Firstly, using pictures and effective activities like this reinforce the learning. I can only imagine that following through with this will help students internalize vocabulary by applying it to their own lives through photography. Aside from this, it is likely much more enjoyable to students to learn a new language in this way, which is simply another form of interaction with their content, as opposed to traditional vocabulary lists.
Secondly, this is yet another project that allows for autonomy. Students have the opportunity to choose what picture they take for each word and can be as creative with it as they like. In essence, it puts the learning in the student's hands, an important theme in our increasingly technological society.
Finally, the use of social media and hash tags not only encourage collaboration but it also makes student work available to the public. Students can see each other's progress with each daily picture while others viewing the hash tag on the web, including the teachers, can witness student learning as it is happening. Additionally, feedback from both peers and instructors can be made at anytime. This aspect is important for both accountability and self assessment as well.
Because of ideas like these, these teachers are opening the door for innovation and exploration for many of their students. In doing so, the students will be exercising important functions that will help them in their future. I can only hope to be as creative within my math classroom.
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