I recently found out that I will be able to teach the advanced writing seminar (in German) in the fall again. A course that is supposed to be filled with constant writing exercises and grammar reviews does not sound to be the most exciting thing in the world. But I Read more…
Teaching grammatical concepts like two-way prepositions can be difficult, especially translating the theoretical concept into meaningful and possibly even interesting or motivating exercises and tasks. I’ve always liked using small browser games in my classes to have students do something concrete and see the outcomes. Papert called these little helping Read more…
In late November I had the pleasure to be on the plenary panel The Tipping Point – Language Learning for a Changed World at ACTFL 2013 in Orlando, Florida. My 3 co-presenters were fantastic! All 4 of us had been invited by the ACTFL president to deliver an inspiring TED-style Read more…
I recently gave a talk on digital storytelling for the Associated Colleges of the South. The focus of the talk was to portray the range of possible activities for language learning. You can watch it here: http://blcollaboration.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/digital-storytelling-linking-language-learning-with-student-experience/
I was recently invited to give the fall keynote for the FLTP (Foreign Language Technology Program) at the fantastic ALTEC at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Here’s the video: http://altec.colorado.edu/speakers/Kronenberg-10-2013.shtml And here’s what the talk is about: “Tag, You’re It: Language Learner Motivation, Identities and Agency in Computer Gaming Spaces” Read more…
Scribblenauts Remix is an interesting and very creative iOS game available in English and German. Simply switch your iOS language settings and the game will load in the chosen language. There’s also an Android available. The game is a series of scenarios, each of which gives the player tasks that can be Read more…
Several years ago there were some wonderful podcasts about language learning and technology. The conversations were recorded and also available live. We have recently revived these podcasts; they are now shorter and include video, but they are weekly and are meant to be conversation loosely guided by a topic that Read more…
The summer is over, and after finishing an article and working on some language center design work I’m ready to blog again. This post is all about saving you time. Signing people up can be a big hassle. Let’s say you want to schedule oral exams or have students each Read more…
IALLT 2013 was a wonderful conference! I learned so much, and was happy to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It was great to see so much interest in language center design and new learning spaces. The presentation slides and handouts are now available online, you can find them Read more…
My book chapter (“Computer games as agentive and immersive spaces for language learners”) just got published in: “Playing with Virtuality: Theories and Methods of Computer Game Studies.” http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?cid=5&event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=73330&concordeid=264060