Foreign+Language

= Foreign Language =

Technology:
Students will use virtual mapping sites and video sites to research their assigned locations. Students will then use Microsoft Word 2007 to create a promotional item. Sites to be used for research should include but are not limited to:
 * @http://www.virtourist.com/
 * @http://www.virtualtourist.com/
 * Maps.google.com/earthview
 * @http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/ch.Destinations.video
 * @http://www.geobeats.com/

Street view option in Google Maps of Madrid, Spain

Curriculum Standard:
Standard 5, Benchmark D, Indicator 5: Explore target culture communities, physically or virtually, and share findings and reactions about areas of personal interest with others. (Indicator #5)

Description:
The teacher will assign students a location or city that is relevant to the curriculum (i.e. Madrid for Spanish class, Rome for Italian class, etc.). Students will take virtual tours of their assigned locations using the websites listed above. While researching their assigned locations, students will note places of interest. Students will then create a promotional item for their locations using Microsoft Word 2007, such as a flier or brochure. Students should compare their promotional item against the scoring rubric prior to submitting it for grading.

Supporting Research:
Reese, J. (2002). Web-enhanced foreign language learning: C'est Si Bon!. //Multimedia Schools//, //9//(6), 43. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

This article discusses the various ways in which foreign language teachers can utilize the Internet to enhance their instruction. One of the author's recommendations is to use the Internet as a supplementary teaching aid for cultural activities. The author states, "Not everyone can afford to study abroad, but students can take a virtual field trip to countries where they can study and absorb the local cultures."

Tried & True or New & Innovative:
The research portion of this activity is new and innovative because students are required to use various multimedia sites to gain information. Students will utilize 3-D imaging, virtual tours, and tourism videos to gain knowledge about their assigned locations. Creating a flier or brochure is tried and true, but combining it with the new and innovative research style makes this activity more modernized.

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