ARCHIVED NOVEMBER 2005

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Embedding ICT @ Secondary: Key Stage 3 modern foreign languages

This pack contains subject-specific resources designed to help modern foreign language teachers gain a better understanding of when and how to ‘embed’ ICT into their lessons.

The resources include:

  • A CD of video-based case studies of good practice in ICT and MFL.
  • Support materials, including ready-to-use PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, lesson ideas and research documents.
  • A publication called Embedding ICT @ Secondary: Use of interactive whiteboards in modern foreign languages.
  • A digital resource guide for Modern Foreign Languages.
  • Materials from the ICTAC pack (see below).

The topics covered on the CD are:

Video-conferencing (French. School subjects)
Drop-down menus in Word (German. Holidays)
Interactive Whiteboard/PowerPoint (Spanish. School subjects)
Multimedia activities/Games (French. Local environment)
Listening, speaking, writing (French. School uniform)

The case studies, each of which focuses on a different teacher, are particularly interesting as they give snapshots of several examples of good practice, while the support materials enable you to have a go at incorporating some of the ideas into your own teaching. They would also be useful for whole department training.

You can order the folder from DfES Publications on 0845 602 2260 or send an email to dfes@prolog.uk.com using the code DfES/0808/2004.

Another source of examples of good practice on CD Rom (and also video-streamed on the Curriculum Online website) has the very similar (and somewhat confusing!) title of Embedding ICT @ KS3. It is part of a 2 CD Rom pack called Embedding ICT @ Secondary, which covers a number of subjects. Again, this is a free DfES resource (Ref: DfES/0152/2004, order as above). In the MFL chapter we see one teacher’s use of various aspects of ICT at KS3 in realistic classroom situations, with a focus on:

  • Presenting language on an interactive whiteboard using PowerPoint
  • Creating and sharing resources within a department
  • Furthering pupils’ understanding of the structure of language
  • Increasing motivation
  • Increasing independent learning

The layout of the CD Rom is clear and the teacher’s enthusiasm shines through!:

“People within languages appreciate the advantages of ICT as a teaching tool…good use of ICT is motivational for pupils. ICT adds a dimension to the teaching and extends the way in which you can deliver your lessons for the pupils, changing their learning environment.”