Thursday, July 5, 2012

Digital Media

Digital Media
In my French IA class, which a beginning level 6th grade French class, one of the very first things we do is to learn the French alphabet and accents.  It is extremely important for students to learn about them, because it helps the students understand the rules of French pronunciation.  Once students learn the alphabet and accents, I can have them use what they know in order to figure out how to pronounce a new word they learn.  In searching through Discovery Education, I found the following two videos that address the French alphabet and accents.  They are from the same series – Standard Deviants School: The Flaky Pastry World of French.
I think that my students would love these videos.  They present the exact same material that I teach, but do so in a way that would really capture the students’ attention.  Many of the things they say in the video and the examples they use are ones that I use with my students.  These videos would strongly reinforce what I teach.

These videos would be helpful for my visual and auditory learners.  My special needs students would also benefit from these videos, as they present the material in a way that would appeal to them.  These videos are extremely engaging, and I look forward to showing them to my 6th graders next year!

References:
Cerebellum (Producer). (2002). Section B: Accents and Frenchie Vowels. [Video Segment]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/


Cerebellum (Producer). (2002). Section B: Accents and Frenchie Vowels. [Video Segment]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Introductory Blog

Introductory Blog:

1.Who are you and what do you do?
Kate Benoit, a middle school French teacher from Maryland. I enjoy crafts, nail art, and Ravens football.

2. What is your primary goal for taking this course?
To learn ways to reach my students through digital media, and to incorporate it more into my classroom.

3. What is your philosophy of education?
That all students can find success in my class in some way, and it is my job to help meet their needs.

4. What do you see as the greatest benefit of using technology and/or digital media in the classroom?
Technology is exciting for my students and helps engage them in my lessons. It keeps school interesting.

5. What is your biggest concern or challenge with using technology and/or digital media in the classroom?
Not everyone has access outside of school, so planning can be difficult. I wish we had unlimited resources!

6. Provide an example of how you currently use technology and/or digital media in the classroom.
Smartboard, computer labs, laptop carts, online games, online version of the textbook, and much more!

7. How does your classroom today differ from when you were the same age as your students?
11 year old me didn't have computers in the classroom and didn't interact with media on a regular basis.