In moving to the annex area of the building, I have somewhat limited access to the computer carts. This makes it difficult to integrate technology into the curriculum. In taking this all into account, a world language cart would be a worthwhile purchase for our school.
It would be beneficial for the students to have these computers available for several reasons.
- The ability to record themselves to monitor their progress. This way, the students can see how they sound from one recording to the next and judge whether or not their pronunciation and fluency has improved. Also, Northern Valley Regional Demarest utilizes the Virtuoso software in their language lab. It would be advantageous of the students to have prior experience with it for a smoother transition up to the high school level.
- The ability to use the podcasts "Notes in Spanish." The free podcasts that are available online allow the students to hear genuine Spanish pronunciation and conversation between two people. If possible, there is a one-time purchase of $100 which would include transcripts and worksheets for all 30 beginner podcasts that could be utilized as cloze activities for the students. These podcasts could be utilized as class activities and allow the students to go at their own pace and rewind if necessary.
- The ability to use educational language websites such as Conjuguemos, Quizlet and Poll Everywhere with ease of access. This will allow the students to use these sites whenever they have free time allowing to practice more with the vocabulary and grammar concepts.
The ability to have these available would also tie in with the following New Jersey State Standards for World Language.
- 7.1.NM.A.1 - Recognize familiar spoken or written words and phrases contained in culturally authentic materials using electronic information sources related to targeted themes.
- 7.1.NM.A.5 - Demonstrate comprehension of brief oral and written messages using age- and level-appropriate, culturally authentic materials on familiar topics.