--- Forwarded Message from Nina Garrett <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 09:53:16 -0400
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Nina Garrett <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6263 language learning in a virtual environment
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
------------------
I'm interested in knowing more about the specific pedagogical intent for
this virtual environment, but a priori I'm a little skeptical. There have
been several attempts to create such software -- miniature artificial
domains with objects, places, and people, governed by some "intelligent"
CALL algorithms -- but in my opinion none of them came close to providing
anything like a simulation of a real immersion experience. Furthermore, in
the commonly taught languages I think most teachers would feel that
students will profit more from real interaction with the teacher and with
fellow students -- and creating such materials in the less commonly taught
languages (which would be particularly useful for independent study) is not
only much more challenging but also commercially implausible. Am I out in
left field here?
Nina
At 08:11 AM 8/28/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>--- Forwarded Message from Ted Bell <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
> >Date: 27 Aug 2001 09:36:23 -0700
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >From: Ted Bell <[log in to unmask]>
> >Subject: language learning in a virtual environment
>
>------------------
>
>Dear LLTI members,
>
>I am a cognitive scientist interested in developing software for language
>acquisition. I am particularly interested in approaches that focus on
>developing spoken fluency and listening skills. Currently available
>software for language learning is typically sets of textbook style
>exercises combined with multimedia video. While this is an improvement
>over text-only approaches, I think that an approach similar to real-world
>immersion would be more effective for developing spoken fluency. I would
>like to develop software that uses a context-based immersion approach to
>language learning. I have been working on plans for a virtual
>language-learning environment furnished with objects, places and people to
>interact with. I have been trading ideas with linguists, language
>teachers and students about the details and implementation as well as
>applying ideas from the field of learning and memory.
>
>I want to develop a virtual environment and provide a library of lessons
>or tasks in the environment for learners to work through. The tasks
>learners will face will range from simple object manipulations and
>navigation through the environment, to complicated problem solving, and
>interactive conversations with electronic characters or other human users
>of the environment. Traditional grammar lessons and multimedia can of
>course be incorporated, but the tasks will emphasize using language to
>solve problems in context.
>
>The virtual environment that I envision can be used in a variety of
>ways. First, it can be used by a solitary learner. Second, if networked,
>the environment can be used as a platform for real tutors and learners to
>meet and have lessons in a shared context. Currently available online
>tutoring is a bit like learning language by mail or by telephone. There
>is no shared context except that created by the conversants. Third, the
>environment can be incorporated into a language course and used in a
>network form or by individual students. Ideally the environment will be
>easily modifiable and adaptable for a variety of lessons and courses and
>individual teachers can tailor the lessons to their own students or create
>their own lessons..
>
>If anyone is interested in helping to develop this idea or would just like
>to discuss it further, I can be reached at 541-686-6787 or by
>email: [log in to unmask] I'm currently looking for a home for this
>project. I have had little luck approaching software companies with the
>idea, as the educational software market is quite slow. I'm now looking
>for academics or others who would like to collaborate. I'd love to see
>it developed as a non-profit educational tool, but I'm not averse to
>developing it commercially.
>
>Theodore Bell
>
>
>
>Find the best deals on the web at AltaVista Shopping!
>http://www.shopping.altavista.com
Nina Garrett, Director
Center for Language Study
Yale University
P.O. Box 208349
New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8349
Tel: (203) 432-8196
Fax. (203) 432-4485
[log in to unmask]
http://www.cls.yale.edu
Campus address:
212 York Street, Room 200
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