Using Technology to Teach a Foreign Language

After watching this video, I see that there are numerous ways for teachers to use technology to teach a foreign language. This particular teacher used WebQuest, a class web page, and e-mail to teach her students French. In groups, she had the students create a bibliography on a famous French person. Their entire report had to be in French and then they had to give a presentation. Their presentation could be on Power Point, a video, or on a poster. The teacher had the WebQuest linked through her class web page. This was a research tool that they could use when researching their famous person. She made a point to tell that that she is aware of the translating software and sites that are out there and for them not to use them.

From my experience, most students always feel more comfortable about a project when they can work with someone. This project is the biggest report they have ever had to do in French. This teacher chose an excellent strategy by allowing them to work together and incorporate so many resources. The few students they talked to seemed to feel pretty confident about the assignment. One group specifically said that they loved creating presentations on Power Point because it is ready in just a few clicks. Using e-mail and a class web site are excellent ways for students to learn another language. Another good strategy this teacher could have is to make the students participate in a discussion every week. This would keep them engaged and ensure that they are constantly practicing the language. Also, they could participate in on-line games as well as take quizzes in another language. They could go on scavenger hunts or plan vacations in another language. Once again, technology enhances our teaching abilities and learning experiences!