Models for Technology-Mediated Language Instruction: Toward Virtual Total Immersion and Study Abroad Marie A. Cini, Vice Provost and Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies Gretchen I. Jones, Academic Director, Foreign Languages Mark Parker, Assistant Provost, Academic Affairs MSCHE Annual Conference December 8, 2008
AGENDA 1.Introduction & Overview 2.The Past – Brief review of language education 3.The Present – Online, technology-mediated language education 4.The Future – Language education in Q & A
UMUC Student Base
View from a Dean Factors to Consider with Todays Language Learners Increasingly Older Population Reasons to Study are Diffuse Unable to Engage in Lengthy Study Abroad
From Vivitar to Avatar Short Term Study Abroad Technology-Enabled Language Study
THE PAST The face-to-face classroom Grammar-Translation Method Direct Method - Total Immersion Audio-Lingual Method Study Abroad
THE PAST Technology Pen, pencil Audio tapes, language labs Video CD-Roms
THE PRESENT Current pedagogical principles in language teaching and learning: Substantial and varied input of target language Interaction between learners Attention to integrating all four skills reading, writing, speaking, listening Meaningful exploration of culture Some explicit explanation of linguistic points/grammar
The PRESENT Technology: The rise of the Internet and its related technologies Computer mediated communication (CMC) Computer Aided Language Learning (CALL) Glossing & Authoring software Web based dictionaries, data bases Web pages (authentic content –newspapers, train schedules)
THE PRESENT Teaching Language Online in 2008 State of online language education UMUC 3 rd Semester Japanese Course Strengths Limitations
Technologies Combined Online Modules (Content) Developed in house by UMUC Course Development Course management system Communication, student interaction Collaborative learning / communication software – Horizon Wimba
Course Modules JAPN114 – 3 rd Semester JapaneseJapanese Developed by UMUC Faculty author Administrators Instructional Designers Computer Programmers Graphic Designers
UMUC Course Management System
Course Management System
Integrating Culture Video from YouTubeVideo Culture Student Interaction Learner autonomy
Communication Software Wimba Voice Tools Voice Presentation: asynchronous Voice Presentation Voice Board: asynchronous Voice Board Voice Direct: synchronous Voice Direct
What We Can Do Now Autonomous learning in 24-7 environment Accessible with internet connection Vast input resources Student Interaction Text Voice Synchronous / Asynchronous
On the immediate horizon Widespread availability of person-to-person video conferencing Greater integration of various tools
Where are We Headed? Need for more study abroad like experiences Dire need for more language courses: advanced language training less commonly taught languages (Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, Pashto, etc.) Teacher shortages Students dispersed
The Future Build on what were currently doing, but... Two technological advances to be made: 1.Web 2.0 (e.g. interactivity; social networking sites); 2.Virtual Reality (e.g. Second Life)
The Future: Virtual Reality Today, e.g. Second Life
Hiroshima Peace Park in SL
Actual Photo of Hiroshima Peace Park
Visit Japan in the 19 th century
The Future: Web 2.0 Improvement of communication modalities e.g. Mobile synchronous audio-video bandwidth issues, quality & reliability Integration of communication modalities
The Future And one technological revolution in the area of AI/HCI More direct human/technology interface (Wii is transitional example)
QUESTIONS?