The field project was actually fun. But it took me a lot of time due to the fact that the class meets only once a week for 2 hours, and there is no equipment we could use in the classroom. My project really didn’t go as I planned. So I adjust the process along the way. I brought laptops in for students to try Windows Movie Maker. At the end not every student submit the finished WMM video project, and not everyone did the Chinese tones presentation.
The lessons I have learned is that if I were to do this project again I would first look for a “regular” school that has computer lab that students can use. I actually think WMM is a good program for student to to a lot of thing. Later if I got the chance to teach I would use it again for project like digital story telling. Based on the experience I have this time I believe I would plan better, execute better, and get a better result.
December 7, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Your project is really interesting especially for me.
I believe technology tools will definitely bring the kids interests with the foreign language learning. When someone is surrounded by one kind of unfamiliar language, he/she will always try to grasp something with his/her own language to make him/her safe. For example, I always intend to translate the English words to Chinese when I am reading or listening (even though I know it is not a good habit). Sometimes, I would be more comfortable when I can express my thoughts in English with a technology tool such as blogs, videos and/or Podcasts. 
I think the students will definitely benefit from your Windows Movie project if they really participate the video shooting and final presentation.
Thank you bringing us this exciting project.