Language is our connection to our community and to the world. Language allows us to identify the world around us, express our concerns, and share our experiences and ideas. The ability to communicate in a second language increases the opportunities to interact with other peoples and to understand other cultures. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent, via technology, it is important for every person to acquire the skills for global communication. Spanish language use is rank number four.  It is spoken in over 20 countries by approximately 350 million speakers.  Spanish culture is part of American culture and acquiring knowledge of Spanish and cultures associated with Spanish, will not only expose you to more professional opportunities but will also open doors while traveling allowing you to see and do things that other travelers do not. 

Communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities are areas in which the American Council on Teaching Foreign Language bases the National Standards in Foreign Language Education.  The idea is to educate students that are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate in a pluralistic society.  The standards address five areas: Use of language other than English to communicate, acquisition of knowledge and understanding of other cultures, connection with other disciplines to acquire information, developing an insight into the nature of language and culture, and participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world.  Culture relating to Spanish speaking communities, domestically and internationally, is an integral component of this curriculum. All of the academic goals of this unit and this web based lesson engulf, National standards, New York Standards for Languages Other Then English (LOTE) and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS).

This web based lesson introduces students to the three Americas, North, Central and South America.  Student will begin to gain knowledge and understanding of cultures associated with the target language and will begin to make cross cultural references as they explore Latin America and its associated cultures.  Many American students know about Mexico, our neighbor, but know very little about Central and South America.  Using technology will increase motivation as students explore the Spanish speaking countries of the world and learn about the kinds of people that they will communicate with.  Focusing on similarities and differences between the Hispanic culture and that of the student will promote critical thinking through thought provoking questions and observations. 

Learning to communicate in a foreign language requires students to learn how to present information to an audience of readers and listeners. In this project, students will begin to make cross cultural connections as they explore the different countries of Latin America.   In addition this project engulfs New York Standards for Languages Other Then English (LOTE) and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS).

After completing this project, students will be able to:

Foreign Language Skills

• Present information, concepts, and ideas relating to Spanish speaking country to an audience of their peers.
• Produce an electronic travel brochure they can read and share with others.
• Demonstrate their understanding of the Latin America on a variety of topics.

Technology Skills

• Use a digital camera and scanner to capture artwork or photos.
• Use different software applications to import and organize images, type text, and produce an electronic brochure.
• Use different internet applications to collaborate, create and post an electronic brochure.
• Navigate the internet and find pertinent valid sources of information