One of the biggest challenges we
face as teachers is maintaining the attention of our students and increasing
their involvement in the learning process.  There are always students who are highly
motivated to learn and eagerly participate in all activities, but how do we reach
students who seem disengaged from the learning environment?

Of course, we strive to create a positive classroom ecology, provide
stimulating content and cooperative learning. These techniques are useful
strategies for engaging students. However, sometimes it can be helpful to
integrate digital tools to improve our pedagogical practices.   I have
found some platforms this year to help increase engagement even from students
who are reluctant learners or are less motivated. Two of my colleagues in the
Modern Language Department, Kristy Parsons-McClain and Sandra Cardenas
introduced me to Blooklet and Gimkit.

With these technology tools, you can find or create “learning sets”
according to what you are studying. The platforms are a little bit like Kahoots
but more sophisticated and visually pleasing. From the student’s perspective,
it is like playing a video game where they get to practice vocabulary and
grammar structures. The students love these games and report they that they
feel that it helps them to practice the grammar structures and vocabulary. It
also provides good data for the students to see how they are progressing and
for me to see if students are acquiring the language. The other tech tools that
I have incorporated this year are EdPuzzles, and PearDecks and I will be
testing out GoFormative and Garbanzo this semester.