1. M YA P R E S T W O O D
EDT 321
2 9 J U N E 2 0 12
2. Language Learning
2
Most people agree that the most
effective way to learn a language is
to travel to where that language is
dominant.
Instead of travelling across the world
we are now able to stay home and
experience a conversation with
whomever we chose by connecting
online.
Prestwood 06/29/12
3. Language Learning
3
Learning from a book is not the most effective way to learn
the colloquial usage of tones or phrases.
Certain phonetic sounds can be better grasped when
speaking regularly with a native speaker.
With technology to be able to globally speak face to face,
the ability to practice languages has become increasingly
sufficient.
Prestwood 06/29/12
4. Skype
4
Skype is a free online phone service available for
download.
It allows users to:
message
play games
call
even speak face to face
on a webcam!
Prestwood 06/29/12
5. Features
5
For users who want to add more options, they have
an opportunity to pay a fee and be able to have
these features:
Prestwood 06/29/12
6. Cost Estimate
6
I expect the average language classroom to be
approximately 10-20 students.
I will estimate the cost for the entire 20 students and prove
that it is entirely cost effective to use Skype in the
classroom.
Skype, itself, is entirely free when used with other Skype
members. The real cost to consider for the school board
would be to provide the students with individual laptops.
Prestwood 06/29/12
8. Conclusion
8
Students would be able to learn from native speakers and
ask real questions to learn both the language and the
culture.
Although there are some grammatical rules and vocabulary
that can be learned in a traditional format, most people who
are learning a language have one goal in mind which is to
sound natural.
Without the ability to hear how natural speakers sound it
can be challenging to pronounce certain phonetics or
comprehend some interpretations.
Prestwood 06/29/12
10. References
10
"Free Skype Internet Calls and Cheap Calls to Phones Online
- Skype.“ Skype. Web. <http://www.skype.com/>.
Walmart. Compaq Black 15.6" Presario CQ57-339WM Laptop
PC with Intel Celeron B800 Processor and Windows 7
Home Premium with Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Option. <
h t t p : //w w w . w a l m a r t . c o m /i p /C o m p a q - B l a
>.
Prestwood 06/29/12
Editor's Notes
I used the Civic design but changed the colors to a green theme. 06/29/12 Prestwood
Traditionally, language learners have been assigned pen pals in language classrooms. I’m introducing the idea of “Skype Pals”. With this idea, students will hold face to face conversations to learn from one another! 06/29/12 Prestwood
Skype should be utilized in language class rooms as it is one of the best ways to effectively learn a language. 06/29/12 Prestwood
Skype is easy to learn how to use and students would be able to go home and continue talking to their new Skype Pals for increased learning time! Depending on the time zones, homework could even potentially be assigned. Skype keeps records of call length and messages. 06/29/12 Prestwood
The fees are different depending on exactly which services you want to enroll in and which countries you want to have access to call. 06/29/12 Prestwood
We would not need to purchase any additional features from Skype as we would be connecting to another pre-arranged class of students in another part of the world. Therefore, we would only need the free Skype to Skype service. I have priced laptops at Wal-Mart (see for $298.00 to keep in line with my estimate of $300 per laptop for each student. 06/29/12 Prestwood
This pie chart displays the budget for twenty $300 laptops. The price is an estimate that does not include taxes. There are other various computers in this price range that are a little less or a little more than the budget here. The names in the chart are generic and not taken from any source. 06/29/12 Prestwood
Being able to ask questions to their Skype Pals helps to eliminate any stereotypes as well. 06/29/12 Prestwood
Having Skype in language classrooms creates a virtual learning environment for everyone involved that would be far more effective than pen pals or book work. There are several other advantages in addition to these as well! 06/29/12 Prestwood
