Software makes teaching, learning languages easier

Moodle is well known in language classes at Bob Jones High School, as is Audacity. Moodle and Audacity aren't students with bizarre names but two software tools that apply technology in classroom study to enhance impromptu speaking skills.

Language students in Advanced Placement French with Angela Mooney and AP Spanish with Jeidi Nez, a National Board Certified Teacher, are using the software.

Audacity is a free program for download from the Internet. "It works like a compact disc player but allows you to record your voice" by headset microphone, Nez said. Students practice speaking and listening with Audacity in laptop labs.

Mooney and Nez can grade work after students download their MP3 files to Moodle software, which Nez describes as a safe, educational version of Facebook or MySpace.

Moodle is accessible only for AP students with accounts at Bob Jones. Mooney and Nez can grade students' work at home, while students can work at their own pace, similar to an online class.

Moodle allows the teacher to test and prepare worksheets, journals and blogs. "It's an amazing tool," Nez said.

For foreign language, the software allows teachers to give more immediate and individual feedback on speaking and writing skills. "We don't feel as bogged down by the limitations of paper and pen."

State and national standards are reducing the importance of paper evaluations alone. Foreign language education has a much larger emphasis on every element of communication now, she said.

If a student is absent or checks out, he or she still (can) do the work without falling behind, Nez said.

Previously, language classes used tapes and recorders. "That was madness. Students would have to rewind, fast forward, find a plug. Grading was so much slower," Nez said.

Moreover, tapes and recorders don't simulate real conversation. "With Moodle, they put in the CD, hear the question and immediately respond and record," she said. "Real-life communication is the key."

Blending software and hardware creates a virtual-type language lab, no longer a separate room with static equipment. A teacher no longer reserves a classroom for computers and no one lugs equipment. "The laptop lab comes to us. All programs are already there."

Huijia Wu, a senior, believes Audacity is more efficient than traditional tape recorders. "It has a very user-friendly interface and creates MP3 files that allow teachers to evaluate speaking exercises electronically."

Like her classmates, Huijia has a Moodle account that allows enrollment in different classes. "As long as I obtain the access code from the respective teachers," she said. Then, she can upload files directly from any computer to the class Web page and the teacher can download the files for grading.

Prerequisites for AP study are level 1-4 classes, a teacher recommendation and solid writing skills. "Native speakers are given special consideration but still must take a rigorous test before skipping levels," Nez said.

Currently, AP Spanish and French courses are offered. Bob Jones plans to add AP Spanish literature, French literature and Latin next year.