Speaking

“Speaking” refers to assignments for which you need to submit a video recording in response to a prompt!

You do this via links to the assignments on Padlet, a virtual message board platform that allows for video-based assignments and discussions.

(NOTE: Prior to July 9, 2024, the assignments were hosted on Flip [formerly known as "Flipgrid"]. Its owner, Microsoft, announced its shutdown in late June 2024.)

If you are a supervised student, you’ll get feedback from me and you’ll be on your way to obtaining the Course Certificate.

Desktop

[🚧 NOTE: This video is for Beginner Bambara, but the instructions are the exact same as for Beginner Maninka!]

Written Instructions

  1. Click on any assignment labelled “Speaking”

  2. Read the prompt and watch my example response for inspiration

  3. Record your own response.

  4. Submit!

  5. [For Supervised students] Wait to get feedback or a response from me :-)

Questions

What are the benefits of the Speaking assignments? There are a lot! First, the Speaking assignments allow you to get speaking even if you are learning on your own and aren't located in place where you can easily find people to speak Bambara with. Second, for "Supervised" students, I review all of the submissions! This means that you’ll get free, real-life feedback from an actual person and teacher of the language. Third, if you succesfully complete all of the Speaking assignments, you'll be on your way to getting the Course Certificate.
What is Padlet and why is it part of the course? It's a virtual message board platform that allows for video-based discussion. Learn more on the Padlet website. It's part of the course because it's an easy way for me to assign, collect and review video assignments so that you can speak practice speaking even when learning remotely online.
Do I need a Padlet account? No. All the Speaking assignments are unlisted links that anyone can post to even without Padlet account. If you'd like, you can create a Padlet account which allows you to easily find your submissions and edit various settings, etc.
Where can I view/edit/delete my Speaking submissions? If you submitted anonymously (that is, without being logged into a Padlet account), you must go to individual assignments via their link within the course and then find your submission. If you submitted while being logged into Padlet, you can find them via your Padlet account as well.
What happened to Flip or FlipGrid? Flip (AKA "Flipgrid") previously hosted the Speaking assignments. Microsoft announced its shutdown in late June 2024 and therefore I migrated to Padlet on July 9, 2024. If you previously submitted Speaking assignments via Flip, you can find more info about accessing your submissions before they disappear at the Flip website.