Lily:

You can have students post up their favorite topics for discussion and then use these themes to initiate a discussion in French in accordance with their French syllabus. Most times they are encouraged to discuss topics they like, so these can help motivate them to discuss in French. Here's some current research I've done in this regard:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263767122_Social_Media_in_Education_Bringing_Your_Classroom_to_Life_-_UWI_Research_Expo_2013?ev=prf_pub

I extend best wishes for every success in your research.

Debra

Conference Paper Social Media in Education: Bringing Your Classroom to Life -...

I agree with you Debra 

Hello Ms Lily Sarno

The use of social media in teaching is hard but enjoyable at the same time. It enables both the teacher to be creative (come up with new teaching ideas) and students to be motivated.

Referring to the term “social media” means all applications and technologies that permits communication between people. The most common ones are: Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, google, YouTube …etc. so, it would be plausible (for example) to expose students to a short downloaded  film (s) in the French language, then, follow it up by some questions as  to enable students to express themselves in the French language.

I hope this may help ! GOOD LUCK,

Asmaa

Thank you, Colleagues.  I have started to use technology in the ways in which you describe and can validate your ideas, especially in the way that IT can engage students.  I will send you some ideas I have used already in teaching Language Arts in English.

For example, I asked students to research a current news story, e.g., Black LIves Matter, and see how it is reported around the world.  My goal was to examine point of view, bias, inclusion and exclusion, as well as the obvious issues of race, bigotry, etc.  This was a very strong lesson because, as you observe, it was relevant and timely.  I enjoyed teaching it and I loved the responses the students gave.