Summary
The internet provides opportunities to expand understanding of other people and cultures. Students who are learning language may miss some of the cultural nuances that can add to understanding. Having direct interaction with native speakers can help student gain better knowledge and understanding of the language.
Students acquired video pals from across the globe in China. Students used Skype to have live interviews with their pals – Chinese students who were attending college. The information obtained during the interview was used to create a presentation so that the Chinese pal could be introduced to the rest of the American students.
TIPC Ratings
Though the lesson could be modified to include Research and Information Fluency, the lesson currently does not focus on this lesson.
Target – students are communicating WAY beyond the borders of the classroom. Students are collaborating with the teacher using GoogleDocs to draft and finalize the questions they will pose to their video pals. Students are communicating with Chinese college students – in CHINA!!! – to have a conversation and practice the language skills they have been developing.
Target – students have to consider their pronunciation of the words and phrases in the Chinese language to ensure they are being understood. Students also must understand what the other person is answering so that the final presentation can be created that with accurately reflect the interview and information collected.
Though the lesson could be modified to include Creativity and Innovation, the lesson currently does not focus on this lesson.
Student Artifact
