Every august, at the beginning of the school year, I go back to my French curriculum folders to start planning for units. I use those folders to keep copies of my classes' activities, ideas, and samples of work. They are meant to guide my planning and teaching along the year. Unfortunately, every year, I have to start new folders because I can never redo "exactly" what I did the year before. Students never move at the same pace, the lessons gear us in different directions, and, there are usually always new ideas for how to improve the units. Basically, my folders have been multiplying on the shelves over the past 4 years.
Things I have been working on in the past few (4) years:
1) Getting away from poster presentations
2) Finding creative ways for students to use the French they have learned
Tools I have been dabbling with in my classes:
-Panthernet: I am in the process of uploading the files from my curr. Folders onto panthernet online.
-Blogging: monjournalenfrancais.
-voicethread: see final project blog entry on Language Exchange
-Windows moviemaker: It's been a great tool for oral presentations but allow minimal spontaneous oral communication
-Audacity: I have created many (podcast) recordings in order to improve listening skills. (i.e. the vocabulary for INTRO is recorded and posted on Panthernet where students can go listen and practice)
-Photostory 3 for Windows: easier to use than movie maker, but less flexibility
-Myisb (our school's social network): I am trying it out as a potential portfolio for my students.
-podcast: a great way to find authentic material
-Youtube: another great source for authentic material (movie, music…)
-msn messenger & facebook: Spontaneous chatting with students in the target language
Tools I will be trying to use in the near future
-Skype: I am hoping to use it soon to connect with other French classes around the world
-Wiki: in the next few weeks, I am going to venture in the world of WIKI with my French B class. I will let you know soon about this project. I know I will be seeking the help of Kim, Jeff and anyone who has used a wiki before.
At the end of this class, I am still looking for a few ideas/suggestions:
-From 6th to 8th grade, my French students create a variety of "projects" that contribute to their portfolio. It can be anything from a journal entry, a poster, a power point presentation, a photostory or movie making video presentation. I am still searching for a tool that would allow my students to post their work in one location.
Ideally:
-Students would be able to use the portfolio to post and back up their work in French class.
-Students (parents & teacher) would be able to see for themselves how much progress they have made in French over 3 years.
-Students would be able to take their portfolio with them if/when they leave ISB.
-The portfolio would be aesthetically pleasing.
If anyone out there has any suggestion for what tool could work best for me, send me your suggestions.
Did I leave the Coetail class overwhelmed? Yes, but with tons of ideas.
Things I have been working on in the past few (4) years:
1) Getting away from poster presentations
2) Finding creative ways for students to use the French they have learned
Tools I have been dabbling with in my classes:
-Panthernet: I am in the process of uploading the files from my curr. Folders onto panthernet online.
-Blogging: monjournalenfrancais.
-voicethread: see final project blog entry on Language Exchange
-Windows moviemaker: It's been a great tool for oral presentations but allow minimal spontaneous oral communication
-Audacity: I have created many (podcast) recordings in order to improve listening skills. (i.e. the vocabulary for INTRO is recorded and posted on Panthernet where students can go listen and practice)
-Photostory 3 for Windows: easier to use than movie maker, but less flexibility
-Myisb (our school's social network): I am trying it out as a potential portfolio for my students.
-podcast: a great way to find authentic material
-Youtube: another great source for authentic material (movie, music…)
-msn messenger & facebook: Spontaneous chatting with students in the target language
Tools I will be trying to use in the near future
-Skype: I am hoping to use it soon to connect with other French classes around the world
-Wiki: in the next few weeks, I am going to venture in the world of WIKI with my French B class. I will let you know soon about this project. I know I will be seeking the help of Kim, Jeff and anyone who has used a wiki before.
At the end of this class, I am still looking for a few ideas/suggestions:
-From 6th to 8th grade, my French students create a variety of "projects" that contribute to their portfolio. It can be anything from a journal entry, a poster, a power point presentation, a photostory or movie making video presentation. I am still searching for a tool that would allow my students to post their work in one location.
Ideally:
-Students would be able to use the portfolio to post and back up their work in French class.
-Students (parents & teacher) would be able to see for themselves how much progress they have made in French over 3 years.
-Students would be able to take their portfolio with them if/when they leave ISB.
-The portfolio would be aesthetically pleasing.
If anyone out there has any suggestion for what tool could work best for me, send me your suggestions.
Did I leave the Coetail class overwhelmed? Yes, but with tons of ideas.
