Post on 24-Apr-2015
description
Melissa Fiori, Ph.D.
Virtual Language Learning Program @ Daemen College
Pilot Project 2012-2013
THE VIRTUAL LANGUAGE LEARNING PROJECT
The VLLP welcomes the potential to connect Daemen students with learners of other institutions on a national or international level, and opens the doors to an education which prepares students to embark on their post-graduate experience in an increasingly complex world.
Its purpose is resource sharing. The idea is to connect scholars and learners in real time through one-to-one and/or through one-to-many scenarios through high-definition digital connections from anywhere in the world.
VLLP: ONE to ONE
Scholar@ University
@ office
Student Bodyon Campus
In a 1-1 scenario Daemen students (in upstate NY) will take a course with an expert in the field of study (located anywhere).
VLLP: ONE to MANY
Scholar@
University
College 1
College 3
College 4
College 2
In the 1-many scenario one scholar (university) will teach a course populated by students at multiple colleges.
VLLP: PLATFORMS LifeSize
• LifeSize uses high definition video architecture that allows users to connect to one another remotely. Users connect via tele-presence through high definition screens in real time. Students meet in the classroom where the videoconferencing equipment is set up.
Adobe Connect• is a web conferencing system that supports real time
chat-based (text based) discussion, document sharing, white board discussions, and more.
Blackboard• Course management system
Other Online Tools (workbooks, text resources)
Access & Tech Specs Computers: PCs, Microsoft Office Professional Plus (32-bit) LifeSize: Passport & Room 220 High Definition TV sets Headphones
Adobe Connect: Version 8 Blackboard Learn version 9.1.9.0123.0
Server Space: Blackboard, Adobe Connect Broadband: 1 gig connection rate through Cogent
Communications (the ISP) TWC 30 megs/sec download; 5 mps upload
Dedicated Classroom
VLLP Pilot @ Daemen 2012-2013
FALL VLLP COURSES 2012 SPA 240: Grammar & Culture Workshop I SPA 316: Spanish American Civilization & Culture SPA / FRE 420: Language Teaching Methods & Assessment LNG 415: Second Language Acquisition & Applied
Linguistics
SPRING VLLP COURSES 2013 SPA 101: Elementary Spanish I SPA 250: Grammar & Culture Workshop II SPA 334: Special Topics in Culture IPP 318: Technology in Education
Curriculum Range of courses taught in SPA and
ENG Range of levels taught in SPA and
ENG• The content and demands of each course
vary making them strong candidates for testing under VLLP conditions and parameters
Curriculum: SAMPLESPA 240
Content based course addressing LA history, culture, politics, etc., as well as language and grammar.
Daily discussion via Life Size and Connect Exams: iLrn & Blackboard
Homework: iLrn & Blackboard Projects & Presentations: Blackboard, web Showcase assignments = ePortfolio Online workbook -iLrn
Innovative FormatDISTANCE LEARNING STUDENT - CENTERED
Real-time Dynamic Students meet on
Campus
Not lecture oriented Dynamic interaction Multi-faceted:
synchronous audio, video, text streams along side asynchronous private and public work
Assessed
Faculty & Student Support Academic Computing Services S.M.A.R.T Squad
A student’s comment on the VLLP
“I am really enjoying the class, I think it's such a great concept. If done on an even larger scale I think it could really revolutionize education standards globally. I find it extraordinary that someone could be sitting in a third world country but still be receiving the same educational experience as someone in a more developed one (provided they have an internet connection).”
Video of a Class in Session
Notes on PreparationCreate Folders for Each Course Taught in
Adobe Connect
Notes on PreparationDevelop content for each Meeting
Notes on PreparationHold Class via Adobe Connect
Notes on Preparation
Online Workbooks
Quia / iLrn require • activities to be activated and due dates to
be set. • Book codes and course codes
Notes on Preparation
Blackboard
Blackboard housed • the course documents• Course information
Syllabi Grading criteria Assignments Space for posting work
Benefits for L2 Classes Negotiation of meaning
• Productive skills: speaking and writing• Receptive skills: listening and reading
Collaborative and cooperative learning Student centered Equalizes participation Keeps students FOCUSED Is motivational Facilitates “noticing” Facilitates attention to form and function Promotes Communicative fluency
• While still honing in on form
Other benefits Students return to lectures to review
notes, study, and re-address material Students’ minds are occupied during
class time Students take notes
• before class to be ready to contribute• after class so they have thorough class
notes
Evaluation and Assessment
Student projects are assessed project by project; grading criteria is posted in Bb
VLLP project – ongoing, real time assessment over two academic semesters• Department Meetings (impromptu,
scheduled)• CIEL Conference• College Meetings• Conferences
Evaluation and Assessment
Mic detects quiet speakers when one person speaks at a time
Soft voices not detected by mic during small group discussions.
Ideal classroom set up is with mic in the center of the room
Upload speeds of 10 mps are important