Thanks to the generosity of Darlington’s Parents Association, the world languages department is incorporating technology into its curriculum. Last year, 14 computers were funded by the parent group so that each language classroom could have its own mini language lab. This year, the department added two more for the AP classrooms.
“I believe the parents who contributed to these improvements truly understand the importance and the reality of the study of a second and/or third language,” said Jim Linos, department chairman. “They want their children to be citizens of the world, as well as citizens of their hometowns. They want their students to be more critically aware of the different environments that exist on the Earth around them and, more importantly, how to interact with the denizens of those surroundings in which they find themselves. In this way, the world community will grow closer and, hopefully, human relationships will grow stronger.”
According to Linos, the computers allow teachers to more easily and consistently asses and monitor the progress of students in the areas of listening and speaking. “Students can listen to native broadcasts and exchanges and record responses via attached headphones and a microphone,” he explained. “This technology allows us to provide a more authentic learning experience for our students. Through live or recorded presentations, our students are able to interpret and present authentic language whether it be spoken or written.”
Jacquelyn Wright, past president of the Parents Association, said she was happy to help when the world languages department approached her with the request. “One of the main goals of the Parents Association is to invest in projects that directly benefit the children. That is the criteria by which we measure requests,” she said. “We fund Faculty Grants because the teachers come back enthused with new information to optimize classroom learning. We fund dances because the students need a social outlet in addition to opportunities for learning. The language lab is obviously a direct benefit to the children and something we felt Darlington needed to put us on more even footing with other independent schools.”
