Library of Uses › Foreign Language

7th Grade Spanish from Eve Millard

Description

VoiceThread allows my Spanish students listening, reading, writing and speaking practice and opportunities to improve pronunciation, [and] it allows me to target any specific theme or skill. It is helpful for both the slower and quick learner as I can ask very closed or open-ended questions for students to respond to.

VoiceThread notes: This project shows how VoiceThread can be used for teaching and learning a second or foreign language. Students are introduced to vocabulary via images or text, and they engage in oral practice of the language. Images from textbooks can be used to illustrate the exercise while inspiring discussion around vocabulary topics. Students can show their speaking skills without feeling "on-the-spot" as they might in a class or group setting. This helps better engage learners who are not inclined to participate in class. The VoiceThread practice might even be used as a supplement or alternative to class-participation requirements. VoiceThread gives students more opportunity for more practice with speaking and writing, both candidly or by repetition, than class time will often allow. In effect, students gain a deeper and more sensory-integrated learning experience which may result in an increase in students' retention.

Benefits to students of a foreign or second language

• Students can practice vocabulary orally on their own time and outside of the classroom where they may be less inclined to speak in the new language.
• Students get excited about integrating technology into their learning experience.
• Students take ownership over a project in which they participate using a new language.
• Initiates visual as well as auditory learning for non-conventional learners.

Process/Assignment

The VoiceThread was created in 2 evenings. I received technical support to implement the project (get log in names, embed VoiceThread onto my BLOG, get needed equipment). During class, I trained students on how to log on and record voice. During a second class they were able to improve the procedures to allow for smoother log in and microphone use. I asked students to follow up on the VoiceThread from home by typing answers. Once everything was in place, I was able to step back and let the students show me what they could do.

The purpose of the assignment was to provide more focused speaking practice, opportunities for enrichment and remedial practice. The main objectives were for students to engage in practice of speaking, listening and reading skills, and to review and reinforce key concepts from the learning unit. Students were the driving force during the activity rather than the teacher.

Challenges or setbacks

Managing the equipment, some malfunctions with microphone during the students' attempt to record.

Tips

• Keep it simple. Give students questions to respond to.
• If you are going to use the VoiceThread with more than one class, create a copy and have them log-on to a separate VoiceThread.
• If the VoiceThread doesn't work, have students log off and then on again.

Variations

• Foreign and second-language learners can also practice writing and speaking phrases, along with using grammar rules in a VoiceThread.
• Students can give oral reports or presentations on a chosen topic in the foreign language, using images, video or other documents to illustrate their project.
• A more advanced variation would be to practice simple-to-complex dialog in the foreign language. Teacher and students can comment on images or video that provide inspiration for discussion in the new language.

The VoiceThread