Transcript Presentatie Eurocall 2002

Digitalenklas:
New Opportunities for Language Learning on the Web
Eurocall 2002
Jyväskylä
Sake Jager
University of Utrecht / University of Groningen
17 August 2002
Introduction
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Aim: to further the use of computers in the learning of
languages in HE.
Focus:
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VLE’s (Blackboard and WebCT) and specific language
learning software (Ellips)
Primarily listening and speaking/pronunciation for English,
Spanish, Dutch and Arabic
Partners:
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Universities of Utrecht, Leiden, Groningen, Tilburg
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Edufocus
Website: http://www.let.uu.nl/digitalenklas
VLE’s and Language Learning
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Large-scale introduction of VLE’s:
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General benefits for teaching and learning still to be explored
Potential for authentic, task-based, learner-oriented language
learning
VLE’s not well suited for authoring interactive language learning
exercises:
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To increase use of ICT in learning
Distance education programs
Other forms of didactic or programmatic innovation
Limited feedback
Adaptation to student levels impossible
Templates for testing rather than practising
Question: how to integrate some of these traditional features of
CALL in standard systems such as Blackboard and WebCT.
Additional requirements
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Language learning activities that students can
do on their own (in pairs, groups) should be
programmed as such.
Raise awareness with teachers about current
perspective on web-based language learning,
not enforce it.
Make use of Common European Framework
where appropriate.
Collaborate in creating re-usable language
learning materials.
Use of VLE’s
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Blackboard and WebCT
Didactic use: Open-ended activities,
communication and discussion
Secondary use: organisation of course
Activities developed include
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Webquests
Use of authentic sources, such as on-line
newssites
Ellips
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Closed-type exercises for self-study
Access through Blackboard and WebCT
For practising more “mechanical” aspects of
language
Functionality:
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Extensive feedback
Adaptation to individual student levels
Use of audio and video throughout
Record voice input by students
Import existing content from Hologram
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Screenshot 3
Use of CEF in Ellips
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Need for uniform description of content
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To facilitate re-use
To make the adaptivity system work
Metadata based on CEF
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Made available by Language Centre,
University of Ghent
Possibility to link up with an increasingly
important framework
CEF metadata
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General overview
Details
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Activities
Competences
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General competences
Communicative competences
Topics
CEF metadata for each exercise and
content page
Implementation
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Implementation Ellips planned to start
December next
Staff training and discipline required
Metadata essential for creating re-usable
materials
Consortium for exchange of materials and
continued support after the project ends
Consortium open to interested institutions