Discovery Education

 
When I first started using the Discovery Education website, I went to the site, logged in, and thought, Hmm.. Where do I start? There is so much to the site that it can be overwhelming. I knew that there was a lot to learn when I saw that the help files themselves were broken up into beginner, intermediate and advanced and if the online help screens weren’t enough, I could have also watched videos that teach about how to use the site but it is pretty easy to navigate.

As for many disciplines, there is a ton of language videos. There are some grammar and vocabulary videos, but also some quirky but funny programs for language learners. My French 1 students enjoy the "game show" TOP. It is all in French and the contestants are students from France and students who are learning French. It has different categories like trivia, search for items using direction words and prepositions. It works well with Level 1 vocabulary.

For upper levels, there is a French and Spanish video series, which the kids associate to be like "Friends". It is about a guy Sam who lives with two women in Paris or Barcelona. It is corny but the kids seem to like it. it is done mostly in the target language, but Sam speaks English a couple times to help explain certain terms, especially any slang that is used.

Sadly, this is not a free site and a school must pay for access. From what I understand it is not cheap, but I think worth the money.

teachers who don't use technology

Today, during our inservice, we were presented with a possible new grading system online. The full time French teacher, who has been teaching for 30 years, was so upset. She claims she just learned the one the school has been using for a few years. She hates technology. She does have white boards or Smart Board. She has a projector and only uses it in homeroom for the news in the morning. She is content with her chalk and black board. She has no desire to learn how to do anything and claims she is scared of technology.

What is worse is that my students from last year, who know how much I like technology, are bored stiff. On the first day they asked her if the book was online. She said no and said to go ask me how to do it. This year I have students that she had for 3 years, and they thrilled that I have brought the language and culture into the class. It just seems that technology and Education work hand in hand. My school is a true believer that we must enhance our use of technology in all subject areas. We have begun an IPad program and looking to go all MAC in the future.

Education is always changing and as a teacher I feel that it is important to keep up with it. I never want to become like the French Teacher mentioned above. If I can't keep up, maybe it will be the time for me to retire.

Using a video story as an alterante assessment..

I do not believe giving seniors a written final. They don’t study anyway, so I prefer  another form of assessment. I usually give them a list of proverbs, some we have learned in class or they are seeing for the first time. They must create a story of how the proverb came to exist. When I first did this project years ago, students use to create a book. Now with so much technology being available in schools, I have students create a video story.

It is a a lot of work and have students work with a partner and must narrate at least 5 slides each for a total of 10. They students must also find the appropriate pictures to narrate the story and use various tenses to communicate effectively. A written script must be turned in with the project. I like any additional effects or transitions of the story to create an interesting story. I provide a rubric so students know exactly what I am looking for in their project. It is a lot of work, but I think students enjoy making this video story and get more out of it than taking some written exam.

Echalk, Moodle, Blackboard...

What great tools to have blackboard, echalk, moodle and other software to communicate with students and parents. These can be used to post homework, worksheets and notes from class. A separate page can be created for each class and can be customized to meet the needs of the class.  This tool is used to collaborate with students, teachers and parents so they can view what their child is doing in class. It creates an online community where information is shared and different media can be uploaded to aid students. One example is, if students did not write the homework down in class, they can check this page and see what needs to be completed. Links can be found to worksheets or to an online textbook.  Also, links can be posted for different websites that can provide additional practice on specific topics. I have site like conjuguemos.com and le conjugeur.com on my site. Students can use these sites to conjugate verbs in any tense and practice.

Podcast Project for Spanish 3

My Spanish 3 classes will create an advertisement to promote health living, daily routine or personal care using the command form of either Ud or tú. It is important to be consistent in your dialog and use the same command throughout.  Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 and use at least two affirmative and two negative commands a long with other tenses and reflexive verbs to promote their ad. The ad must be 30 to 45 seconds long and be clearly spoken. The ad must be accompanied by a written advertisement and typed written script. Students will present their advertisement to the class and all podcasts will be saved on my echalk page.

Kahn Academy

I was happy that we looked at Khan Academy in class. I remember watching it for the first time on 60 minutes. I was amazed how this Mr. Khan had started by helping one person and it has now become a collection of videos to educate students. I do not believe that his lessons could replace teachers, but be used as a review of specific topics. For example, students who need help in math, could use the videos to reinforce a topic. What the videos do not offer are and engaging lesson. Engagement in the classroom is key to help students grasp concepts and understand better. I can watch videos on You Tube on how to do something, but I use it more to gather additional information. I rather be able to ask questions. Lesson should be engaging, not just somebody talking at you.

Benefits of using a Podcast

The other day, a teacher who was absent in the English Department, said she left a pod cast of her lesson. All the sub had to do was play it. What a great idea if you know you are going to out and want to continue your lesson. It was also posted on her E-chalk page with other podcasts so students can go back and review notes.  This is a  great tool for students who are absent. I save my notes on the smartboard for absent students, but to have both, would be very helpful and keep students up to date.

Also, this is a way to share with parents what students are doing in class and review classroom work with their son or daughter.  Parents are able to witness the transition from the traditional classroom they experienced a fun, unique and stimulating method to teach, learn and communicate. This valuable tool  has many possibilities to share learning materials with a vast audience.