OFLA Technology & World Languages Committee 

Theresa Minick, Technology Integration Chair 

Thanks to everyone who registered for the Thursday afternoon workshop, Changin’ Technologies for Changin’ Times, at the OFLA Conference in Columbus! I know that all of us – Rebecca Bias, Bryan Drost, Julie Frye, Beth Hanlon, Ann Marie Radefeld and Theresa Minick – really enjoyed interacting with all the participants. What always makes it even better is that participants as well as presenters are willing to share their ideas and experiences. Whenever there is a question or someone mentions a challenge they have had, someone else can always recommend a work-around or another tech tool that will accomplish the same task. We have also noticed the increase in the use of various Google tools, such as Google Voice, Google Hangout, Google Docs, Google surveys, Google Presentations, among others. Students have many more opportunities to improve their speaking skills by completing activities using Google voice. In addition, these tools make it so much easier for students to collaborate on projects.

So what’s next, now that the conference is over?  There have been some requests for additional workshops on technology that include both Web 2.0 tools as well as mobile apps. The Technology Committee has plans for two workshops this summer, one in Columbus on Thursday, July 31, and another in Kent on Saturday, August 2.  The workshops on both dates run from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  We will definitely include the Google technology tools in the workshops. The workshops should help all of us to get ready for fall! So, take some time off this summer to relax and then join us at the end of July and beginning of August for some fun technology workshops!  Head to the OFLA Member Lodge (http://ofla.memberlodge.org/) to register!