I do find social media useful in regards to keeping up to date with the latest AT practices and programs, from other teachers and the learning community. While admittedly I do not have Twitter and am trying to limit my social media, these online resources are often free and current regarding PD opportunities, apps and tips from other educators.
Schools boards are also supportive of new technology in the classroom, adapting teaching styles to the needs of these 21st century learners. Many school boards across Canada have a BYOD (Bring your own device) policy, and have computers and SMARTboards (interactive white boards) in every classroom.
A short video with an interesting perspective on the potential of technology in the classrooms
Some of my favourite online teaching resources:
Teachers Pay Teachers: An online marketplace where educators can buy and sell their teaching resources. Many are free, or for a small fee (usually $5 - $10) you can purchase entire units, complete with activities, review, assessment, projects. etc. This has saved me loads of time not having to create all my materials from scratch, and is also great if you are sick unexpectedly and need something quick and easy for a supply teacher.
French Playground: an online bank of resources for use in the French classroom. They also host Kahoot games, so schools can play against each other. Mystery meeting is also a function of the site, where you are matched randomly with another FLS class via Skype and can have a conversation. Computers seem to realize the dream of every language teacher – to bring language and culture as close and as authentically as possible to students to the classroom.
https://frenchplayground.com/
Bon Patron - a free online corrector that helps to proofread student work. While not perfect, it does highlight major errors made by second language learners of French, and how to fix them.
Madelle Berry: this blog, written by another FLS teacher in Ontario gives additional insight into the practice of teaching French. I attended an OMLTA conference in October 2018 where she was a presenter. She shares her strategies, ideas and struggles of teaching a second language in Canada. https://sites.google.com/site/madelleberry/
Sylvia Duckworth: This lady is pretty much a legend in the FLS teaching community. She has always been very active on social media and promotion of connecting and collaborating with other educators. She has won a host of awards, and has a great wealth of resources on her site. https://sylviaduckworth.com/2018/12/14/sketchnoting-world-tour-2019/
Word Reference: this online dictionary has been my go-to in the classroom for a couple years. As paper dictionaries seem to slowly but surely going out of fashion and availability, it is a thorough online resource. I particularly like how if there is a different name for a word in Canada vs. elsewhere in the world, it includes that as well. (ie: la pastèque vs. le melon d'eau, le palet vs la rondelle)
Youtube - A trove of videos including the following series: Subito Texto, Tintin, Téléfrançais, and Tout le monde en parle. I also use it to have students listen to French Music, as I have no singing talent and the music videos are pretty catchy. I have my own playlist as well under my account, compiling all my favourite clips, songs and funny French videos together.
Students with Special Needs
There is an increasing number of students being identified as having a LD (learning disability) and having an IEP (individualized education plan). However, both typically developing students and those with LD’s can benefit from technology in second language learning; it is a successful strategy for inclusion. Technology helps increase student engagement and confidence, while helping teachers differentiate instruction and accommodate these students. There is a growing range of educational apps available for Special Education students; the support of these students that occurs in general education is also applicable to language learning.
Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology tool that provides a digital text-to-speech environment for implementing proven reading, writing and learning strategies. It has keyboard shortcuts for all features and works well with a variety of other technology tools (speech recognition, alternative keyboards, switches, interactive white boards, etc.) to ensure access for all. It can translate into 70 different languages, which is particularly useful in the context of FLS learning. Students with learning difficulties often struggle in their native language as well, so the multi-language function of this software allows for a seamless transition between different languages, and prevents students from having to relearn an entire new program.
Disadvantages
While the use of technology does have it's advantages, there are also several drawbacks. Some of the downsides of technology include student distraction, as the novelty has worn off because it is such a part of their every day lives. Lessons can also be at the mercy of the technology actually working, I have on several occasions fell victim to it crashing, the WiFi going down, the speakers not working, etc. In the context of second language learning, the loss of face-to-face contact, and body language for communication is also a commonly cited problem. The need for appropriate teacher training is also required, so that they know the best ways to capitalize on the technology's full potential.
New tools I discovered during this course:
Language Leaner Analysis
The analysis of learner language can shed light on L2 performance. Lextutor Compleat is a Canadian website that provides data analysis for English language texts, breaking down the complexity and density of the words used, as well as assessing the level of vocabulary in written language. As someone with no background in linguistics or didactics, this was the first time I've had the opportunity to analyze language from a statistical point of view. Comparing student work using these numbers, was also a first for me.
My Annotator - this error annotator is a pilot project at the University of Ottawa is still in the stages of early development and is not yet aimed at the mass-market. However, this tool allows for written corrective feedback, and shows potential moving forward. Grading essays can be a tedious task for language teachers and technology can assist in the efficiency of this element of teaching.
Assessment - StoryMap, Padlet, Book Creator, Lyrics Training
Story Map - this interactive map allows students to share a more personal side of themselves; their family history, countries they have traveled to, places they wish to go, etc. Very visual and it allows a multimedia approach, with the inclusion of photos and videos. I will definitely be using this tool next year at the beginning of the year as an ice breaker activity.
Padlet - a great medium for group collaboration. Several other teachers I know use it, but this was my first experience using it.
Book Creator - a website that is one of many features on my school board's website, but not one I had ever tried to use before. Similarly to Padlet, I think this is a great collaborative tool to feature the final product for students - a class book for instance, where each student has a page to complete.
Lyrics Training - a listening training tool, featuring popular songs from many different languages. I enjoy how you can set the level of difficult depending on the skill level of your students.
Conclusion
Through this course, we have seen many examples of the use of technology in the classroom and its benefits for both students and educators. However, an important aspect to highlight is the need to use it appropriately for it be effective. We have learned that technology can allow for differentiation, in order to cater to student need. It is a valuable tool for ESL students and for students with learning disabilities. Ensuring the the availability and quality of AT devices and services to all students in Canada should be a next step - as this seems to differ greatly across the country.Today's economy is based on a global perspective and technology allows for a level of connectedness never seen before. We are able to collaborate with the world, and education must be follow suit. Technology is particularly helpful in the field of second language learning, with the Internet and web related projects where communities from different cultures all over the world can interact. Technology in language learning classrooms helps students with real-life association and bridges the gap of authenticity of what they are learning in French class.
Technology is a necessity in today's world and teachers need to learn to adapt to it. With computers and technology, learning can be a 24/7 process. Teaching is not limited to just the classroom, and blended learning classrooms are growing in popularity. Technology allows students to see the whole world as a resource and places students in the drivers seat of their own education. It also benefits students because they have choices and opportunities to explore and share information in more ways than in a traditional classroom (the internet vs. a textbook).Technology is a versatile and valuable tool for teaching and learning and becoming a way of life.
