--- Forwarded Message from "Rachel E. Saury" <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 14:12:46 -0400 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >From: "Rachel E. Saury" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Beginning Spanish FIPSE >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> Dear colleagues, We have received an invitation from FIPSE to submit a long proposal. I am writing to see if there is anyone "out there" would be interested in participating as a collaborator on this project. Here is a brief summary: The Beginning Spanish Natural Speech Project breaks down conventional academic and often limiting boundaries between disciplines and institutions through further development and eventual dissemination of a suite of software called Savant. Savant is intended as a general tool to allow for the multi-lingual and multi-purposed use of video and audio files in conjunction with transcripts and associated information, including language learning activities. A Java-XML tool, it shows audio and video in time-based synchronization with transcripts, translations, and associated data such as grammatical notes, lexical notes, linguistic annotations and content annotations. With web-based accessibility, developers and collaborators can contribute to a shared database of authentic and associated materials. A FIPSE grant for three years, from May, 2003 through May, 2006 will enable us to further develop modes of access in Savant that allow for its use in language pedagogy, cultural pedagogy, general public and research consultations for multiple purposes. We propose Spanish as a test-bed for this project in order to address the national trend towards high enrollments in that language and, thus, for high quality target-language materials in a distance learning format which can be adapted for use either in conjunction with a traditional classroom setting or for more independent work. At UVA, in particular, we are planning on using Savant as a rich learning resource to replace 2 hours of seat time in a traditional classroom as one way of addressing a need to open more sections and thus better utilize teaching assistant resources. Collaborators could be involved at any or all of the following three levels: 1) Development of the tool Savant: the collaborators would send a representative to UVA 2-4 times over the 2 development years to evaluate the tool in progress and give input on its development. Further, since the tool is going to be web-based, you would also provide input long-distance. 2) Development of authentic materials--videos--for the database: since a large component of the grant as we see it is to end up with authentic materials in the database with associated activities that will then be tested in class, lab and off-site settings, we hope to be able to build on available materials and associated activities. In our case, we will work with our Study Abroad program to Valencia so that undergraduates will be collecting authentic videos as part of their program grade. We could also be adopting already existing materials (of course with copyright permissions). The collaborators could be contributing to the database and to activity development. 3) Test-runs of Savant in actual courses: pilots of the new materials would be run at collaborators' institutions in year 3, with the results evaluated in some way. Let me know if you are interested in participating! The application deadline is May 24, so we would need to hear from you within the next few days in order to better evaluate how you would participate! Any input on similar programs underway nationally would also be welcome! Cordially, Rachel E. Saury, Ph.D. Director, Arts & Sciences Center for Instructional Technologies Lecturer, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures P.O. Box 400784, Cabell 219 University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 22904-4784 434-924-6847 ph. ********************************************************* May the light of awakened mind become apparent. Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo, Etowah Cherokee