Languages ICT

ARCHIVED MAY 2007

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Top stories

The impact of ICT in schools

In recent years, the government has invested heavily into both creating an impressive and sustainable ICT infrastructure in British schools and paying for educational software through e-learning credits to raise standards, but what impact has this had on pupils' learning? Becta decided to commission researchers to find out. Their report Impact of ICT in schools: a landscape review has just been published and seems to carry good news for pupils learning modern foreign languages with the aid of technology.

 

The use of ICT for teaching and learning languages

As schools gain more and more access to useful hardware and software, it is essential that we share good practice on effective ways of embedding ICT into the curriculum and enhance learning outcomes in MFL. A recent QCA report has done just that by describing how five schools from around the country are having an impact on pupil learning by finding creative ways of using technology in the languages classroom. Check out the evidence here for yourself.

 

BETT 2007

BETT, the world's leading educational technology show, was as successful as ever this year attracting thousands of teachers from all over the world looking for the latest ways of using ICT to improve teaching and learning. MFL teachers were particularly fortunate as they were treated to a host of presentations on the latest innovations, most of which took place on the same day. There was also lots of different software to explore intended for both primary and secondary MFL colleagues. If you weren't able to make it to BETT, why not read about some of the highlights here?

 

Other current news

MFL Video iPod Project

Are you an independent learner who likes to personalise your learning? Did you receive a Video iPod for Christmas and are you interested in getting some free listening practice to improve your language learning skills? Well, if so, you may be interested in reading about David Seume's brainchild the Ashcombe MFL Video iPod project which will help you do just that. All you need is a fifth generation Video iPod and a few downloadable files and you will be able to test your knowledge by taking part in an interactive quiz in your own time when you want to. Read on if you would like to know more.

UK-Poland eTwinning project

More and more schools are forging links with partners abroad and promoting global citizenship through eTwinning schemes. One such example is the award winning project involving The Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and a school in Poland. Find out about all the different ways pupils and teachers from the two schools have been developing strong links with each other by using technology creatively.

The Isle of Wight conference

The fourteen languages lead practitioners for The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust have been busy in recent months spreading good practice in MFL by putting on training events to help their local networks. One such seminar proved particularly popular with language teachers and was hosted on the Isle of Wight.

Quick-stop news

Teachers TV

The latest batch of programmes on Teachers TV for secondary and primary modern foreign languages teachers include the following topics:

Primary

• KS1/2 MFL - The Scottish Experience - Teaching
• KS1/2 MFL - The Scottish Experience - Training
• Resource Review - Primary MFL 2

Secondary

• KS3/4 Modern Foreign Languages - Attracting Lower Ability Pupils
• KS3/4 Modern Foreign Languages - It's A Rap
• Teaching With Bayley - Attention Seekers
• Resource Review - ICT Special: Secondary MFL
• KS3 Modern Foreign Languages - Fast Tracking
• KS3 Modern Foreign Languages - Thinking Skills

You can watch the clips on the website or subscribe and download them to your computer.

Nacell Bulletin

The spring 2007 issue of the Nacell Bulletin includes a major focus on ICT with such articles as:

• The new languages of technology - MFL blogging and podcasting in primary schools
• Primary Languages - soon to be launched website for teaching and learning languages at Key Stage 2
• Getting started with ICT - Internet, eTwinning and interactive whiteboards
• InfoDIRECT - interactive whiteboard - friendly ICT resources

It can be ordered through the CILT Direct scheme or downloaded from the Nacell website as a pdf file in the summer term. The autumn 2006 issue contains the article ‘Whodunnit?’, about a videoconferencing project organised by PMFL consultant Alison McGregor involving primary school pupils in Oldham taking part in a murder mystery day and trying to solve various clues in the target language. Details of the event also appeared in the recent Times Educational Supplement article Clouseau Closed Up by Alison Thomas.

Also new from CILT are two technology related titles We have the technology - Using ICT to enhance primary languages by Therese Comfort and Dan Tierney as part of the Young Pathfinders series and, a publication aimed at secondary teachers, Lights, camera, action! - Digital video in the languages classroom by Ruth Bailey and Claire Dugard.

For further information about any CILT publications, please call 020 7379 5101 ext. 248 or e-mail publications@cilt.org.uk.

Self-review framework

Becta has produced an online tool for schools to assess and benchmark their use of ICT across the curriculum. The Self-review framework allows schools to evaluate their current provision and offers practical advice, based on best practice case studies, on areas that could be improved. The framework is divided into the following sections:

• Leadership and Management
• Curriculum
• Learning & Teaching
• Assessment
• Professional Development
• Extending Opportunities for Learning
• Resources
• Impact on Pupil Outcomes

For more information about how to get started, visit the Self-review framework area of the Becta Schools website.

Primary French is Fun

BBC Active is publishing a new two part course Primary French is Fun 1: Let's Begin and Primary French is Fun 2: Let's Continue in the spring and summer terms respectively. The resource includes over 60 separate videos, mapped to the MFL framework for Keystage Two and supported with ICT activities for the interactive whiteboard. The clips feature real French children filmed in France and provide clear models of pronunciation. Each pack costs £145 inc VAT and can be ordered online at: www.whiteboardactive.com. A free sample CDrom Whiteboard Active - Release the power of the video can be obtained by contacting Susanna Jones at BBC Active Languages. You can also watch the showreel to get a flavour of what's on offer.

To find out how teachers are using existing BBC resources in class, and what they would like to see the corporation develop in the future, the BBC has commissioned an online survey through Intuitive Media Research Services. If you take part in the five minute survey, you may be the lucky winner of a £50 M&S voucher!

You may also be interested in receiving the free BBC Active Languages email newsletter. Visit the BBC Active Language Tutors' Club web page to sign up and check out past issues of the newsletter.

ICT Excellence Awards 2007

Becta's ICT Excellence Awards are now open for entries! Entering its second year, the ICT Excellence Awards aim to identify and reward whole school excellence in ICT. They look for schools across the whole of the UK approaching ICT in outstanding and innovative ways. Winning schools will receive prize money of up to £6000, as well as opportunities to share their excellent practice with others.

The categories, open to both primary and secondary sectors, are Assessment, Curriculum, Extending Learning Opportunities, Inclusion, Leadership and Management, Learning and Teaching and Best Whole School. In addition to the schools categories and new to this year is the Support for Schools category for organisations supporting school improvement with ICT. All categories are closely aligned with elements of Becta's Self-Review Framework and the ICT Mark.
You can find out more about ICT Excellence Awards and enter online on the Becta website. Don't miss the deadline of 23 March 2007!

Classroom Research

Carrying out your own classroom research can be a very rewarding experience for all involved. Thanks to projects such as the three detailed below, teachers from this country and Europe are researching the role of technology in language learning, as a way of motivating pupils and raising attainment.

Action research summaries are available on the Languages ICT Action Research web pages, along with guidance on the principles of action research, suggestions for getting involved in disseminating your work and information on funding opportunities. TeachNetUK is a Specialist Schools and Academies Trust scheme, which aims to give teachers the chance to create and share ICT resources with other like-minded colleagues via the website. Web Journals in Language Education is a project funded by the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML), to research how weblogging can improve cultural awareness and boost writing skills in English and French, for secondary school age learners from countries across Europe.