Our Africa: Mali is a collection of articles and videos which present different social, economic and cultural aspects of the country through the eyes of young citizens of Mali. General topics discussed include: Facts and Figures, Poverty and Healthcare, Food and Daily Life, People and Culture, Geography and Wildlife, Climate and Agriculture, Economy and Industry, Children’s stories, Education and Jobs, History and Politics, Tourism and Communications, and a Map of Mali. A special video segment accompanies the categories of Welcome to Mali!, My family, Cotton, Music, Shea butter, Kola nuts and Replicas.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
The site Our Africa: Mali, can be used with French language learners of all ages and levels. Because the articles are written in English, and the videos are subtitled in English, the site can be used with both beginner and advanced French-language students. Younger learners will enjoy the site’s colorful presentation and ease of use; older and more advanced language learners will appreciate the authentic French language video clips.
Technical Requirements:
Internet connection, media player
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The site can be used to improve one’s French listening comprehension skills at an intermediate and advanced level, as well as one’s cultural knowledge of the francophone country of Mali. Specifically, students will be able to draw comparisons between their life and that of a young Malian. The site also encourages its users to make a difference in the community through contributions to the SOS Children’s Villages in Africa.
Target Student Population:
K-12, undergraduate
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.Basic French could be helpful.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content and language of the learning material is correct, complete and highly engaging. The articles are written in English, but the video clips allow students to hear French as it is spoken by young people of their generation.
Concerns:
none
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Students will relate to the fact that this site uses video, music and young people as their guides to the various African cultures. There is a very positive energy on the web site that will keep the students engaged. The diversity of the different countries on the site takes the students beyond stereotypical portrayals.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. Students can access the articles through a vertical pull-down menu, or by selecting one of the polygons in the colorful graphic mosaic of the subjects presented. Clicking on the flag of Mali, which is displayed at the top of each article, allows one to return to the main menu.
Concerns:
None.
Other Issues and Comments:
no
Creative Commons:
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