I have already been able to use the internet to organize classroom materials, connect with parents/other staff members, post assignments, use calendars to organize due dates, etc. with sites like Angel and Blackboard. These are all fabulous ways to keep all stakeholders abreast of the “need-to-knows” of your classroom community. However, after reading these three chapters, I am thrilled at the idea of using blogs in the classroom beyond simple organization and opening the lines of communication between staff, students, and parents. I had no understanding of the amazing products that were the result of a classroom blog undertaking. Since I am not currently teaching, I will frame my thoughts for this week around my most recent teaching endeavor: community college Spanish I.
If I were to teach those courses again in the future (and luckily, I may just do this) I would definitely encourage students to publish their written work (mostly paragraph level) so that they could comment on one another’s work. For example, one assignment that students completed last semester was a short description of their family members. Although the students had a very limited knowledge of Spanish at this time, they felt very proud that they could describe their family members in a foreign language. In this case, I would ask students to post their descriptions to a classroom blog and then have each student “ask/write” very basic questions about the family members that were not included in the original posting. For example, one clarifying question could be, “Is your sister older or younger than you?” This way, students are establishing rapport while taking the opportunity to ask meaningful questions of one another. The teacher could participate in this process, too. In fact, the teacher could use this as an opportunity to use various error correction techniques. This correlates with the communications standard 1.3: students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
Another task that I would ask students to undertake would be to select from a series of teacher-prepared links to objects that are found in target countries (some that are not typically found in the United States others that are common in the U.S. but have unique uses). The students would have to look at the picture(s) and guess what the item is used for (they may need to write this in English). Then, once a few people begin commenting on certain items, online classroom discussion would occur. Next, students would research an “actual” use of the product online and report back to the group about their initial guesses. Further conversation would ensue (regarding the similarities and differences, guesses at the purpose behind the use of these items, connections to the target community’s perspectives, values, beliefs etc.) This task correlates with both cultural standards (2.1 and 2.2).
As a teacher, I would see myself using this tool to connect students to the target culture by posting interesting news articles, popular culture tidbits, important events abroad and in our own community for the students to explore. For example, if an opportunity presented itself for students to see a flamenco show or visit an exposition of work by Diego Rivera I would post the information. Then, I would provide some background information for the students or just my own thoughts on why it might be worthwhile. Students could do the same and after attending an event, could post their reflections/critiques for the whole class to enjoy and comment on. One areas that this correlates with in the national standards is communities (5.1 and 5.2).
6 comments:
Elizabeth-this posting was really informative on how you could use a blog in a L2 classroom. I think you have an advantage of actually having been in a classroom thus you have a more realistic idea of how students could utilize this tool. I like your second idea of having the students use links to " objects that are found in target countries" and use the blog to post their guesses. I like this idea because it involves more than just reading and writing. Incorporating multimedia into the classroom... or the "blogroom" makes learning so much more fun and utilizes more senses.
I like the fact that you are thinking about having post in their L1 and L2 for different purposes. The first exercise where there can be a lot of real communication back and forth in the comment area about families sounds quite motivational.
Bien hecho!
I am certain that when you tell students to read others' posts that will help them greatly because they are getting an opportunity to cultivate the reading habit, interpret and respond coherently. This is very helpful for second/ foreign language learners.
As an elementary ed. major, it was very interesting reading your suggestions about using blogs in a foreign language class. I particularly liked your idea of including the students in upcoming events that revolve around the foreign language they are studying. How else to really understand another country you are studying than to immerse oneself and become a part of it? I am sure many comments would develop from their cultural experiences as well!
I like your post. Your ideas are very specific and helpful. And you have considered many factors in the usage of Blog that make your plan perfect. I also like your idea that ask students to select from a series of teacher-prepared links to objects that are found in target countries. That is a good way to intrigue students' interest in second language learning.
Thank you all for your wonderful, helpful comments!
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