Use of Technology in the Language Classroom

Creating Interactive Web Exercises for Language Learning

Bob Godwin-Jones | rgjones@vcu.edu
School of World Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University
http://www.has.vcu.edu/for/gj.html

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What is meant by interactivity?

Going beyond static Web pages that are the equivalent to paper handouts
Students interact with material & are provided feedback of some kind
Teacher role central: Computer can only do what it is programmed to do
Pedagogical considerations more important than whiz-bang technology

Why use Web interactive exercises for language learning?

Can be used in class or out to practice with current material or for review
The Web a familiar environment for students, no learning curve
Most effective used in reading/listening comprehension, grammar/vocab practice
Many Web sites offer already prepared exercises for free use; also from publishers
Not the be-all end-all of using the Web in language learning - lots of other options

What does it look like in practice?
Present tense Grammar practice [uses JavaScript]
Ungerhof Vocabulary practice [uses Flash]
Max und Moritz Reading comprehension [uses JavaScript/multimedia]

What are the options for creating Web exercises?

Most today creating using JavaScript or Flash; steep learning curve
Often tools available within a learning management system such as Blackboard
General use authoring tools such as Dreamweaver or SoftChalk LessonBuilder
Use specific tools for creating language learning exercises

What tools are available?

Hot Potatoes Specifically built for language learning
Quia Popular Exercise generator
SMILE For creating Flash-based interactive language-learning exercises
Course Genie from Wimba, works in Word
SoftChalk LessonBuilder Mac and Windows, activities, styles

How can I get started?

Check if Quia or other exercises are available with your textbook
Look at on-line collections of exercises [see Resource List]
See if your school already has access to authoring tools or an LMS
Consider how the exerices will be accessed by your students
Coordinate with your school/county colleagues if possible
Decide how exercises might help your students learn
Start with easy-to-use authoring tool such as Hot Potatoes
More info: Tools & Trends in Self-paced Language Instruction

Shared Exercises Created with Quia
Examples sites Created with Hot Potatoes
French Online Online French class using cognitive tutors
Critical Language Series Multimedia CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs for less commonly taught languages

Test Authoring Tools By Wayne Stromberg
Authoring Tools By Christine Bauer-Ramazani
Introduction to CALL authoring programs By Graham Davies
Developing Language Learning Tools By Dennie Hoopingarner
Hot Potatoes
Quia Popular Exercise generator
SMILE For creating Flash-based interactive language-learning exercises
MaxAuthor Multimedia authoring system for language instruction developed at the University of Arizona
Lexicon Flash card creator [Mac only]

Using Learning Objects to Design Self-Paced Online Language Courses By Delphine ReniŽ (Powerpoint)
Common Cartridge IMS information
AutoTutor Advanced ITS that uses an animated agent
Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools From Carnegie Mellon University
Politeness Tutor An example of use of the Cognitive Tutor
Sentence jumbles An example of use of the Cognitive Tutor

Virginia Commonwealth University
College of Humanities and Sciences
School of World Studies
Last updated on October 24, 2007