--- 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