Snapchating in Turkish Language Classroom; Lesson Ideas

We have been living in a digital and high-tech world for decades now! Nowadays, we have at our disposal, a very wide array of high-tech devices (such as laptops, digital cameras or mobile phones) that can help integrating new innovative activities and lesson plans in the classroom. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and cannot be disregarded easily. We use technology on a daily basis; at home and in our workplace. There are a lot of sayings out there regarding the use of technology in language teaching and learning. Gary Motteram (2013), the editor of “Innovations in learning technologies for English language teaching”, mentioned that the arrival of digital technologies in the classroom has helped learning. He also stated that “Technology is very much part of language learning throughout the world at all different levels. We are as likely to find it in the primary sector as much as in adult education.” Teachers nowadays try to utilize up to date technology in order to enhance student learning. Technology always shapes the way we educate. Through the use of technology barriers in communication are limited across nations, generations and Digital Tribes (Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, and Digital Refugees).
As a Turkish language teacher I like incorporating digital tools in my lesson which can be used to enhance students’ interactivity and participation. What I have noticed over the past few years is that m-Learning became a growing trend not only among young but also among older people. With the use of mobile devices both inside and outside the classroom students have more opportunities to be active participants instead of being only passive listeners. This kind of transformation can increase student motivation and engagement.
I will start my SLAM by telling you my story about the new application that I have started using last month with my nieces and I literally got “hooked on”. The application is called Snapchat. Snapchat is a fun, visual way to chat with friends/students/relatives as an alternative to regular SMS text messaging. I will explain the reason I have decided to use this specific application in my classes next semester. I will also elaborate on the aim and the objectives of its implementation in my lesson plan as an innovative task/ activity and in the end I will give you some ideas on how I am planning to use this application at the Adult Education Program (AEP) LC of UCY.