Technology+in+the+Foreign+Language+Classroom

__**How useful/important is technology in the language classroom?**__

Some classes/levels of language instruction (often the US levels) are more conducive to the integration of technology.

1. **On-line translators** vs. **on-line dictionaries**

One art teacher present had assigned a project, part of which involved working with a language teacher to translate some text, and found that many of the students used on-line translators instead, and their work ended up being a mess!

The language teachers present felt that using on-line translators was considered "cheating" since the work is not a student's own. One only assigns writing assignments as in-class work to avoid their use.

On-line dictionaries (e.g., wordreference.com) tend to be better, but student need to be wary when using them. For example, one Spanish student ended up using the noun "can" (as in soup) when s/he ought to have used the verb "can" ("to be able"). A Latin student found a translation of a word that didn't work for the context of the assignment, and thus lost points.


 * Conclusion**: There should be lessons on how to use these on-line resources in which their pitfalls and benefits are examined. In the case of on-line translators, they should only be used when absolutely no other resources are available.

2. **YouTube**

Useful for all languages; one Spanish teacher uses YouTube to show clips quite a bit. Latin, a little less so, since the target language isn't spoken. But can be used for clips relating to culture and history.

3. **Skype**, **im-ing**, & **facebook**

Could be used very effectively for enhanced communication with pen-pals in modern language classes. Many teachers felt that on-line communication can't really replace getting a physical letter or a gift in the mail from a foreign pen-pal, but can certainly reinforce classroom learning by forcing kids to "think on their feet."

One concern, however: Can we expect foreign pen-pals -- or even our own students -- to have reliable access to the internet and computers?


 * __Should students at Berkeley Carroll start Foreign Language learning earlier?__**

Some of the non-language teachers had this question. One language teacher cited the work of Mel Levine, who suggests that for students who have trouble with learning English, it may be detrimental.

Other thoughts: When students start language learning earlier, they have better pronunciation and better accents in the target language. A LS program would have to be very well planned in order to be effective.