Language lab allows students to improve
Spanish skills
Published: Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 8:15 p.m. CST
By HEIDI LITCHFIELD
Advanced Spanish students at Morris Community High School are increasing the fluency that they speak
and hear Spanish with the addition of the Foreign Language Computer Lab introduced last year.
“The software on the computer allows them to talk to each other with the aid of headphones,” MCHS
teacher Becky Ortega said. “It records the conversations and allows them to listen to themselves.”
Teachers also are able to go in and listen to recorded
conversations to better help all the students.
Teacher Leigh Ann Grabowski said a typical 50-minute class
does not allow enough time for one-on-one interaction with
each student for speaking and listening, but the addition of
the lab allows all students to get more hands-on time.
During the 2013-14 school year, the school finished building
and outfitting the new Foreign Language Computer Lab. The lab uses Sony Virtuoso Digital Language
Lab software, which creates a specialized foreign language learning environment.
The language software is being used by AP Spanish classes, but the department hopes to eventually use
it for both first- and second-level classes.
“It saves class time with speaking assessments,” Ortega said, which leaves more time for classroom
instruction.
Leah Lines, an AP Spanish 4 student, said she likes how each pair can focus on their conversation
without hearing other students talking, which can prove distracting for some.
“It gives us the chance to speak more often,” student Bridget Gile said. “It’s intimidating being told you
have to talk for two minutes. With this program you get a feel for how long two minutes really is, and it
builds confidence.”
Student Jessica Carey said the software has improved her interpersonal speaking skills by pairing her
with another student in class and presenting her with a topic to discuss.
She said listening and speaking Spanish are different than learning to read it, and having the program
helps with both aspects. “It’s really helpful,” Carey said.
The teacher is then able to listen in on the conversations, either to help a student with his or her
enunciation or to grade the exchange.
Ortega said the software allows the teacher to listen in to different conversations, giving them the
opportunity to quickly go from one conversation to the other to see who is having difficulty in each area.
Department Chairwoman Susan Womack said she’s been experimenting with the program, but feels the
younger teachers have more expertise with the program. She is excited to see how it helps the students
as they work through their AP class.
Teacher Diane Lincoln said it’s more valid practice, and has created an increased interest by introducing
technology to the subject. “The kids are interested in hearing themselves, and they benefit from hearing
themselves,” Lincoln said.
MCHS recently became a designated testing location for the Spanish AP exam. In AP Spanish, Womack
said students are able to earn college credit for the class.
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