Introduction:
The shift towards remote learning has presented challenges for educators across every subject, but language classes, in particular, face the daunting task of keeping students engaged and connected. Teachers can no longer rely on in-person verbal exchanges and body language to communicate effectively, but there are still plenty of exciting language activities that can work in virtual classrooms. Here are some engaging world language activities for remote classrooms to help you create a fun and interactive learning environment.
1. Collaborative Translation Games:
Online games such as Quizlet Live, Kahoot!, or Gimkit allow students to compete with each other in real-time to practice vocabulary and grammar. Teachers can customize questions based on the target language, making these games ideal for students of all skill levels.
2. Virtual Conversation Partners:
Match students with conversation partners or small groups for regular “language cafe” sessions. Provide a list of prompts covering a range of topics or encourage students to practice newly learned vocabulary during free-flowing conversations. With screen-sharing capabilities, students can even convert their virtual meetings into reading sessions or share language-related videos.
3. Multimedia Listening Activities:
Expose your students to authentic language in various contexts by sharing podcasts, news clips, interviews, or music videos related to the target culture. Assign comprehension quizzes or reflection questions to stimulate critical thinking and test their listening skills.
4. Individualized Feedback Sessions:
Ensure that each student receives personal guidance by organizing individual feedback sessions with video call platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. These one-on-one meetings will enable you to assess their fluency more effectively and tailor your feedback according to their specific needs.
5. Pen Pals and Digital Exchanges:
Forge connections with a class from a different country that speaks the target language in real-life situations through pen pals programs and virtual exchanges platforms like ePals or Flipgrid.
6. Cultural Showcase Projects:
Assign projects on the customs, cuisine, art, or history of countries where the target language is spoken. Allow students to present their research in creative ways, such as making a slideshow, writing an essay, or creating a short video.
7. Digital Escape Rooms:
Create custom digital escape rooms or scavenger hunts using platforms like Breakout EDU, where students answer riddles, solve puzzles, and decode messages in the target language to progress through challenges.
8. Asynchronous Role-Play Activities:
Assign role-play scenarios by having students record videos of themselves responding to a given situation in the target language. Students can use apps like Flipgrid to record and upload their responses for teachers and peers to review and provide feedback.
9. Online Language Learning Resources:
Supplement in-class learning with online resources such as Duolingo or Memrise, which offer gamified platforms for practicing vocabulary and verb conjugations. These tools keep students engaged outside of class and help them track their progress over time.
10. Social Media Interaction:
Encourage your students to participate in language-related social media communities where they can interact with native speakers and other learners. Following influencers who speak the target language or joining dedicated language forums can improve fluency while exposing them to slang, idioms, and cultural nuances.
By incorporating these world language activities into your remote classroom, you will create a dynamic learning environment that keeps your students motivated and engaged throughout their language journey.
