SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Designing web-based language learning materials: authoring with Macromedia ‘Dreamweaver’ and ‘Coursebuilder’ Dr Pamela Rogerson-Revell URL:

‘TELL’ some pedagogical and technical issues involved in producing web- based language learning materials ‘SHOW’ how some of these issues have been tackled in the production of web-based vocational language learning materials, using Macromedia web-based development tools, 'Dreamweaver' and 'Coursebuilder'. Outline

3 Options:  Become a ‘technical expert’ (or ‘TE’)  Hand over development to a TE  Collaborate with a TE The role of the language learning materials developer

Dilemma How do we combine the advantages of web-based delivery with the design capabilities of CD ROM- based multimedia packages? Decision Take a ‘hybrid’ approach to materials development

Some advantages of a ‘hybrid’ approach Flexible access via access via WWW or CD ROM Flexible editing updates instantly accessible to partners and users Reduced cost and increased mobility users don’t need to be on-line all the time Quick download time for CD Rom-based resource heavy files Links to WWW to create real-time, task-based activities to ’add-on’ resources (eg on-line glossaries and dictionaries, language and vocational websites) Re-usability possibility of re-using parts of existing materials to produce customised versions

Some disadvantages of a ‘hybrid’ approach Limitations on activity types with HTML compared with multimedia authoring tools - links to WWW for real-time activities and on-line resources Difficult to set up tracking system need intelligent tutoring system or link to a server-side CMI system or database Limited interactivity requires sophisticated software or on- line tutoring Flexible access

The LANCAM project What is LANCAM? Problemlimited general sector mobility in Europe Aimto develop the communication skills needed to manage and administer construction project contracts successfully in an international context Productinternet/CDROM-based language training materials for the construction industry, in English, German and Spanish Focuskey stage scenarios using authentic materials on communication, culture and work practices PartnersUK, E, D, DK, I, ECBP, CIOB

LANCAM materials structure

Choosing development tools Coursebuilder is described as:.. an extension application to Dreamweaver for creating Web- based learning content and intereactive Web pages. Coursebuilder extends Dreamweaver with a set of easy to use templates and tools that simplify and accelerate the development of online learning content. Coursebuilder for Dreamweaver is the first visual authoring tool developed specifically for creating Web-based learning. Learning interactions created with Coursebuilder are 100% Web-native, enabling cross-platform and cross-browser delivery without plug-ins or applets. [Macromedia Coursebuilder manual 1999:12] Limitations on activity types

Main development features of Coursebuilder Coursebuilder allows the developer to: Produce a range of Web-based learning interactions Provide a variety of user feedback Track user performance

Main development features of Coursebuilder Learning interactions True/false, multiple choice quizzes Drag and drop matching exercises Explore interactions Text entry interactions Create buttons, timers and slides User feedback Adding and customising feedback Selecting when feedback is given Limit or track the number of tries Limit or track the time spent on responses Assign a score for an interaction

Using Dreamweaver and Coursebuilder: some advantages and disadvantages Advanced web page design Sophisticated web-based learning content Cross-browser and platform compatibility Tried and tested product: Technical support and upgrades available Can add-in other Macromedia products (eg Flash, Fireworks) easily No knowledge of programming languages required Available in other languages Can create and edit templates and customise interactivity Scoring and data tracking available Not entirely WYSIWYG Requires considerable learning curve Requires version 4 browsers to operate fully Quite expensive Not designed specifically for language learning Fiddly to input non-English text Quite complex configuration and limited range of activity types Need to link to CMI system of server side database to record and store user performance