Jon D Pennington

Dr. Kevin Gaugler, Department Chair of Modern Languages at Marist College and Barbara Lindsey, Director of the Multimedia Language Center at the University of Connecticut, asked me if they could interview me and publish a podcast on some of the innovate ways my students have been using technology to facilitate learning. They run the blog World AT Ways which explores online technologies in support of language learning and teaching and intercultural competencies.

Link to the interview and podcast

Screenshot:

SpanishConnects.Us depicts how my students engage in discussions with native Spanish speakers in distant parts of the world in order to create an understanding of each other’s culture while sharing perspectives on local events impacting the world today. In preparation for these discussions, students research a current issue of their choice, become comfortable with the topic and are able to conduct educated conversations with their distant partners. Through this process, students are able to improve linguistic proficiency by speaking in Spanish while receiving linguistic assistance from their native counterparts. The students then have the opportunity to reciprocate by assisting their partners with their English proficiency. Students record, post, summarize and reflect upon these discussions, demonstrating how culturally diverse societies are able to connect on meaningful and current issues.