Online Resources
for
Teaching Italian

Colosseum

Communication Strand:	Communication tasks in varied social contexts
Language Strand:	Practise structures, intonation and grammar of Italian
Culture Strand:	A look at Italian cities, festivals, music, sport and food

Communicative Competence


Site Description		Features
Ashcombe School Streamed Video Resources Collection of short videos on core topics (eight available so far)		Aural comprehension aided by watching the speaker speaking clearly to the camera Quiz element ensures that students listen carefully for information Script available on screen in both Italian and English Being able to pause and replay parts of the video, offers greater flexibility to the student, The quiz is interactive: offers hints and gives instant feedback The subject matter is suitable for essential communication
		Language more suited to students in Year 2 Interview style more akin to Soviet-style confessions of the Cold War You will need Windows Media Player, version 7, at least Streamed video prefers travelling by broadband
Languagesonline.org		Huge range of themes Variety of multiple-choice exercises Instant verification of answers Suitable for 11-12 year-olds
		It's necessary to complete all the questions in each exercise to get accurate verification All text-based (no audio or video)
Usborne's Italian for Beginners		Based on *Italian for Beginners* Offers links to sites where suitable interactive exercises are available, based on the themes explored in the book Use the page number to find the appropriate worksheet Variety of activities (from different websites) Offers a link to basic Internet Safety Guidelines
		Purchase of book would be a help when navigating. Go on: it's good value and comes with CD!
Cyberitalian.com Online grammar and vocabulary lessons		Free trials of course available Graphics Audio version of expressions and phrases
		$30-$60 dollars per course! (Try it on your principal)
Italianissimo Based on the BBC TV series		Videos of real Italians living in Italy Basic themes covered Vocabulary and dialogue Transcripts and translations available Transcripts of other detailed dialogues which featured in the TV programmes are available Links to quick grammar lessons based on the themes covered
		You'll need to download 10 MB of RealPlayer Poor quality video Some of the links are unavailable
BBC Italian Fix Online challenge		Interactive Instructions in English New topic every day Uses colloquialisms eg ma dai! Independent work possible: put one or two children to answer the challenge
		Text-heavy A little difficult for 11/12 year-olds
Send an E-card, Disney style		Compose a simple message filling in name, date etc prompted by textboxes written in Italian Different themes from birthdays to Atlantis
Junior Italian Website Online activities for Italian children		Child-friendly Links to downloadable songs with accompanying lyrics (broadband) Play games with Cartoon Network characters Print out invitation cards in Italian decorated with cartoon animals
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