola
20. Sound
Live or Recorded
Portable or Internet
Music or Voice
iTunes – music and podcasts
Blackboard Collaborate Voice Authoring [Wimba]
Audacity sound editor
30. Course Website
These help create complex, interactive sites:
Blackboard / Sakai / Desire2Learn / Moodle
Content – documents, web pages, media
Popular: distribute files
Assessment – quiz, survey
Popular: pre-class quiz
Communication – discussion, chat
Popular: discussion
Management – grades, tracking, groups
Popular: grade distribution
31. Classroom technology
Some (or all) of the following may be available:
Computer – or laptop connection
Projector and screen
Clicker / pointer / air mouse
DVD/CD player
Document camera
Smart board
Cable TV
Taping – audio or video
32. Other resources
Technology help desk
Class email list
Training classes
Library – videos, CDs
Free web tools – see website, examples follow
33. Free web tools 1: Google Docs
Collaborative editing in real time
Doc – word processing
Form – gathering data, opinions
Also presentation, drawing, spreadsheet
How they might be used
Write a TV show script
Create a series of images to narrate
Annotate a work of art
See: http://goo.gl/pHpON | http://goo.gl/JUlACP
34.
35.
36. Free web tools 2: Blogs
Blog = you write messages, other people comment
Posts – announcements, news, ideas, etc.
Pages – info that changes less frequently
Important! -- Include images, videos, and links
Recommended tool – WordPress.Com
How it might be used
Course website - mainly pages
Journal, group reports
Example – http://nd0910.blogspot.com/
37.
38. Free web tools 3: Prezi
Presentation
Canvas, rather than slide show
Zoom in, move from object to object
How it might be used
Break from PowerPoint
Concept map
Example – http://goo.gl/uJzaD