Videoele.com,or "Videos para aprender Español como Lengua Extranjera," is a website which contains a repository of short videos in Spanish on a variety of cultural and linguistic themes. The videos are arranged into four different groups which correspond to the themes that students will most likely encounter as they move through the various phases of language learning. Transcripts of the videos are provided as well as ancillary resources which complement the videos. Access to the site and all materials are free.
Type of Material:
Collection; website which features videos and corresponding ancillary materials.
Recommended Uses:
Perfect for teaching language in context. Teachers may use it as a preliminary tool to introduce a concept or as a practice exercise after introduction of a new concept. The videos and activities may be used in class or for homework. They may also be used to help students maintain or review their language skills.
Technical Requirements:
High speed internet connection. Videos play through YouTube.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The videos build listening comprehension skills. Listening to the videos is an excellent way to reenforce aural comprehension. The activities that accompany each video allow students to practice writing and reading. This site can be used in all levels. It has a variety of videos from which teachers can choose to complement their particular lesson. The teachers also have the option to provide a transcription of the video, which reenforces reading comprehension as well. The ancillary materials that are provided (fill in the blank activities, short answer) provide students with the opportunity to respond to questions in written or oral form, depending on what the teacher prefers.
Target Student Population:
Secondary and post-secondary students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
The videos start at the novice/A1 level. However, since the instructions are in Spanish, students who have had some experience with the language may feel more comfortable using the program.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site includes more than 100 videos divided among four levels that feature non-actors in authentic situations. The narration is clear, easy to understand and professional. Transcriptions are also available.This site is an excellent way to engage students with the material without losing their interest. Furthermore, it provides the instructor with the opportunity to reenforce all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) if used in conjunction with the ancillary materials.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The videos are between three and six minutes in length, so they easily hold the user's attention. They also represent a wide range of interests, such as holidays, professions, sports and popular culture.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is well organized and easy to navigate. Thumbnail images of the videos allow users to browse the collection in its entirety, by level.
Concerns:
An overview of the site, general instructions, FAQ and other information is available on the English version of the Web site. However, the text that accompanies the videos themselves is only available in Spanish. This may cause difficulties for users who are true beginning Spanish students, but is an appropriate use of the target language for others.
Creative Commons:
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