Students at Ankara EHS Embrace Technology and Language Learning in Innovative Spanish Project

Middle school students at Ankara Elementary/High School recently took their Spanish studies to the next level, actively engaging in a technology-enhanced language project led by Spanish teacher Jorge Cabrera.

The project, centered around student-led interviews conducted in Spanish, utilized Google Video as a key tool. Cabrera said the idea took shape as soon as he learned the platform was available. “When the ET sent the email about Google Video being available, I thought about using it right away!” he said.

Through the assignment, students crafted questions, practiced speaking, and conducted interviews — all in Spanish. Their feedback reflected both enthusiasm and self-awareness.

“I am getting to know more about my friends by interviewing them in Spanish,” said one student. Others cited enjoyment in “speaking in another language” and “learning new words.”

But the activity also presented challenges. “I sometimes find it difficult to understand all the words,” one student admitted, while another noted, “We are not fluent, so we try our best.”

Students prepared by writing out their questions, practicing aloud, and using tools such as Spanish dictionaries and translation apps. The project aligned with the school’s use of the 20-60-20 instructional model, promoting structured engagement and reflection.

As part of the assignment, students uploaded their video interviews to Google Classroom, where they watched peers’ submissions and offered feedback using AVID strategies and content-specific vocabulary.

Cabrera emphasized that this type of digital learning experience is becoming more common in his classroom. Google Video is already used for debates, interviews, and peer feedback, reinforcing students' speaking and listening skills in Spanish.

The project supported multiple educational standards, including the DoDEA World Languages NM–3 standard, which encourages students to communicate on familiar topics using practiced and memorized language. It also addressed several ISTE standards, helping students become empowered learners, digital citizens, and creative communicators.

By blending language learning with digital tools, the lesson not only advanced academic goals but also fostered confidence, collaboration, and cultural awareness in a 21st-century classroom setting.