Technology doesn't scare me. Kids don't (typically) scare me. Technology + kids together???? Bring it on. Yes, many times I question my sanity at the end of the day when I pair the students up with any technological device, however when we view the final product, all of those frustrations, headaches, and glitches are thrown out the window. Student work on digital devices are phenomenal.
One of the first...and easiest... project is using the Flip Video Cameras to record student conversations. I applied and was awarded a grant to purchase 2 Flip Cameras. Through the Digital Wish organization, I was able to match an additional 2 cameras. Having 4 cameras in my class definitely helped eliminate group wait time.
I want my students producing language on the first day of class and creating simple sentences/conversations within a week. My 7th grade students were in small groups and created a short dialogue with our new set of vocabulary (reading and writing). They recorded their conversations (speaking) and within 15 minutes we were able to view their final production (listening). The students were allowed to use props from within our classroom to add to their theatrics, while others preferred the quick question and answer.
Students' ears are already trained within the week to catch their mistakes while listening to their oral presentations. This informal feedback is imperative to error and self-correction.
