Using Technology to Extend Speaking Practice in a Language Classroom.

Learning a foreign language is not an easy task. There are multiple components to learning a language which includes reading, writing, listening and speaking. Often, in a language classroom, students have ample time to do all of these, but at home, work is usually focused on the reading and writing aspect of the language. This is because there is no other person at home to practice the language with. This is where technology can help! Imagine being able to create an online environment that enables the practice of both listening and speaking while at home, away from the classroom!

Today, I had the opportunity to work with the Middle School Chinese Language teacher. We used a Web 2.0 platform to create an online environment which enabled the Chinese teacher to record a question for her students to answer. She then assigned the task of logging on to this online environment, listening to her question and answering it by recording their answers as a part of a thread. Not only will these students be able to record their response, thus practicing their Chinese speaking, they also have the ability to listen to other student responses, like, comment and reply. The teacher can also listen and then add a recording as a reply to correct pronunciation errors.

This Web 2.0 platform has been used to create an authentic method for practicing listening and speaking, while also creating an online learning community where the participants can support each other’s efforts.

The tool used to create this useful environment is called Synth. It is a podcasting application that enables communication through audio recordings. In my last post titled Extending Classroom Discussions with Technology, I introduced Synth as a tool used to continue discussions started in class, however, It can be used for so much more! Please read my previous post to learn more about Synth.

If you haven’t checked it out yet I suggest you do. You won’t regret it!

Thanks for reading

Dr. Shannon H. Doak