Integrating Technology in the Second Language Classroom

HTML final project

Choose a topic related to your major area of expertise. Develop an online activity centered on an authentic text. Text can mean almost any sort of authentic material: an article, a passage from a story, a magazine ad, a TV commercial, a poster, a brochure, etc. You must make appropriate use of the target language.  The project should not contain content from previous projects.  Please pay attention to the requirements listed below.

Include an original instructional video (IOW created by you). You can film yourself explaining some aspect of the content, or use images with your own narration. You might wish to use Powerpoint or Photoshop to create images, charts, text examples, etc. as part of the video. (In Powerpoint, you can save a slide as jpg.) You could use your camera, webcam, or cell phone to shoot the video. You could include images or clip-art taken from the internet or created by yourself. Keep your video short and simple or it will take up too much of your time. However, be sure to integrate it into your project, don't just stick a video on a page without doing anything with it. A video could be an introduction, a conclusion, an explanation, a language sample, a cultural explanation, etc.  Use the <Video> tag to embed your video on your page.

Requirements:  the following components need to be present in the project:
 

• At least 4 pages (more if appropriate for your selected project)
• Pages represent clear functions
• Clear and easy navigation
• Stylistic and thematic cohesion
• Clearly specified objectives (SWBAT) Make sure they are specific learning outcomes, not too broad, not activities.
• Glossing of vocabulary in an authentic text (You can choose from a number of different methods.)
• Use of form elements to allow student interaction (text boxes, drop down, radio buttons, etc.)
• Provide feedback to students.

 
• Initial page file named : index.html; well-formed file names;
• Page titles
• Background color (but with good contrast for text legibility - don't hurt my eyes!)
  
• Graphics--original and edited (labeled as such on your flowchart and used to enhance pedagogy, not just decorative)
• Sound file(s) using mp3 format used in a pedagogically appropriate way.
• An original instructional video. (You have a LOT of latitude for this, but it must be instructive, not just directions.)
• Table(s) for formatting (make sure alignment works for changing browser widths)
• Use of accented characters if appropriate:  Voilà
• Heading(s) should stand out.
• Links from text and graphics to other pertinent sites
• Use of Target Language - Correct spelling!  }:-[

 
• Attention to stylistic considerations
• Fonts, Color, Size, Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity.
• Use all of the above as appropriate for enhancing your content.
  
• Consistent look and feel

 
• Printed copy of your "learning outcomes/objectives"
• Printed copy of your storyboard or flowchart (include required elements, show flow)

 


Other things to consider:

As always, keep an eye to style, formatting, use of space, positioning elements on the page, attractiveness of page, etc.  Remember, this page must catch and keep the attention of the reader.  Because these projects will be on the WWW, you need to be very careful about copyright.  Because this is a student project, you may copy images and other authentic materials, but not any explanatory text or exercises. Always Document Sources for anything that is not original.