Even better news was that this evening I spent some time with our MFL specialist talking about using the iPods in French. She is keen to get started and had cited improved use of digital technology as one her targets for the year. She does not currently use an IOS device and I applaud her willingness to experiment.
So, our plan isn't anything super technical and it maybe sounds a little tame to those of you doing the cutting edge stuff in the classroom. It does however, focus on the learning and gives pupil's that vital opportunity to listen to themselves and make some decisions about how they are progressing. I have often felt that in speaking exams our pupils lack the confidence they need to be really successful. I hope this will strengthen their ability to speak out in a foreign language and make the necessary practice much more fun.
She is going to teach them some simple questions and resposnes in French so they can make a short video. I took her through how to use the camera to video and how to share a video using email. I shared my experience of working with the class helping them produce meaningful paired discussions for recording.
For example, I find they need well structured questions and they need their time divided into suitable chunks for each stage of the process. I usually model the expected outcome from the front of the class so they can see what a good interview looks like before we begin. I look forwards to seeing how the learning turns out.
And if that sounds a bit boring we then moved onto the possibility of using Talking Tom Cat for more speaking practice. If you don't already know Talking Tom Cat, it is a great free App with a fun cartoon cat who copies everything you say in a comedy voice. My colleague and I are especially excited that you can record what Tom says and share it using email. I know the kids will love hearing Tom's amazing French.
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