As I look at other teachers and myself, I see a group of people eager to "master" the computer and use its potential to increase the learning opportunities of our students. At the same time, there is often a feeling of frustration with the new technology and a certain level of discomfort at taking the next step. My thought is that until the teachers are comfortable with computers and the new wave of technology coming into our classrooms, students will not be able to make full use of this technology either. As a TIL, I would like to help overcome this frustration and offer ideas and strategies to encourage teachers to expand their knowledge and use of technology in the dual teaching and learning process.

Proposals for the Foreign Languages TIL

• Offer suggestions on using current classroom technology more effectively. For example, the remote control for the TV monitor can be used to access closed captioning for foreign language films, as well as to change from the VCR to other pieces of newer equipment such as laser disk players.
  
  
• Increase teachers' knowledge of basic applications such as word processing, graphics and spreadsheets. Even small ideas such as using macros to create letters of the alphabet not found in the English language (for example, the French è involves 3 keys and 2 steps to create) can be helpful to foreign language teachers.
  
  
• Create class projects such as foreign language newspapers. Using computers at home and in the classroom, several classes could combine on this kind of project.
  
  
• Promote email as the basic tool of communication within the department. Once this becomes the norm, it will be easy to expand the use of email to other areas, such as listserv designed for foreign language teachers.
  
  
• Increase use of the WWW resources to bring the rest of the world in many languages inside the classroom.

Current and previous experience

• ELD teacher and coordinator at Claremont High school. Students use four computers in the classroom to access a program ("English Express Deluxe") to increase speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English. This program uses both CD-ROMS and laser disks.
  
  
• French teacher. For the last three years I have taken a group of French students to France for ten days in December as part of the exchange program between Claremont High School and the Lycée Lavoisier in Paris. In return, a class of students from Lavoisier visits Claremont for two weeks each spring. One of our joint projects for the future will be to increase communications by use of email between the students.
  
  
• Member of the CHS Ed Tech Committee whose members have been unfailingly helpful and supportive as I attempt to overcome my own frustrations and increase my knowledge of the new technology.

Possible CIPs (Curriculum Integration Projects)

1. Joint projects such as foreign language newspapers.
   
   
2. Provide teachers with information on possible WWW projects involving language or cultural activities.
   
   
3. Provide information on computer programs directly aimed at improved learning in the target languages.

Created (with lots of help!) by Nicole Mitescu
nmitescu@chs.cusd.claremont.edu
Claremont High School
(909)624-9053