General ICT case studies

Using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to encourage independent learning
One of the main aims over the last few years has been to encourage the students to become more independent learners. We recognise that in order to do this they need the ability to access resources and activities digitally in school and at home. Therefore, all of our students have access to a Moodle course for each of their subjects.

Using technology to create viable A Level groups
There are six secondary schools in the area with post-16 provision and all had experienced difficulties in recruiting sufficient numbers to AS language courses to make groups viable. As in other parts of the country, the numbers opting for languages at KS4, particularly as a second language, had also decreased and this exacerbated the situation.

Personalised learning using a virtual learning environment (VLE) for peer assessment 
It is important to recognise that peer assessment is a skill that needs to be taught to students. Many students lack the confidence needed to peer assess, possibly due to the traditional teacher-student relationship where the teacher is seen as the one who imparts the knowledge to his/her students.  

E-Learning for GCSE Applied French students
''E-learning has become an integral part of the MFL lesson, both for the delivery of content and for supporting success. Students are urged to work both on curriculum content and revision. It is now an expectation of the students that e-learning supports their success by using it on a regular basis.' Member of the Senior Leadersip Team

ICT to support preparation for speaking tests
Aims: to make creative use of ICT to help students to prepare for their GCSE speaking test and to support different learning styles through the use of ICT.

Video and ICT to support reading at KS4
The main impact on students has been on their motivation. A lot of the set lacked motivation at the beginning of the year and find French hard. Using ICT and video has been inspiring for some and they do not give up on difficult tasks as they might have done initially.

Digital audio case studies

Using digital audio to promote creativity
Teachers of AS/A2 languages at Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, Cheshire, use digital audio and digital photos with students to develop their learning skills and engage them in independent learning, with specific regard to preparing them for the coursework component of their studies and at AS in the study of a region.

Digital video case studies

Using the Flip camcorder
“The Flip does only one thing - take short, spontaneous videos. Nothing else. No still pictures, no MP3 player, no phone, no GPS. Just short videos. But in less than a year the maker, Pure Digital, has sold more than a million in the US and last week launched it here. So what is its appeal?” Chris Partridge, The Guardian 19th June 2008

Using digital video to develop speaking skills
A small group of Year 10 GCSE German students worked in pairs to plan and create a short target language video film of approximately 90-120 seconds duration. They selected from a list of three themes, all of which had been covered in class. They were responsible for deciding the storyline, linguistic content, shooting and editing of the film. They were encouraged to extend their range of language beyond what they already knew.

Interactive whiteboard case studies

Using the interactive whiteboard to enhance the teaching of NVQ German
Objectives: to use the interactive whiteboard to engage and motivate learners; to help to develop linguistic understanding and competence; to improve the flow and pace of lessons; for formative assessment; and to enable pupils to have real contact with native speakers.

Social networking case studies

Using social networking to motivate learners
Using Think.com with Year 10 French pupils to improve language skills and motivate them by enabling collaborative work with their peers in their French partner school.

Podcasting case studies

Using podcasting to extend speaking skills and promote creativity
Key objectives: to showcase and extend students' spoken work, to make a record of speaking activities performed in class  and to enable auditory learners to revise using their preferred learning style

Blogging case studies

Using blogs to stimulate creativity
Making use of blogging in the MFL classroom to reinvigorate language learning and inspire students.

Authoring software case studies

Using authoring software to improve language skills
Enabling a Year 10 GCSE French group to use authoring software to create a sequence of multimedia interactive materials in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of language and to deepen their understanding of the process of learning languages.

Wiki case studies

Using wikis to support exam revision
Objective: to provide web-based interactive MFL revision materials for all KS4 students, including especially those who might otherwise do very little or no revision for GCSE from their books.