Interactivity #3 : Generating a State of Art Iventory

Learning a new language can be very difficult and challenging for kids. Most students do not feel motivated to learn if it doesn't involve exciting and well organized lesson plans. Students want to be able to learn in a didactic and fun way, such as working with technology in the classroom as a great way to promote active and fun learning. Having students use computers or audio recorders in foreign language labs can increase the communication in the target language and allow them to be more engaged in learning and with their classmates.
            After gathering all the different technologies and creating the inventory, I have noticed that there are many technologies I would consider incorporating into the Spanish curriculum. For example, I would consider using foreign language TV channels, youtube, music video and songs, pronunciation tools and vocabulary activities because I consider all these being a critical part of a didactic and fun learning environment. Involving music and art can also be a very effective way to have students get in touch with culture. I would love to use Virtual Environments such as second life, where perhaps students from the US can keep in touch with students from Spain or other Latin American countries. This way both groups can be part of sharing cultural ideas that will help them strengthen their language skills and make learning a lot more interesting.
            As for assessment, I think any of the dynamic websites would be great to use because not only are students practicing what they are learning in class but they are also making the best out of that experience by being able to spend time in the foreign language labs and use the computers and audio recorders. Even though most of theses technologies can tempt students to wander away from the material, they can still be helpful in stimulating and motivating students to learn.