The ubiquitous resources available today offer software programs that aim at making regular
instruction more creative through the integration of technology. Foreign language and EFL curricula can benefit greatly from the same technology programs used for regular language or literature lessons.
Tech4 Learning's Pixie
Programs such as Tech4Learning's Pixie, Pixie 2 and now Pixie 3 offer a myriad of graphic organizers and visuals that will enhance the process of second language immersion, exposing language students to more opportunities to add adjectives and use action words to describe their projects.
Pixie 3 is creativity software that combines voice threading with art and images. These are the basic elements of effective differentiation of instruction in an L2 environment because it allows for instructors to find projects that can target learners by level of interest, readiness, and skill.
Best Practices
One great best practice using Pixie is modeling. While the L2 instructor models the use of the technology, the academic language can be applied as well as the common technological vocabulary: Words as "cut", "paste", "drag", "color", "place/re-place", "stretch", "change", and "save" can be used consistently in a specific pattern to further enhance the use of commands, and complete sentences, in verbal communication.
While the vocabulary is applied verbally the students are stimulated visually by the modeling lesson, itself. Again, the myriad of visual resources on Pixie equals more exposure to new and common words that will be remembered quicker with more application.
Differentiated Instruction for L2 learners using Pixie 3
Pixie 3 offers a variety of project options that can help instructors to differentiate instruction. This is beneficial, specifically in a Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) setting where language instruction is based on the intellectual readiness of the learner. When instruction is to be differentiated by ability level, the instructor must provide a series of motivational activities that optimize the readiness for language learning. With Pixie, students can choose from build graphic organizers to creating a whitepaper project, and even to make their own art gallery applying the target language.
In an age where differentiation and relevance are key to the millennial learner, educators can rejoice in knowing that the resources are there and that no special budget is required for purposeful L2 instruction. The opportunities of merging regular and L2 instruction are there for the taking. Making use of what is there is the best practice of them all!
Michelle Ossa - Michelle Ossa is a Professor of Second Language Acquisition Theories, Alternative Assessment for EFL education, Elementary School, and ...
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