As a non-native Spanish speaker I am constantly trying to find ways to expose my students hearing Spanish when spoken from native speakers. I have found music, movies and other sources but wanted to find something more live and a way for my students to actually interact with native speakers. Welcome Skype (www.skype.com), this free internet tool lets students conduct voice and video calls with anyone else with a Skype account and allows students to work on the written part of language via chats with native speakers. This great tool not only allows students to hear the language spoken by natives and practice their spoken and written skills, but also provides insight into other cultures.
Another one of the ways I can use Skype in my Spanish class is to invite guest speakers to talk with my students. In addition to students hearing native speakers speak the language, students are able to learn from an expert on a topic we may be studying. For example, when studying about the markets in México, an owner or local shopper could speak to the class and share their insights.
Although there are many benefits to using Skype in a language classroom, there are also a few drawbacks. The first one has to do with scheduling and time zones, for example it would not be possible for my last period class to speak with students in Spain, as the time difference is seven hours. Another issue with Skype is that some school districts ban its usage, making this resource unavailable.
For all those teachers who are allowed to use Skype in your classroom I encourage you to find students from another country to be pen pals with your students. This great exchange program will allow your students to really connect with the language and create relationships that can last a lifetime.
I haven't had a chance to use skype yet, but my Spanish colleagues have used it successfully. The teachers have had guest Spanish speakers speak to their students about the environment and health issues. Sometimes one of the teachers is an expert about one topic or had a specific experience and wants to share this with the other Spanish classes. Instead of having all the students cram into a small room, they have used skype even though they were in the same building. They also have used Skype to collaborate with other teachers in the district. I would like to use it more, especially since it is free!
ReplyDeleteSkype is a wonderful way for students in a foreign language class to practice their skills. The drawback that you noted about districts banning Skype is a major blockade for public schools though. Although, staff may be able to get permission to use the technology to speak to other educators. Districts may be worried about how to police Skype since it is a live feed. But this is a great new take on pen pals.
ReplyDeleteMy first time actually using Skype was when I was visiting my family in New Jersey for Thanksgiving a few years ago and my niece was in England doing a semester abroad....It was so great beign able to see her and talk and not have to pass the phone around...what a great tool for the classroom as well!!
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