Foreign Language Course on Moodle Thomas Semmler Département Langues et Culture Internationale

direction ou services 2 Introduction Our Project EMA-4-Moodle Promote Mobility 6 Partners –Telecom Bretagne; Telecom Lille; HfTelekom, Leipzig; BBU Telecom, St.Petersburg; UTelecom, Novosibirsk; UZilina 2.5 years 350k€ European grant 4 Language Courses (We’ll look at the French Language Course) 1 Language Course Template

direction ou services 3 The Template is a predefined language course structure within MOODLE. It offers the possibility of integrating all the elements you want in a language course: Course presentation and instructions Communication Tools Linguistic & intercultural input Linguistic & intercultural practice Tests Games Additional authentic information The Language course template

direction ou services 4 It’s for language teachers The template offers language teachers an « empty » course structure. « Empty » means this structure contains no media. It contains only spaces where the teacher can place her/his own media files. (text, audio, video or images) Most parameters for the course have been set; the teacher can concentrate on course content. The template can be used for any language and any language level.

direction ou services 5 The structure of the template Course outline -Course title -Course presentation -Student’s personal communication tools -Direct Links to the Lessons 10 Learning Units with each: -Unit title & presentaion -Videos -Language resources -Language exercises -Intercultural Communication Activities -Games -Links to interesting Websites -Final test

direction ou services 6 Download the template from… URL: Read the TEMPLATE Guide and follow the instructions for installation… …it’s easy.

direction ou services 7 Example of what can be done Our French Language Course For international students coming to our school General structure Communication Tools Structure of a Learning Unit Input (resources): based on the school environment Output (activities)

direction ou services 8 Sample Exercises Example 1: CE 4.1 Matching Image-TextCE 4.1 Example 2: CO 7.8 Read & ListenCO 7.8 Example 3: CO 1.8 Comparing soundsCO 1.8 Example 4: CO 10.7 Video & MCQCO 10.7 Example 5: PE 1.11 Multiple choice gapsPE 1.11 Example 6: PE 3.14 Writing sentencesPE 3.14 Example 7: PO 1.16 Listen and repeatPO 1.16 Example 8: MC 9.26 Cross word puzzleMC 9.26 Example 9: REV 8.28 Review questionsREV 8.28 Example 10: CI 6.21 Intercultural communicationCI 6.21 Example 11: TF 2.30 Final testTF 2.30

direction ou services 9 Teacher comments Strong points Helpful tool for student integration Good intercultural activities Interesting videos Clear structure ; easy navigation Use of ICTs in higher education Possible improvements Tutor needed Lack of feedback in some exercises No toggle between video versions Dictionary not easily accessible

direction ou services 10 Student comments I like doing the course when I want. Some sound files do not work properly. I learnt something. The course is pleasant to use. Communication tools, phonetic exercises and original videos appreciated. It's better to have a teacher to correct errors. Improve sound files. Put videos on YouTube

direction ou services 11 What you have to keep in mind Producing media : you need help and time Technical bugs : technical assistance > physical help > Moodle forums Tutoring : training the tutors Time intensive : plan your work well Organising work : examples of documents that help: media content; check list. This is team work: media experts, computer experts; moodle experts; teacher-developers Updating your course : check links, dates, contents

direction ou services 12 Future developments Thinking about new course structures within the possibilities of Moodle based on new developments in Moodle 2, in order to respond to new student requests/learning attitudes or situations. Examples : blended (less or different tutoring, different content) Reducing production time (importing exercices, use of html) Creating reservoirs of reuseable content

direction ou services 13 Summary Comments A New Method of Teaching -The link between you and the students is Moodle Organising the course –Lots of thought –Lots of preliminary paper work –Putting the contents where you want them Organising the students –Giving clear instructions –Giving help and support –Motivating Organising your team of collaborators –You’re not alone anymore: Media producers, Computer Technicians, Moodle Administrators, Colleagues

direction ou services 14 PS.: For those interested: Temporary access to the French course : login : démo password : démo Permanent access to the German course : ?id=3

direction ou services 15 Thank you for your attention