Chromebooks in language teaching

Context:

• Language classes wanting internet access• Lab provision too old and expensive• Student expectations• Real vs controlled interaction• Meeting a wide range of tutor needs

Pilot project:

• 15 devices and a charging cabinet• Use Chrome O/S, updates automatically• Contract similar to that of mobile phone• Secure domain on Google apps for education• Control panel for domain• Users can share docs to their own email

account to continue beyond classroom

Affordances:

• Access • Connect• Co-create• Search• Contribute• Capture• Continue

Starting point: Grille des temps activity

Tutor focus on spotting error

Tutor changes input colour to give pointer to students.

Error resolved by students, next error idenditified.

Brainstorm activity: collaborative slideshow.

Student comments:“Computers in class are exciting. Breaks up the class into varying activities.”

“Very useful for mediating the EWC exchange and being directed to other useful resources online.”

“The use of chromebooks makes lessons less monotone and more enjoyable. “

“it is useful because it changes the general feeling to the class, which is always exciting - and I believe it makes us remember more than a single method of teaching.”