Instructional+Computer+Courses

__**Instructional Computer Courses 2011/2012**__ **October 6 and 13, 2011** **The Power of Google in the (French) Classroom -** Google is more than just a search engine - in fact, it's a powerful package of tools for creating, sharing, and collaborating with others. We'll explore a number of Google tools that help students communicate in writing by creating and sharing forms, documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. With Google tools, there is no need for memory sticks and students can work on any type of computer, at home or at school without worrying about losing their work. If possible, sign up for a google account or gmail prior to the workshop or be prepared to do so at the first session.

**November 10 and 17, 2011** **Oral Communication in French - Podcasting with Garageband and Web 2.0 Tools** - Podcasting is the perfect way for language students to improve pronunciation, fluency, expression and intonation in their second language. Garageband includes sound effects, music and more to make practising and presenting French dialogues fun as well as educational. Podcasts can be put on websites, blogs and wikis, burned on CD’s, played on the announcements or shared through many other media. We will also explore other Web 2.0 tools where students can record their voices such as Voki, Blabberize, Photobabble, and Voice Thread.

**February 9 and 16, 2012** **Get Your Students Writing in French** - Motivate your students to improve their French writing skills using a variety of presentation tools such as Comic Life and Print Shop as well as Web 2.0 tools like Glogster, Bitstrips for Schools and Wordle. Produce posters, invitations, signs and more in Print Shop and comic strips, photo journals, or scrapbooks in Comic Life. Design interactive posters in Glogster, comics in Bitstrips and word clouds in Wordle. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Bring a CD or memory stick of pictures from your classroom or home to work with. We will also explore Creative Commons and other image and clipart sites to promote responsible digital citizenship skills in the classroom.

**March 1 and 8, 2012** **Social Media in the French Classroom** - Enhance written communication in French using a collaborative approach. When students share their ideas and respond to other’s comments and opinions, they are able to make connections, reflect on their learning and use background knowledge to voice their ideas. Both blogs and wikis give students this opportunity. You will learn the difference between these tools and have the chance to set up a blog and/or wiki to use with your students. We will also explore using other social media sites such as Twitter, Twiducate, Edmodo, Glogster, and Facebook in the French classroom.