Once upon a time, there was a 1st-year high school class that faced a very special challenge: to become true specialists in travel and means of transport in Spanish. Little did they know, they were about to embark on a digital journey packed with adventures and learning.
The students kicked off their journey in the virtual classroom with a warm-up exercise. They had to find and share an interesting fact about travel or modes of transport in Spanish-speaking countries. This piqued everyone’s interest. Maria, for instance, found out that in Spain, 'AVE' trains are well-known for their speed and reliability. Pedro discovered information about the vibrant school buses in Guatemala, affectionately called 'chicken buses'. Each student contributed something unique, enriching our story from the get-go.
In an engaging and magical virtual space, as if they were in the pages of an adventure novel, a bright portal appeared on their screens. Curiosity sparked among the students, and with a click, they were whisked away to a digital realm where they could become travel influencers.
Suddenly, they found themselves transformed into digital travel influencers. Divided into small groups, each team was given a destination in a Spanish-speaking country. The challenge was to document this imagined journey, using transport methods like buses, trains, and planes, and share their findings on social media. Ana and her group chose a tour of Chile, specifically exploring the stunning landscapes of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, a route filled with colours and captivating tales. João and his friends decided to navigate the lively capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, focusing on its charming cafes and the iconic Casa Rosada. They crafted detailed itineraries in Spanish, including times, routes, and costs, and even created fun videos for their 'followers'. Each post became a window into a new culture, immersing their classmates in a delightful experience.
The posts were so captivating they felt almost tangible. The likes, comments, and fictional shares added an extra layer of authenticity. But the real adventure was only just beginning. After presenting their posts, it was time for the next phase of the adventure: an interactive treasure hunt! Using Google Maps and online quizzes, our young explorers tackled riddles and challenges that put their knowledge of Spanish transport vocabulary to the test. The first clue led Luisa's group to learn how to ask for bus schedules in Colombia, using phrases like ‘¿A qué hora pasa el próximo autobús?’. The next challenge had Carlos's group describe the route for a train in Madrid, employing terms like ‘vagón’, ‘andén’, and ‘billete’. Each correct answer unlocked the next clue, piecing together a cultural puzzle of distant and fascinating places.
During this digital treasure hunt, the students didn’t just solve challenges, they also grew stronger as a team. They started to grasp the importance of collaboration and effective communication. Each group had a leader to organise ideas, a researcher hunting for answers online, and a communicator translating the gathered knowledge into Spanish. It was a well-coordinated dance of skills resulting in meaningful learning at every step.
The journey wrapped up in a celebratory gathering, rich with sharing and recognition. Each group showcased their experiences and newfound knowledge. In the group discussion, Gabriel noted that he initially struggled to remember all the bus schedules, but that teamwork and mapping apps made it much simpler. Laura pointed out she picked up new terms like ‘andén’ (platform) and ‘billete’ (ticket). Everyone concurred that collaboration was key to overcoming challenges and tackling any digital or language barrier.
Our summary marks just the beginning of an endless adventure through the world of words. Each challenge tackled, every piece of content created, and every clue deciphered not only helped the class master the vocabulary of travel and transport in Spanish, but also drew them closer together and made them more self-assured for future linguistic adventures. And so, they wrapped up this chapter, bursting with fresh stories to share and an unquenchable desire to explore more of the vast digital and linguistic world at their fingertips.
