I am a Global Education Specialist, an Educational Technologist and a former Spanish teacher of 20 years. Through this blog, I explore classroom technology practices as well as share insights and resources. For World Language teachers as well as any other educators, I hope to share my experience and wisdom in creative and productive ways in order to affect change and better teach ALL students. Now, HABLAMOS technology!
2014 FLENEF Conference Presentation by Fran Siracusa
HANDOUT:
-Global Happiness Project (written, oral and visual presentation, using the GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Haiku Deck, Skype and Google Docs apps) January-May 2014 Watch video at this link: http://youtu.be/_dqVdu1MXkQ
After viewing a particular post on my Twitter feed tonight, I have a new resource for finding more Global Projects. Happy exploring!
At Country Day World School, where I have the privilege to work and teach, stakeholders buy into the Mission Statement: Our Mission is to educate children within a supportive environment to become confident lifelong learners, intellectually discerning thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible participants in a global society. One of the most important duties I have as an educator is to develop particular skills in my students. The skill of communication and the art of flexibility and responsibility are top priorities in my World Language classroom, as they should be in all schools across America.
I personally take language learning beyond the classroom "walls" and expose students to experiences with diverse cultures and networked collaboration. By integrating innovative World Languages pedagogy with 21st century technologies using the iPad, my course meets the evolving needs of students in a global society while catering to their individual needs. My Spanish students have "found" international students with whom to speak, question, collaborate, produce and celebrate. Through technology tools and creativity, CDWS students have demonstrated their flexibility, cultural awareness and innovativeness, even in another language!
The unique experiences of a CDWS student prepare them for that connected world in which they will live and work. They are learning the skill of adaptability. How will the rest of the students in the local community compare? ~Fran Siracusa
My all-time favorite apps for the WL classroom: Notability app Nearpod app Keynote app Haiku Deck app iMovie app Google Drive app (Google docs for synchronous & collaborative work) VoiceThread app Skype app Google Earth app GarageBand app ........................................... Instant Player vs. Player game (it reminds me of Trivia Boxes at local bars): https://getkahoot.com
Finding/Creating Digital Imagery: Haiku Deck app Flickr app Word Collage / Word Cloud / TagCloud apps Fotobabble app Face in Hole apps Brushes app Creativity & Productivity with Video: iMovie app (or using iMovie trailers) Animoto VideoStar iMotion HD BuddyPoke app Puppet Pals HD Sock Puppet Voice Recording: GarageBand app ooVoo app Voice Changer app Voxer Walkie-Talkie app Organization: Google Drive app Dropbox app Shutterfly (for pictures) Schoology (LMS) Slideshare Brainshark Other: Goggle Docs (app) www.padlet.com Aurasma app Duolingo app Cat Spanish app BrainPop Español Book Creator Edmodo For more related ideas, please see this article in Edutopia written by Vicki Davis: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-epic-byod-toolchest-vicki-davis?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=blog-epic-byod-toolchest-image
Powerful learning took place this school year inside and outside of my Spanish classroom! My students amaze me each and every day, and I could not be more proud of them. They have learned so much in Spanish, and I have learned so much from them. Their creativity and energy inspire me! Here is a glimpse of the phenomenal work they completed and accomplished:
--"Farewell to Seniors" Auras activity with the Aurasma app (accuracy in switching between three tenses plus formal command form) - Students wrote 3 sentences about their assigned "senior," and then offered him/her a piece of advice using Formal Commands. May 2014
Step 1: Create Aurasma overlay
Step 2: Shoot film to use as "aura."
Step 3: "Follow" the student on Aurasma by entering the student's name.
Step 4: Scan the trigger image overlay, and watch the item turn into a video.
Step 5: Share with friends, and help them find your aura!
--"Top Chef" Recipe Project with the iMovie app (using Formal Commands) April 2014
--"Dalí inspired Surrealist Art" digital paintings and museum labels with the Brushes and Pages apps (Spanish history, geography, art and culture) May 2014
--Spain or Largo Trip Summary (written & oral communication, using the preterite tense) April 2014
--Global Happiness Project (written, oral and visual presentation, using the GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Haiku Deck, Skype and Google Docs apps) January-May 2014
Watch video at this link: http://youtu.be/_dqVdu1MXkQ
--"Washington, DC Monument Docent" (preterite tense) November 2013
--"When I was a Child" (imperfect tense) April 2013
Global learning always extends past classroom walls for our World School students. These photos were captured Wednesday, January 29, during the World Languages/Inquiry block. These 7th grade students conducted their first "Mystery Skype." During Spanish class, our students met new mystery friends online. They asked them questions in Spanish and then used Google Earth to try to pinpoint their location. At the same time, our Spanish-speaking friends asked us questions in English, trying to figure out where we were located. --Our most common foods are ham, potato omelette, and paella. --Our town celebrates two major festivals in April. --We particular have something to do with "romería" and Torrijos. Following the clues, our students soon found that their new friends were in a town located 6 km outside Seville, Spain! We hope to continue to work with students at the "Fun English for You" private school.
Our 6th & 8th grade students are keeping equally busy, as they have been working on their "Geography Travel Presentations." This week, 6th and 8th grade students started presenting their Europe and Asia Travel Presentations. If you are interested in traveling abroad, these students are the ones to ask!
