From research to practice: designing online/multimedia occupational courses for European certification CALL 2008 Antwerpen, Belgium August - September, 2008 GexCALL Research Group - University of Extremadura, Spain

Importance of learning foreign languages Foreign languages required

Creation of language learning courses for occupational purposes with online / multimedia support (Moodle) for officially recognized professional qualification in Europe. This R+D project proposes linguistic preparation for meeting equivalency standards as established by the Common European Framework for Languages and Certification for workers in the EU. The service sectors of tourism and commerce in Extremadura – southwestern Spain were selected.

WHY? Interest and aims of the Improvement in the formative quality of working professionals for European equivalency recognition in languages as required by national and international certification Creation of web-based (Moodle) multimedia language courses for occupational purposes according to European guidelines for specific jobs.

WHAT? Target Context Foreign Languages: English, French, Portuguese and Italian Occupational sectors of interest for the region: Commerce: shop assistants Tourism: waiters/waitresses & bartenders

HOW? Course availability in two formats On-line Learning –Tool: Moodle –E-learning –Individualized and collaborative activities –Education and evaluation on–line. multimedia CD-ROM – Tool: FMI management system content & exercises – Face-to-face, blended and distance learning – Multimedia – Blended follow-up & evaluation

Objective 1. Study of the Context 1.1. FL needs in professional contexts for European equivalency certification Examine viability of applying ICT to FL learning for occupational purposes Research characteristics of potential users of the application. Objective 2. Development of Tools 2.1 Multimedia CD-ROM 2.2. Learning on-line (Moodle) 2.3. Possible system adaptations. Objective 3. Creation of Content 3.1. Design study units Create interactive multimedia content Adapt content to specific needs. Objective 4. Evaluation and Analysis of the Teaching - Learning System 4.1. Evaluate the content & functioning of the system Analyze the results obtained. WHEN? Objectives & Chronological Development

Report by the Spanish National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL). Draft of Royal Decree 27/03/2006, regulating the system of professional education for employment. Projected implementation Study on Educational Needs in Foreign Languages of the EU within the Occupational Contexts, elaborated in December 2002 by the National Institute of Employment in Spain. Reference Documents: Language Competence in Professional Contexts

A1: –Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic sentences to respond to very specific needs. –Can introduce him/herself to others, ask and respond to questions regarding personal information such as where he/she lives, the people he/she knows and the things he/she owns. –Can interact in simple circumstances when the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly and can assist him/her in the communicative act. Minimum Levels of Professional Competence for the Target Occupations. The Basic User – A 1.

A2: –Can understand commonly used and very basic phrases and expressions (e.g. basic familiar personal data, shopping, geographical environment, job-related language) –Can communicate regarding simple routine tasks requiring the exchange of simple and direct information on familiar topics and daily routines. –Can describe features of his/her surroundings and topics related to his/her general interest. Minimum Levels of Professional Competence for the Target Occupations. The Basic User – A2.

ICT Course Demo

Multimedia knowledge management platform (Moodle) is ideal for creating online applications incorporating all linguistic components and language learning skills. Individualized tasks for acquisition of micro-skills: pronunciation, vocabulary, oral practice, reading/writing competence. Collaborative tasks for the target acquisition of levels A1 and A2 – the basic user. FL equivalency certification needs for professionals to meet national and EU standards for 2013 an achievable goal through ICT language learning. CONCLUSIONS.