This document discusses combining technology and teachers in the language classroom. It argues that teachers should focus on facilitating interactive group activities, like debates, while technology like computers are better suited for individual vocabulary practice at home through adaptive learning software. By dividing responsibilities this way, more class time can be spent on speaking practice through interactive activities led by the teacher.

1. Combining the Powers of
Teachers &Tech
Language Classroom

2. Technology is
everywhere.

3. Can you spot Waldo in this sea of devices?
Image © Luca Bruno

4. Technology
has made its way into the classroom
in a big way.

5. But we shouldn’t forget about the other big player in the classroom.

6. We’re
talking
about her.

7. We’re
talking
about her.
(or him!)

8. Just because there are computers in a
classroom, doesn’t mean students have
to be sitting in front of them.

9. Let that teacher do what she does best.

10. Let that teacher do what she does best.
Hint: It’s not watching her students use a computer.
That’s so easy a caveman could do it...

11. Let that teacher do what she does best.
Hint: It’s not watching her students use a computer.
That’s so easy a caveman could do it...

12. Language teachers are better at
facilitating interactive activities.

13. For a foreign language teacher,
interactive activities might include…

14. Debates

15. In the
foreign
language
classroom,
it’s all about
getting
students to
open their
mouths.

16. So, what about all those cool computers?

17. They’re right there,
at home.

18. It seems like just about every
child has a laptop, tablet, or
smartphone these days.*
* The 2011 U.S. Census reported that
71.7% of American families had internet
access at home.

19. Let that technology do what it does best.

20. Computers are
wicked smart.

21. Computer algorithms can present students
with dozens of questions per minute.

22. Computer algorithms can present students
with dozens of questions per minute.
And remember all of their answers.

23. Computer algorithms can present students
with dozens of questions per minute.
And remember all of their answers.
And adjust accordingly to focus on what
they struggle with.

24. That’s a lot to do in just
one minute.

25. No offense, teachers, but individualizing the
learning experience to that extent with 20+
students in your classroom… it’s probably
not possible.

26. No offense, teachers, but individualizing the
learning experience to that extent with 20+
students in your classroom… it’s probably
not possible.
…unless you’re a robot!

27. So, here’s where we get to our point.

28. So, here’s where we get to our point.
(We bet you’ve been wondering what we’re getting at, right?)

29. Technology should be used to teach
students vocabulary… at home.

30. Teachers should then build upon what
students learned at home via interactive
group activities... in class!

31. It’s a little something we called
Declaratively Accelerated
Blended Learning.

32. Because there are only so many
opportunities to practice speaking
a new language.

33. Class time should be one of those
opportunities.

34. To learn how to turn your passive classroom
into an active classroom, check out our
Declaratively Accelerated Blended Learning
Implementation Guide

35. For more advice on all things foreign language,
connect with Transparent Language: