Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
Wireless Computing in the Foreign Language Classroom
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By: Jessamine Cooke-Plagwitz |
Abstract
This presentation examines ways in which foreign language faculty at the University of South Carolina are using the addition of a wireless laptop network to their advantage. Foreign Language faculty are finding new and creative ways to incorporate the new machines and the relative freedom offered by wireless computing into their curricula.
Description
In recent years improvements in wireless technology have made wireless networking a viable option for creating cost-effective computing facilities in educational institutions. Moreover, wireless laptop computing can give rise to an entirely new set of pedagogical applications for classroom instruction.
Two years ago, the Foreign Language Learning Center at the University of South Carolina was awarded a $46,000 grant towards the development of a wireless laptop classroom. The Language Learning Center purchased 20 iBook laptops, a large cart for their storage and transport, and an iMac with DVD drive to serve as the instructor station. In addition, the grant paid for the purchase of a Proxima LCD projector for use with the instructor machine.
This presentation examines some of the more innovative uses foreign language teachers are making of the wireless laptops in their foreign language classrooms. Many teachers have found there to be major advantages to having the computer lab come to them, rather than having to move their students to the lab. Web-based exercises are much more easily incorporated into foreign-language curricula, and instructors are also finding that the accessibility of the laptops makes it much easier for them to assign computer-based work in their classes - whether the applications be Web- or software based.