I-pad

The World Languages Department at BCD is proud to announce the arrival of 12 mini-iPads to the language classrooms.  These innovative teaching tools were procured thanks to a generous grant from the Sidney and Beatrice Albert Foundation.

Elizabeth Downes, Department Chair of the World Languages Department, explains how the project got its start:  “I used to teach in the Silicon Valley,” she said, “and in that school there was a state-of-the-art language lab where students would go at least once a week to hone their listening/speaking skills.  When I got to BCD, I missed that rich teaching tool, and I wanted to recreate it for my students here — however, building a language lab was not feasible.   Then along came the iPad and I realized that it really was possible to recreate that experience here at BCD.  We were lucky enough to have the very generous support of a local foundation which gave the school $6000 to spend on the project.”

With that money, Mme. Downes purchased 12 mini-iPads, styluses, headsets, a flat-screen televsion for the French classroom and 12 colorful cases for the iPads.  All Middle and Upper School language students will have access to this technology once the training has gotten off the ground.  Mme. Downes explains:  “Each French and Spanish class will have a scheduled “lab” time with the iPads.  I am in the process of creating that schedule and researching the best teaching techniques for the iPads’ use.  I will then train my colleagues.  Of course, our students are often way ahead of us!  They know so much about how to use these brilliant devices and the innovative apps that are available.  We’re all learning together which is wonderful.”

Mme. Downes is working closely with one student in particular, 7th grader, Nico C., who was chosen as the Teacher’s Assistant for the project. Nico provides invaluable technological support by envisioning and articulating what is possible within the iPad world.  He will provide (and has already provided) research and implementation ideas as well as information about applications and auxiliary devices.

The goals of the project are numerous:

1.  To enhance the oral and written aptitude of BCD foreign language students by creating a classic “language lab” experience for our students.  Students will be able to record their voices and listen to themselves which provides a fundamental learning experience in language acquisition.

2.  To create greater possibilities for interacting with French and Spanish outside the classroom.  With programs like AudioBoo and VoiceThread, students can record themselves outside of the classroom and then submit their work to their teacher.  These learning experiences are especially meaningful since students can practice as much as they wish before submitting their work.

3.  To provide artistic/fun learning experiences for our students by using the graphic and art applications that are available on the iPad.  Furthermore, the iPads provide a fun way to practice spelling and writing in a second language.

4.  To provide access to a myriad of enriching cultural experiences online.   The television monitor in the French classroom will allow our students to see for themselves what is happening in the world around them.

5.  To allow for leadership possibilities for BCD students who are particularly adept in the digital world.

Come and find out more!

As part of BCD’s International Celebration this year, the World Languages Department would like to invite you to two special events both held on Friday, February 21, 2014:  

First:  “The BCD International Festival” provides a rich and fun cultural experience for our language students.  There will be games, recitations, dance demonstrations and refreshments.  This event provides an opportunity for the language students to celebrate together.  It will run from 1:40 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Second:  Following the festival will be a brief introductory presentation of the iPad project and a demonstration in the French classroom, starting at 3:05 p.m. and running until 4:00 p.m.  The Executor of the Sidney and Beatrice Albert Foundation will also be present.

 Come celebrate with us and learn more about this exciting work!