Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Using Video in the Language Classroom

How has the explosion of web based video changed the teaching and learning landscape?

  • Introduction to a new unit: Starting a new lesson, I often use a piece of realia: an object, an image…How about a video to start the unit?
  • Language Lab: In Bangkok, my students’ exposure to French is very limited. The classroom is often the only place where they will be able to listen (and speak) French.I can provide students more opportunities to be exposed to the target language through videos. Asking a student to watch TV5 in French may not be very exciting (although it has its benefits), but inviting them to watch a video on YouTube might be more appealing to my students.
  • Self Assessment /Reflection: In a language classroom, we aim for all students to practice their oral skills as much as possible.Students are guided to produce orally in the target language through various performance assessments (interpersonal communication, presentations, etc).However, once the students have performed, they may receive teacher feedback, but they have little opportunity to reflect on their completed oral performance.Videotaping students performing orally is nothing new. Yet, being able to upload the student’s video on the web, and on their personal (or the class) blog, may give students a chance to watch/listen to their performance and self-assess.(Delivery, pronunciation, etc). Watching themselves communicate in a foreign language also gives students a sense of pride and ownership. Students are encouraged to post their performance video on their blog as part of their portfolio.

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