View Content #28663

This activity was created for learners of all proficiency levels. It is designed to support their engagement  in the target language via the use of general interest mobile apps. It is a wonderful activity for increasing their conidence and practice in non-classroom contexts.

Learning outcome(s):
Learners will be able to: 

• Find an app that aligns with their interests and lets them explore the target language
• Set a goal related to using the app
• Reflect on their experience in the app

Mode(s): Any

Material(s): General Interest Apps for Language Learning video, Illustrated Journal Template, app in the target language

Procedure:

1. Show learners the General Interest Apps for Language Learning video.
2. Ask learners to think about something they want to explore via mobile app in the target language. For example, singers may wish to practice karaoke in the target language, and athletes may wish to complete physical training in the target language.
3. Provide time for research (roughly 15-30 minutes). Direct learners to the Google Play and/or App Store to see what apps align with their interest and are available in the target language.
4. Ask learners to set a goal for using the app. It may be that they want to use it in the target language for 10 minutes a day, or that they want to complete one task twice a week.
5. Provide a set amount of time for learners to keep an illustrated journal of their progress (two weeks will likely be a sufficient amount of time). Ask learners to create the journal (see the Illustrated Journal Template for additional support) with screenshots of their experience within the app, drawings about their experience on the app, and/or photos and videos of themselves completing experiences within the app. They will use the space surrounding the images to reflect on their specific goals, their strategies for achieving success with the app, their sense of success, and anything they noticed (e.g., target cultural knowledge or vocabulary) and learned while using the app.
6. At the close of the two weeks, debrief as a group. Ask learners about their experience and the extent to which they found it fruitful. Help them use their experiences to keep working towards their goals and/or target new goals for using general interest apps.