Slides of a presentation given as part of an AATF session at ACTFL 2010 in Boston, MA. Anyone interested in more information should contact the author.
2. +
What are mobile apps?
Programs that run on smartphones and other small-format
computing platforms
iPhone and iPod Touch (iOS)
iPad
Android OS (Google)
Blackberry
Nokia
Windows Mobile
Nintendo DS (particularly for Japanese)
3. +
iPhone vs. iPod Touch
iPhone
GPS
Can do Augmented Reality
Better camera
iPod Touch (4th generation)
No GPS
Limited Augmented Reality
Lower-quality camera
Built-in mic
iPod Touch (previous generations)
No camera
First generation = no recording capability
4. +
Why mobile apps?
Immersion in ‘everyday’ culture
Different perspectives on news
Use of language outside the classroom
Content for specific interests
Sports
Health
Travel
Business
Food
Ideal for transition from intermediate to advanced
5. +
Where to find apps?
https://sites.google.com/site/workshopsandpresentations/actfl-2010
6. +
Finding French apps?
There’s an app for that! and
more than one site…
https://sites.google.com/site/wor
kshopsandpresentations/actfl-
2010/applisenfrancais
www.i.voixdargent.com
8. +
Logistics
The cost of apps
Many have ‘lite’ versions that can be used in class
App Store Volume Purchase Program
Compare to cost of texts
Availability in class and out of class
Ideal: everyone in class has one
‘Pool’ for classroom use
Use in pairs, with students who have sharing with students who do not
Teacher has one that is passed around for small-group work
Individual tasks as homework with computer-based alternatives
9.
10. +
Activities
Comprehension and discussion
Popular culture
Popular language
Media literacy
Compare commercials
Compare publications
Radio France
Compare texts and podcasts
25. +
What next?
AATF app evaluation / activity site?
http://sites.google.com/site/workshopsandpresentations/actfl-
2010
Information about other platforms
Link with work on games in
language learning