Modern foreign languages - In the spotlight

3rd February 2012, 12:00am

Share

Modern foreign languages - In the spotlight

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/modern-foreign-languages-spotlight-18

Mixing the melting pot

The Mixxer is a social-networking site designed to connect language learners via Skype. Learners can set up profiles, update blogs, accept friend requests, send messages or chat live with their new international friends. Once language partners are matched, meetings usually last for an hour, with the time divided equally between the two languages so both participants can practise.

Exchange visits are not always feasible for schools, particularly as language departments are now beginning to branch out of the typical tripartite of French, German and Spanish. Yet authentic listening and speaking experience is sorely needed. With The Mixxer, gone are the days of dodgy videoconferencing connections or feeling obliged to only communicate with your borough’s “twinned” regions.

“Our students speak with native Japanese speakers every two weeks. It’s so much easier now,” says Akiko Meguro, a Japanese instructor at Dickinson College in Carlisle. Simon Ager, an independent learner, explains: “This is a great idea and seems to work well. Since I joined the site, I’ve practised my Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, and have learnt some more Russian and a bit of Bulgarian.”

What else?

For more ICT ideas, try a video from TeachersTV. And rossod has shared a lesson on blogging in French. Discuss the pros and cons of the internet in Spanish with slaughtj’s infinitive practice.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared