Walk, Talk and learn French, is a new video podcast created by Radio Lingua network (RLN). It works like a blog on which are posted a new video almost every week and where learners can leave comments. Two hosts are presenting different particularities of the French language during 10 minutes long episodes. Pierre-Benoît is walking through Paris. During each episode, he finds a poster, a sign or a notice, there is no connection between each episode. Pierre-Benoît reads the short printed text, and explains each word, expression and highlight different points: the spoken forms versus academic forms, grammatical points, declinations, agreements, cultural specificities, false cognitive Then Mark from his studio reformulates the grammatical concept and develops it. These clips are explained in English and are accessible to intermediate learners. The movies are downloadable in different format (including ipod version).
These video clips can be used in the classroom or independently by a self-learner. Some external links would lead you to radiolingua.com and its other programs and Blip.tv
Downloadable Pdf with transcript and exercises should be avalaible soon for members.
Type of Material:
Podcasts
Recommended Uses:
An excellent supplement to any traditional intermediate language curriculum. Can be used in-class to support instruction or independently for homework and distance learning.
Technical Requirements:
Flash player. Some memory. It is better to close most of the applications when watching the videos if you are using an old pc. The best is to download the videos to avoid the interruptions,especially if it is to be played in the classroom.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Learners will enhance understanding of the fine points of French grammar through the examination of signs and posters around Paris.Learners will also absorb the cultural messages displayed in the signs and realia.
Target Student Population:
Intermediate and advanced. School, Colleges, Universities.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Proficiency in French at the intermediate level.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The podcasts are extremely engaging, with Pierre-Benoît explaining the grammar topic of the lesson as he walks through the streets of Paris. In the studio, Mark cuts in to discuss the fine points of grammar. Topics include negation as in "ne..plus", the abbreviation of il y en a in spoken French to "y en a", idiomatic expressions with avoir, pesky pronouns like y and en and much more. The pair take a light-hearted approach at pointing out the correct use of the structures. Students can subscribe for free in iTunes or download on their ipods and iphones.
The explanations are uncomplicated and rendered more engaging by the Parisian surroundings. It is a very nice bridge between a textbook explanation and an actual encounter with the language in public.
The modules are very engaging. Because of the short format, the learner can stay focused. Topics are very random, which can be good for intermediate and advanced learners. Some points are a little bit challenging, others are good reviews. The studio intervention is properly structured and explains the subject at hand very well.
Users of Walk, Talk and Learn French can post comments on the lessons and their learning experience right on the website.
Concerns:
Random topics can be confusing for early intermediates.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Students will be engaged by the real-world use of French in this series as well as the great enthusiasm of the instructors. They will also find it convenient to be able to download the material, comment on it on the site and e-mail it to friends and classmates. It makes excellent use of new media.
Faculty member will enjoy projecting the episodes full-screen in a classroom setting. A possible activity would be to have students look at French realia, such as posters and magazine adds and have them create their own WTL-style podcasts. This tool is a breath of fresh area for those who teach grammar.
The learning objective is defined under each video. These videos can be very useful in the classroom, especially to reinforce a subject treated in class and not completely understood (imperfect, avoir versus to be ). It can be used in various ways. The videos show 2 extremely different ways of teaching, one very alive and a little comedic, the other one more academic. This complementarity seems to work.
Concerns:
There is no identified prerequisite knowledge. There is no interaction, just thecommentary on a poster in the street. Could involve some conversations, maybe some French from the streets.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is professionally designed and extremely easy to use. It is published weekly and is organized by episode number, which is clearly indicated on the site. Having user feedback as the episodes go up on hte web will definitely help authors refine the product.
Very easy to use. Videos can be downloaded in wmx, divx; ipod/iphone format. Can been seen directly from the website with flash player. The links are working. At the time of the review, there was no pdf to be downloaded yet. The learners can leave comments and suggestions.
Concerns:
The promise of bonus exercises and high quality video leads one to wonder if the site will remain completely free. Perhaps the original podcasts will stay free and the upgrades will be available to members?
Creative Commons:
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