Although not formally tested in the same manner as English Language Arts and Math, World Language study is an essential component of global competences (EdWeek article) or of World-Readiness as labelled by ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language). Not only does language learning support global competences, it enhances and supports literacy in Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Science through the well-known "5 Cs" of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.
To promote the links between foreign language study and world-readiness, ACTFL, the various AAT (American Association of Teachers of) language associations, and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills have created documents that detail the connections between the National Standards for Learning Languages and the Common Core English Language Arts Standards, also known as "The Crosswalk." For any language teacher who has had to justify the continuation of his or her program, these documents and research are of utmost importance. World Language classes should no longer be considered the "arts and crafts" elective for the drama and choir students. They are an indispensable component of a well-rounded college and career-ready, globally-minded curriculum.
- Alignment of the National Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards
- ACTFL's World-Readiness for Language Learning
- ACTFL's World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages Summary
- The Partnership for 21st Century Skills and ACTFL's 21st Century Skills Map
As many states shift to using the Common Core standards, materials labelled, "Aligned to Common Core," have appeared in textbook and teacher supply catalogs. Unfortunately, in the rush to provide "approved" materials, publishers and suppliers seem to have taken the core ideals of the standards a bit too literally by promoting their materials as a standardized curriculum (NPR report: The Common Core Curriculum Void).
As it has been presented, there is no set curriculum for the CC standards. Teachers and districts are directed to use the standards to create units and lessons that will best meet the needs of their students and help prepare them for college and career experiences as global citizens.
The same philosophy is true for technology tools. No app or Web-based tool has been "geared" to meet a specific Common Core standard. In exploring the Apple App store, one can find all sorts of apps labelled, "Common Core" but that do not explain how, why or in which way using the app will meet a standard or improve a student's performance.
Symbaloo - View all of the apps on this blog post organized together on Symbaloo. There are three headings: Speaking/Listening, Reading, and Writing and are in subcategories based on the National and Common Core Standards. As a companion to the Symbaloo table, the apps have been similarly organized on this blog to offer a more in-depth investigation opportunity. Prices, tutorials, and further links provide teachers with a thorough description of the available tools.
Further blog posts over the next year will include apps for Reading, Writing, and Web-based tools. Please contribute any suggestions to this list in the comments, by Tweeting me @catherineku72 or by e-mail: catherineku72@gmail.com
ELA: Speaking and Listening -
Standards for Learning Languages: Interpersonal
(Speaking & Listening; Reading and Writing)
Screencasting:
Prepare recorded presentations and tutorials for flipped (in-class or at-home) lessons that provide basic or extra information for students accessible anywhere at any time. Presentations can also be used by substitute teachers or study groups. Beyond teacher-prepared presentations, students can share their collaborative efforts with the class or the teacher.
As stated earlier, these app suggestions serve as ideas and options for teachers who wish to integrate technology in a thoughtful, meaningful manner. In choosing and aligning these apps, literacy in language at several was the objective.
As you can see, there are MANY apps available. My suggestion is to choose 1 or 2 from each category and experiment to find your preference. Each one has its positive aspects.
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Free apps /
Free with paid options
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 Use your iPad as an interactive whiteboard to create publishable tutorials. |
 App (Free and paid version) Video app review Add text, pictures, and videos to your presentation. |
 App (Free) Video tutorial Use the basic toolbar to create recorded tutorials for publication. |
 App (Free and paid) Video tutorial Doceri offers multiples levels of collaboration and interaction. Control your laptop wirelessly through your iPad, record tutorials, and present live lessons. |
 App (Free) Video tutorial Invite students to collaborate in real time with your images, text, or PDF. This app does not allow you to pre-record a presentation, but you can organize the presentation before collaboration. |
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Paid apps under $5.00
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 Doodlecast Pro App ($4.99) Video overview Create, save, and publish presentations from your iPad. |
 Annotate, animate, and import to create visually appealing tutorials and presentations for publication. |
Digital Storytelling: Voice & Image (video) only:
Encourage student engagement, production, and voice through original or retold stories. The following apps focus on oral recordings with images that can be shared by e-mail, social media, or exported to YouTube. Click on the provided link to learn more.
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Free apps /
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App (Free)
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Videolicious (New to me, but looks impressive!)
App (Free)
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Sockpuppets (A student favorite!)
App (Free w/paid option)
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App (Free)
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App ($0.99)
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Digital Storytelling: Text, Pictures, Video & Voice
Beyond a simple story, these apps will inspire students to add text and voice to their presentations.
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App (free)
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Adobe Voice (New to me, but looks great!)
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Shadow Puppet (A student favorite!)
App (Free)
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ELA: Speaking and Listening -
Standards for Learning Languages: Interpersonal
(Speaking & Listening; Reading and Writing)
Curation & Evaluation for Comprehension - "Students are knowledge curators - let's help them use it"
(Nicole Krueger - ISTE Connects blog)
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Free apps
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App (This will be updated. The app does not appear in the App Store at the time of publication.
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In choosing to integrate technology tools, teachers should explore various tools, experiment with them, and choose a few that best connect with or support their objectives and learning targets. The SAMR model, as proposed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura (and described by Kathy Schrock) provides guidance for teachers who are new to technology integration.
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