Creating and Implementing a Digital International Classroom Language Exchange Program Maryland Foreign Language Association Fall Conference Baltimore, Maryland, October 21, 2011 Presenters: Ms. Carolina Covarrubias, Digital Language Exchange Coordinator, Spanish Language Teacher Sister Catherine Mindling, RSM, Modern and Classical Languages Department Chair, Spanish Language Teacher, AMIGOS coordinator Saint John’s College High School, Washington, DC

“Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience” – ACTFL Presentation overview  Motivation for the program  Student viewpoints  Current status  How we implemented the program  Long term view

Why consider a digital language exchange experience? Foreign language standards Existing exchange programs – AMIGOS Technology options available today Classroom without borders

Foreign Language Content Standards Developed by task force in 1996: ACTFL, AATF, AATG, AATI, AATSP, ACL, ACTR, CLASS and NCJLT-ATJ  Communication  Cultures  Connections  Comparisons  Communities

Existing program: AMIGOS with SJC Existing service abroad program Highly successful program for participants Reaches 4-10 students per year Training and financial contribution Want to provide opportunities to broader student base

Rapid changes in technology Students are using Facebook, Twitter, Skype, YouTube, Blogs Must keep classroom experience relevant Aim to better speak the language of the younger generations via an academic model Videoconferencing vs other modes of communication

Classroom without borders Going beyond the classroom is vital in a foreign language education Student responses to the online classroom language program (video):

Where are we now? 4 live successful sessions with a high school in Managua, Nicaragua 96 total student participants from SJC Over 100 total student participants from Managua Administration support- President, Principal, Assistant Principal Faculty-4 language teachers fully participating, everyone on board

Where are we now? Increased integration into other school activities and outreach  Supporting a local teacher training program in Nicaragua  Linked to an SJC spring school service orientation trip for faculty and students

How did we get here: Initial phase Initial idea presented by Spanish teacher at department meeting Initial proposal drafted by Spanish teacher Proposal distributed among department for review and feedback Proposal sent to administration for final approval

How did we get here: Initial phase Department Chair role ◦ Support, documentation Incorporating the Technology Department ◦ Simultaneous with proposal writing ◦ Technological capacity one of first points addressed in proposal for the program and discussions

How did we get here: Forming partnerships Identifying main contact points Identifying potential schools  Location  Philosophy / Mission Statement  Time zone  Existing linkages and contacts  Included in program proposal

How did we get here: What does implementation look like? (video)

“Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience” – ACTFL