It is already halfway through the semester and already we're planning and looking around the corner to think about what teaching might look like in 2021. For many, it will be similar to what we have now, either remote, in-person, or a mixture of both. The clamor to return to the classroom may high for students, but concerns remain about safety and wellbeing from teachers and staff.
We would like to hear from you as always about ways that you incorporate the links and tools we feature in your teaching and research. We're really grateful as always for the emails and messages and we're grateful for your recommendations. This newsletter aims to provide continued inspiration for teaching & learning; we know that bringing in new topics, sharing insights, and stories in the classroom connect learners deeply with their subject. Please feel free to share and dip into our fast-growing archive.
Each week we provide links to stories and news from around the world, useful resources, and tools that you can use in teaching & learning. If you would like to comment on the content or have something to share then we invite your contributions and responses either by hitting reply and sending us an email or through our social media channels Instagram and Twitter.
This photograph of a Fish Market taken by a drone is one of the finalists of the Drone Photo Contest 2020. These flying cameras provide a perspective of the world from above that often highlights the systems and organization of the people and places below. There are more categories to look through and stunning images to view.
People, Places, and Things
The question for many educators, working with their students is how to ensure a continued sense of community and belonging when many are separated through screens and remote working. This article from the Chronicle reflects many of the ways we're working to connect with learners.
Oh no, not another Covid-19 Teaching buzzword, here's a fascinating discussion about teaching in a Bichronous way by blending synchronous and asynchronous modes. I think in reality this has been how many have been working, at this point, it is reckless to only deliver synchronous sessions that aim to replicate in-person teaching, the toll on everyone's wellbeing is surely too much to ignore.
We are very interested in answering the call for Worldmaking in the Time of Covid-19 a program from Kings College London, especially with its focus on storytelling and language.
Enjoyed these tips for trying times from the Obligatory Note of Hope blog. Each entry has been formed from writers and voices that have overcome or faced adversity, there's much to learn.
It has been a while since we recommended a good podcast, but this trip through the Amazon jungle is too good to miss, headphones aren't just recommended, they're a must. Close your eyes for a wild ride.
Highlighting Black Intellectuals/Artists & Cultural Agents
As part of the work of the Anti-Racist Working Group in Modern Languages, at CMU, we would like to highlight the work of Black Intellectuals/Artists/Cultural Agents throughout the world. If you have suggestions then we're opening up this form for you to submit your nomination. This week we feature May Ayim.
To read more about May Ayim this article in Kolumn Magazine celebrates her life and work and more in this article from the Black Perspectives website.
On Screen
May Ayim talking about her poem - Blues in Schwarz Weiss/Blues in Black and White, cut with singer Mahalia Jackson who was an influence on Ayim's work.
Slightly terrifying RSA animation on the attention economy. I would say click for more info but...
Tools and Resources
Zeemaps is a great tool and platform for creating bespoke maps, say labeling places you've visited or pointed out significant landmarks. It can be personalized and contextualized, shared between students collaborating, or set as an asynchronous research task.
These Covid fact sheets in 26 languages from CDC might be incredibly useful in a language learning classroom, not just to keep you safe, but understand the differences in emphasis and translation.
This newsletter has always encouraged buying books from local booksellers or independent wholesalers, and this is why. It's not that we're anti-anyone but there are choices about how you buy and sell, and it is clear that there are huge dangers when you leave things to the algorithm.
Werner Herzog's entertaining answer to the question "How many languages do you speak?"
Thank you for reading, we really appreciate your support and would love to hear more about what you like and what you've seen that might be useful to share. If you have anything you'd like to include in future issues, let us know.
This newsletter is produced by The Askwith Kenner Global Languages & Cultures Room, in the Modern Languages Department, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University.
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