By Jennifer Trend
Learning a language, like many other subjects, requires constant study and immersion. But with distance learning in place, the World Language Department has introduced the usage of Flipgrid and Loom to teach their students and help them practice their speaking skills, since the AP exams for languages are now based on only speaking-type questions.
As you know, language is universal. There’s no limit as to how one should use it. Teachers have been assigning work that students can complete in order to make sure their students are okay while practicing the language.
“Simple conversations or written discussions about how students are doing, or what they’ve been up to, for example, allow students to use and practice their language skills,” said Jim Diecidue, spanish teacher and head of the World Language Department.
New lessons are taught through a website called Loom where teachers can record their screen containing notes while explaining the lesson via microphone.
Due to the change in AP testing, students will now be tested on two questions that focus on speaking and listening. The test will only contain a conversation type question, where the tester will have 20 seconds to respond to a question or statement, and the second question will be a speech type question, where they will have four minutes to prepare and two minutes to present their speech on a topic presented by the test.
With distance learning making it hard for students to communicate verbally with teachers and other students, world language teachers are assigning plenty of speaking based work to help prepare their students for the exam. Students are able to record themselves speaking through Flipgrid, which gives them a chance to practice their speaking skills and watch their classmate’s videos, which also helps their listening skills.
“I’d like to thank students for their continued efforts, and for their patience as we utilize some technology tools that are new to us,” said Diecidue. “I know there are some students who are concerned about being ready for the next level of whatever language they are learning, and I want to reassure them that they will be fine, if they keep up with their distance learning over these next couple months.”
