JANUARY 2005 (VOL. 11, NO. 4)
N E W S L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
H A R K E R
S C H O O L
Technology Brings Foreign Language Lab to Laptops
inside
Since Harker is continally riding the wave of new technology uses in the classroom, it was inevitable that language classes would eventually
S P E C I A L Alumni Edition
Alumni Update: pgs. 20 - 22
online Photo Galleries ■ Christmas Carol ■ Holiday Concert
rid themselves of the cassette tapes and recorders of old and replace them with something more exciting for our tech-savvy students. The analog method of recording oral language skills has recently been replaced in some of Harker’s language classes by the use of personal laptops and home Internet connections. With their laptop, a small, inexpensive device microphone, a simple recording program and an Internet connection students are able to record, edit and send their projects to their teachers with a few clicks of their mouse. Once the student’s
■ Newsletter Photos Go to the Parent Home Page (PHP) for these — and more!
events FASHION SHOW Fri., Feb. 4
instructor receives the assignment via electronic drop-box or email, the teacher can then listen and grade the electronic attachment instantaneously. Dan Hudkins, US director of instructional technology, said he had originally planned to use only a few language sections at first, but with the word spreading of how much easier it made the task of oral conversation, more and more teachers were willing to try it. At this point all Spanish 2 and higher, one set of French, and a handful of Japanese sections have all decided to use the new technology in their classes. US Spanish teacher Diana Moss was able to have her students use it to start recording and listening to their own narrations. Moss said students seem pleased and surprised with their own verbal skills after using this new method for the first time. “It helps language teachers impress upon students that we also value their speaking
Christmas Carol a Victorian Delight
skills, as opposed to just their written test scores.” She added that the teachers using this method feel it allows students to focus on their verbal abilities to communicate effectively, rather than focusing on test taking. Hudkins likes the efficiency and immediacy this technology brings to the study of languages. “It obviates the
Mark Tantrum-both photos
M O N T H L Y
language lab that most of us are used to by effectively using a home computer and simple microphone to record and review spontaneous dialogue,” he said. “It’s like taking the ‘lab’ out of ‘language labs,’” he added. Editor’s Note: Visit the US division page on the Parent Home Page (PHP) to hear sample recordings from Moss’ class!
Students Enjoy Inaugural Shanghai Trip
Tickets on Sale Now! See pages 4 & 5 inside
It takes a village to put on a show, and the Conservatory’s “A Christmas Carol” was no exception. Parents, students and staff devoted their time, creativity and energy to put on an amazing show and create a truly festive experience for all! See pg 18 for full story.
Bill Bost
Mark Tantrum-both photos
A
est. 1893 • K-12 college prep
Harker's inaugural trip to visit new sister school in Shanghai was huge success - see page 12 for story.