Teaching with Technology 2015: Language Educators Talking Tech

Written By Stephanie Bennett, Melissa Horn, & Marie-Lynda Akono

Edited By Dustin De Felice

In this annual volume, you will read the words and stories of educators adapting to and working with technology in ways that make their classrooms, whether virtual or traditional, better places for all stakeholders. As a professor in the Masters of Art Foreign Language Teaching Program (MAFLT), Dustin De Felice had the distinct pleasure of working with a small group of dedicated professionals who were interested in discussing, experimenting with and critiquing technology use in their classroom as well as in classrooms-at-large. The final result of this time spent together is contained in a freely available etext downloaded to most tablets, handheld devices or traditional desk/laptops. The overall volume is organized into four sections beginning with persuasive essays on specific topics within technology and classroom use and ending with reviews of technology oriented resources/article.

Within the etext, these educators talk about preferences, experiences and, ultimately, classroom practices from a broad representation of languages. This broad representation of languages helped us to see practices through the eyes of our colleagues and led to greater and more inclusive discussions. Additionally, these professionals work in unique situations and they have needs and perspectives that show through in their technology choices. In fact, one of the most lasting and enduring features of the current tech explosion is the ability to personalize or individualize one's experience with electronic devices from computers to tablets to Smartphones.