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Explore the use of VLE's and CALL software for language learning, focusing on English, Spanish, Dutch, and Arabic. Discover the benefits of Ellips platform and its integration into existing frameworks.
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Digitalenklas:New Opportunities for Language Learning on the Web Worldcall 2003 Banff, Alberta, Canada Petra Heck & Alessandra Corda Tilburg University / University of Leiden May 2003
Introduction • Aim:to further the use of computers in the learning of languages in HE. • Focus: • VLE’s (Blackboard and WebCT) in conjunction with specific language learning software (Ellips) • Listening skills, pronunciation practice, and grammar for English, Spanish, Dutch, and Arabic • Partners: • Universities of Utrecht, Leiden, Groningen, Tilburg • Edufocus • Website:http://www.let.uu.nl/digitalenklas
The Web and VLE’s • What is the most efficient way of using ICT in language teaching? • CALL and WELL: cognitive-oriented and constructive-oriented • Large-scale introduction of VLE’s • Easy to use • Password-protected • Not specifically developed for language teaching • Support for task-oriented activities, based on authentic resources • Language Web Quests
Web based CALL and Ellips • VLE’s vs. CALL software: fewer possibilities for • Interactive exercises • Flexible study paths • Adaptation to individual student levels • Feedback • Why Ellips? • Semi-adaptive • Full Unicode support • Full database support for students’ tracking • Use of metadata based on the Common European Framework search and (re)use of language materials • Record voice input by students
Ellips • Closed-type exercises for self-study • Access through Blackboard and WebCT • General features: • Extensive feedback • Use of audio and video throughout • Record voice input by students • Import existing content from Hologram
Use of CEF in Ellips • Need for uniform description of content • To facilitate re-use • To make the adaptivity system work • Metadata based on CEF • Made available by Language Centre, University of Ghent • Possibility to link up with an increasingly important framework
CEF metadata • General overview • Details • Activities • Competences • General competences • Communicative competences • Topics • CEF metadata for each exercise and content page
Implementation • 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