Too Few Computers and Too Many Kids

In the article titled Too Few Computers and Too Many Kids  written by Douglas Bedient, Jacqueline Scolari, and Tamela Randolph they talk about ways to incorporate learning strategies into classrooms that don't have enough computers for everyone. This article goes on to talk about different subject areas that this can be applied to but the area of my interest in the foreign language strategies that they have come up with. They have numerous other ways besides just using a textbook to teach the students. Although textbooks are still are primary aspect of learning another language it is still important to have some immersion into the language. Going on the internet and finding News headlines of what's going on in a country of the target language is one of the many projects that they have come up with that deals with using the computer for a short time only to allow another student to use it. They get the headlines, preferable having words they need to look up and create a poster board out of it and present it to the class.  They can also search for headlines that are audio so they can hear the native speaker talk about to learn accents and emphasis on certain parts of the words. On another audio aspect of the learning strategies the students can also search for radio stations that are in the target language and listen to that to learn more about the accents and what not from a native speaker. You could also bring in popular broadcasts and have the students listen to those as well on headphones. Another project would be to create a menu out of some of the cultural foods that can be found in the country of the target language as well. I think all of these are great ideas on top of the traditional learning style of the textbook. This helps build creativity and grammar not found  in textbooks as well. Also with the listening project the students can learn what part of words get emphasized and how you might enunciate a word differently. For example the difference in Spanish speakers from say Mexico City compared to those Spanish speakers in different parts of Spain.

Food For Thought Questions:

1. If there are not enough computers how much out of pocket money does one usually spend on this type of activities (ie: cassettes, radio players, etc etc)?

It all depends on what activity usually and how many students there are in the class plus how many computers you are short. There are many variables.

2. Do you find the students excel more when you integrate these styles into the classroom.?

I feel as thought they do because it is more hands on and they are working on things and putting pieces together themselves rather than just reading a book. Much more research goes into this as far as looking up new grammar in a dictionary, etc. etc.