Models for Technology-Mediated Language Instruction Toward Virtual Total

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 2018 5. Q & A

UMUC Student Base

View from a Dean Factors to Consider with Today’s Language Learners • Increasingly Older Population • Reasons to Study are Diffuse • Unable to Engage in Lengthy Study Abroad

From Vivitar to Avatar Ø Short Term Study Abroad Ø 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 • JAPN 114 – 3 rd Semester Japanese Developed by UMUC § § § Faculty author Administrators Instructional Designers Computer Programmers Graphic Designers

UMUC Course Management System

Course Management System

Integrating Culture • Video from You. Tube § Culture § Student Interaction § Learner autonomy

Communication Software • Wimba Voice Tools § Voice Presentation: asynchronous § Voice Board: asynchronous § Voice Direct: synchronous

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 we’re 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?