CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Extending the “Lernort” To a Virtual Learning Environment: BAUHAUS IN CHICAGO Bauhaus and Beyond: An Interactive Architektour Bauhaus and Beyond: An Interactive Architektour Ingrid Zeller Denise Meuser Franziska Lys Department of German Northwestern University

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Starting Points 1. Innovations in Language Teaching Interdisciplinary approaches to learning Alternative to classroom instruction - purposeful and engaging exploration and discovery of surroundings through an excursion, a “Lernort” A wealth of meaningful input 2. Themes Life in a metropolis Architecture as expression Intersections between German and American art and culture

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Lernort What is a Lernort? Authentic place for learning that encourages meaningful communication in the target language  However, stage has to be set for effective learning to take place Usually excursions include visits to culturally relevant places, such as German neighborhoods, museums, historically important sights: Chicago: Architecture lends itself well to exploration of German influences to the life of the city

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Implementing an Excursion Context Unit on Architecture and Culture in Berlin and Chicago (Third Year Grammar and Composition Course: Berlin - Scenes of a Century) Excursion Architecture tour by German-speaking docent German restaurant visit visit to relevant museum exhibits visit to IIT campus  Pre-Excursion Interview on living situations (pros/cons of high rises, etc.)living situations picture of favorite building architectural styles history of bauhaus activities on Weimar, Dessau, Berlinarchitectural styles history of bauhaus Dessau  During Excursion Students ask questions of guide take photographs take notes create a portrait of a building engage in scavenger hunt answer questions on handouts (modules)  Post-Excursion Production by students of articles, skits, videos,students of articles interactive exercises (timeline, games, puzzles), PowerPoint presentations Bauhaus Videotour Course Website:

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Benefits of a Lernort Material comes alive Understanding of new aspects of society Exploration of relevant surroundings Students are engaged and enthusiastic about language Visual and multidimensional aspects facilitate learning

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University From Lernort Architektur to Virtual Architektour Why online? –Extension of Lernort Virtual access as possible alternative to excursion Interactive features can serve to introduce and to solidify information Guided learning in combination with exploratory acquisition Vast opportunities for integration in classroom Involves students actively in the engagement with technology

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Filming the Architecture Tour Videotaped guided tour in German –Docent Ingeborg Kohler from the CAF (Chicago Architecture Foundation) Eight individual clips and an introduction Selection of buildings based on three major styles Chicago Style International Style Postmodern Style –Representative for American City –Emphasis on German influence on architects

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University The Film Team and some Challenges Film Team –Producers: Denise Meuser and Ingrid Zeller –Cameraman & Editor: Mark Schaefer Northwestern MMLC Weather conditions Time of day Working with and without a script

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Filming the City

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University The Editing Preparing transcripts Editing sound bites Editing visual information Revising transcripts and translating into English Creating time coded scripts

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Software Development Web Site – Flash design with streaming video Team approach to the creation of exercises –Franziska Lys, Denise Meuser, Ingrid Zeller Web-designers –Adam Bennet, Daniel Escutia, Franziska Lys

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Software Considerations Purpose of site –Target audience Overall visual design –Attractive, inviting look Navigational design –Intuitive,minimal clicking Creation of learning interactions Screen design

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Vocabulary activities –Types of buildings, materials, colors, shapes, adjectives Context for grammatical concepts –Comparatives and superlatives, relative clauses, passive voice Descriptive paragraphs –Journal entry or short essay describing a home, a building on campus or a hometown landmark. –Simple biographies of architects Contexts: Elementary German

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Vocabulary activities –Advanced vocabulary related to construction materials, architectural styles Context for grammatical concepts –Emphasis on passive voice; correct integration of adverbs of time and space Projects –Reports about buildings for student newspaper –Skits integrating buildings; building as backdrop for a scene in skit (FBI, etc.) –PowerPoint presentations with interactive features –Biographies of architects –Video presentations Examples: Contexts: Intermediate German

CALICO 2005 Michigan State University _____________ May 17-21, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of German & Multimedia Learning Center, Northwestern University © 2005 Northwestern University Contexts: Advanced German Research Activities –Research papers –Interactive websites –Video projects Examples –Biographies of architects –Descriptions of building sites –Historical developments of city blocks and neighborhoods Explorations in the city with still or video camera