combining the powers of teachers and tech in the language classroom

Combining the Powers of Teachers &Tech

Language Classroom

Technology is everywhere.

Can you spot Waldo in this sea of devices?

Image © Luca Bruno

Technology has made its way into the classroom

in a big way.

But we shouldn’t forget about the other big player in the classroom.

We’re talking about her.

We’re talking about her. (or him!)

Just because there are computers in a classroom, doesn’t mean students have

to be sitting in front of them.

Let that teacher do what she does best.

Let that teacher do what she does best.

Hint: It’s not watching her students use a computer. That’s so easy a caveman could do it...

Let that teacher do what she does best.

Hint: It’s not watching her students use a computer. That’s so easy a caveman could do it...

Language teachers are better at facilitating interactive activities.

For a foreign language teacher, interactive activities might include…

Debates

In the foreign

language classroom,

it’s all about getting

students to open their

mouths.

So, what about all those cool computers?

They’re right there, at home.

It seems like just about every child has a laptop, tablet, or smartphone these days.*

* The 2011 U.S. Census reported that 71.7% of American families had internet access at home.

Let that technology do what it does best.

Computers are wicked smart.

Computer algorithms can present students with dozens of questions per minute.

Computer algorithms can present students with dozens of questions per minute.

And remember all of their answers.

Computer algorithms can present students with dozens of questions per minute.

And remember all of their answers.

And adjust accordingly to focus on what

they struggle with.

That’s a lot to do in just one minute.

No offense, teachers, but individualizing the learning experience to that extent with 20+

students in your classroom… it’s probably not possible.

No offense, teachers, but individualizing the learning experience to that extent with 20+

students in your classroom… it’s probably not possible.

…unless you’re a robot!

So, here’s where we get to our point.

So, here’s where we get to our point. (We bet you’ve been wondering what we’re getting at, right?)

Technology should be used to teach students vocabulary… at home.

Teachers should then build upon what students learned at home via interactive

group activities... in class!

It’s a little something we called Declaratively Accelerated Blended Learning.

Because there are only so many opportunities to practice speaking

a new language.

Class time should be one of those opportunities.

To learn how to turn your passive classroom into an active classroom, check out our

Declaratively Accelerated Blended Learning Implementation Guide

For more advice on all things foreign language, connect with Transparent Language: