Digital Speaking Free resources to enhance speaking in the Foreign Language Classroom Catherine Ritz October 2011

Why and How? Increase use of whole language Emphasize communicative speaking goals Give more individualized speaking practice to all students (especially for large classes!) Make speaking fun! Transform homework assignments Update old language labs for free Add third dimension to projects Evidence of student progress in oral skills

Types of Assessments Formative – Homework: quick check of student understanding – Smaller Project: incorporating various topics being worked on in class Summative – Part of a Test: complete in language lab or at home – Larger Project: a new layer to a longstanding project

Proficiency-Based Interpretive Communication – The Interpretive Mode is characterized by the appropriate cultural interpretation of meanings that occur in written and spoken form where there is no recourse to the active negotiation of meaning with the writer or speaker. Interpersonal Communication – The Interpersonal Mode is characterized by active negotiation of meaning among individuals. Participants observe and monitor one another to see how their meanings and intentions are being communicated. Adjustments and clarifications can be made accordingly. Presentational Communication – The Presentational Mode is characterized by the creation of messages in a manner that facilitates interpretation by members of the target culture where no direct opportunity for the active negotiation of meaning exists. Moving towards new AP expectations *Definitions from AP French Language & Culture, Course & Exam Description apcentral.collegeboard.com

Assessment Rubrics Performance rubrics – Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey – Wellesley High School (adapted for Arlington HS) Performance rubric

Resources that allow for Presentational Communication Blabberize.com – Free site where you can upload a digital photo and make it talk. Very fun! – Student Samples Student Samples Besmurfed.com – Free, fun site where you make Smurfs talk – Sample Sample

Vocaroo.com – Free basic voice recording site. No registration. Students either link or embed code to teacher. – Samples Samples Glogster.com – Create fun interactive posters. Students can record sound files on their computers, then upload them to the glog. – Teacher Sample Teacher Sample – Student Sample Student Sample – Student Sample with Video Student Sample with Video

GoAnimate.com – Create cartoons and record your own audio for free. – Student Sample Student Sample Voki.com – Create free avatars and record your own voice. (Or type text and set a good accent!) – Student Samples Student Samples – Class website sample Class website sample

VoiceThread.com – Free to create individual accounts (pay to create student accounts). Add pictures and record audio to make stories. – Sample Sample MailVu.com – Create video messages that you for free. Can also get a public link of the message, but it only lasts 1 year! (Or you can set to self-destruct!) – $5 to buy a widget to place on your website – Sample Sample

Voisse.com – Create free account, record your voice online or with your cell phone. – Class sample Class sample Google Voice – Set up free account with gmail. Choose phone number and link to your cell phone, then select “Do Not Disturb.” All calls go to your inbox and can be embedded or played online. – Call me at

Resources that allow for Interpretative Communication – Free to sample, $79 per year for unlimited use – Record prompts or add videos/written questions, and have students respond orally or in writing – No registration required for the students – Question prompts: HolaHola – Video prompt: Les SchtroumpfsLes Schtroumpfs – Image interpretation: Petit NicolasPetit Nicolas

Use any of the resources listed under Presentational Communication, but give the student something they need to respond to first. – For example, give students a reading and have them record a one-minute reaction/summary/opinion of it using an online recording site. – Have the students watch a video you’ve chosen from YouTube, then react to it orally using an online recording site.

Resources that allow for Interpersonal Communication audioboo.fm – A free, audio-based social network. – Record updates about yourself from your phone or online. – Can message friends directly. Can be linked to Twitter or Facebook. – Follow me and let’s test it out: ritzforeignlang

WeToKu.com – Free video site, can set “private” video settings – Can do “interviews” with two people. – Seem to not be playing videos correctly, but keep your eye on this site! Google Video Chat – Students need gmail accounts (free). Add each other as contacts. When online, select to chat and click on video icon. Chats will be saved and could be viewed in class.

Practice Pick as many resources as you have time to practice with. Create a teacher model for an upcoming project. me the “embed code” (or share the link) at I will post on my blog so we can all see what you created.

Additional Resources catherineritz.org – Check “Resources: Tech Sites” – Samples created today will be posted at: ritzylanguage.blogspot.com