Teaching Languages with Technology

This page began as part of our participation for the 5th consecutive year in the annual AATSP Conference in 2013.  We are now in our 10th year of collaboration and enjoying every experience.  This site will continue to be the place to come to access links and ideas presented during our NMSU workshop and session at the conference.  We used this site during the session and will continue to use it afterwords to access what you might need.  The biggest reason for this is to eliminate handouts!  We're going green - another benefit to teaching with technology!  But, also because there are new ideas being added all the time. 

AATSP 2019

This year's conference is in San Diego, CA and the workshop is titled: "Turn on Spanish and Portuguese Learning in your Classroom Using Technology your Students Already Bring with Them." Many participants always request a copy of the powerpoint presentation. So, here it is in PDF format.  Enjoy and connect with us with ideas and requests for things to add to the site!
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General Information on Online Education and the Digital Divide

Why Integrate Technology in Language Instruction?


Establishing Collaborative Rules for Technology Use and Expectations is Essential
One thing that we should always do when using technology in class, is survey the technological assets used/owned by the students.  After all, if they don't have access to something, will they use it?  This survey can be formal (an electronic form can be created easily with Survey Monkey) or informal (by just a raise of the hand).  Ultimately, you will want to consider the LCD (Least Common Denominator) with technology so that all students can participate.  Of course, having activities that can be done for extra credit or offer different options - flexibility is always best.

Technology Surveys

For Students
For Teachers

Selecting Websites, Apps, and Programs

One of the most difficult things to do is to select appropriate sites, apps and programs to use in class. Here are some sites with some things to keep in mind. There are always new ones being added.

iPads and other Tablets - Ideas

Since the arrival of the iPad, the way we do things as educators and as students has changed.  From eTexts to websites and more - the iPad brings extreme flexibility to the classroom.  One thing to be observed, is that the best thing about the iPad, is that for somethings, you don't need to use a computer, and it just makes many things more adaptable and accessible.  Many of the previously mentioned tools and activities, can be completely developed on the iPad (unless Java is required - examples that don't have all their functionality include: Wordle and Weebly, for certain items). 

What it does allow, both you and your students, is the flexibility to do most everything the computer can do.  

Monitoring your activities created using the computer are easy and accessible.

Let's look at some ideas that are out there first:
The previous apps are for producing other types of activities or are involved in a stage of developing larger activities, below are some apps for learning languages (Spanish especially):

Apps for Learning/Practicing Spanish

SmartPhones - Ideas

Of course, with the popularity of iPhones, Droids, and other SmartPhones, the tools and apps available there are possibilities now that literally bring learning to the students hand, or pocket, bag, or backpack.  Some of the apps that are on most devices can be used to engage students.

Other Technology Resources

There are so many possibilities of technology use that is it difficult to cover them all.  Here are some items that might help you.  If you have something to share, let us know so we can help find it.