“ALLNet: Autonomous Language Learning Program for Less Commonly Taught Languages”

1. Cultures and Languages Across the CurriculumUniversity of Iowa, November 5-6, 2005 “ALLNet: Autonomous Language Learning Program for Less Commonly Taught Languages” Elena OsinskyALLNet DirectorInternational ProgramsUniversity of Iowa

2. ALLNet: Autonomous Language Learning • Overview and Progress Report: What is ALLNet? • Development of ALLNet web site as a resource and management tool • Learning materials for students - CDs • Training materials for tutors - DVDs • Video conferencing – i-Sight • Web conferencing – Elluminate Live!

3. ALLNet: Autonomous Language Learning • National Resource Center at the IP, UI • Funded by the U.S. Dep. of Education grant • Objective: Communication Skills in Foreign Languages for Study and Research Abroad • Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL)

4. What is Autonomous Language Learning? ALLNet supports learners in developing the skills necessary for autonomous language learning, such as • accepting responsibility for their learning • understanding the purpose of their learning program • defining language learning goals • understanding their learning preferences • planning and executing learning activities • regularly reviewing progress.

5. Who can apply? • UI student, faculty and staff • Interested in study/research aboard • Committed to autonomous language learning • All languages NOT offered at UI are eligible • Tutors and materials need to be available

6. Progress Report • Self-instructional language centers in the US facilitate group-based foreign language study • ALLNet allows for customized learning • ALLNet students (fall 2005): 20 • ALLNet languages (fall 2005): 16 • ALLNet languages pending:5

7. ALLNet Web site as a Management and Resource Tool • On-line evaluation forms • e-Learning Log (work in progress) • e-portfolio for Lithuanian students (work in progress) • Languages & Cultural resources • Web: http://www.uiowa.edu/~allnet

8. Instructional Materials • Language Materials Project at UCLA for instructional and authentic materials • Language Resource Centers [Center for Advanced Research in Language Acquisition at the UMN] • Self-Instructional Language Programs • Language Professionals: CARLA provides database of LCTL courses in the US

9. Learning Materials for Students • Malayalam language case study • Only two Universities in the U.S. • Textbook is out of print till Spring 2006 • All materials are in old script • Lithuanian Case study • Textbook is without tapes • Creation of CDs with audio files

10. ALLNet Tutors • Educated speakers of the target language • Trained according to NASILP guidelines • Tutorial sessions emphasize language practice (workshops & instructional DVDs) • Major responsibilities: review of materials that learners have studied on their own; check on pronunciation; provide correct language input; provide cultural information; weekly progress reports.

11. Tibetan case study Distant Tutor from Arizona From phone sessions to video conferencing A student and a tutor are Mac users Apple i-Sight video conferencing for speaking & listening Video Conferencing

12. Video Conferencing

13. Web Conferencing Elluminate Live!

14. Interface of Elluminate Live! ForPolling Raise Hand Send Text Msg Talk

15. Thank youto ALLNet Supporters: • The National Resource Center , UI • International Programs, UI • Language Media Center (LMC), UI • Dr. Pusack (German Department) and Dr. Greenough (History Department), UI

16. Contact & More Information • Elena OsinskyALLNet Director350 International CenterUniversity of Iowa • Web: www.uiowa.edu/~allnet