Teaching Spanish (Technology Enlivens a Spanish Class)

In the article written by Sherry Ewing and Kristi Pearce titled Technology Enlivens a Spanish Class they associate teaching Spanish using computer learning programs. This was something that I had found very interesting since I had never used one for Spanish.

The article goes over the pros and cons of this type of approach when teaching a foreign language. Some kids weren't as skilled at using computers as others were so that hindered they learning, while others excelled. They went on to discuss how they kept the traditional ways of teaching in the classroom but incorporated the technology so there would be a more hands on approach. They said they found the kids trying to get through lessons by reaching the goals for that lesson plan and by receiving instant positive feedback. They said it also help the kids develop better social skills based off collaborative learning. The two also stated that the children could listen to the instruction using headphones so they could hear the proper annunciation of the words.

I think that using technology when learning any type of subject matter is key. It allows people to naturally excel on their own but at the same time you can still have your class on track. It also as the authors stated is a way to build social skills. The children /teens can aid others as well if they are the ones who are excelling more rapidly. The fact as they went as far to get the spanish keyboards is awesome because that is one thing I've had a hard time at when traveling abroad. I am lost when it comes to using them. Also for me the biggest asset to learning was the speaking. In my opinion you can not eliminate this part of the learning process.

Food for Thought Questions

1. In my experience I am wondering why the school went with a Spain style learning module when the most common dialect they would run into is more latin american spanish? 

Spain might just be the only country that is producing an educational program tool to help aid in the learning of Spanish or could be more advanced and developed since it is one of the most developed Spanish speaking countries that there is.

2. Software is like textbooks always being updated so how often would you have to buy new software for the schools? 

Just off a basic assumption I would think every three-four years the program would be out-dated. That seems to usually be the norm for computer technology. Once the computers are purchased though the software is not to expensive since you can purchase it as an administrative software.