ALLNet: Autonomous Language Learning Program for Less Commonly Taught Languages

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ALLNet Autonomous Language Learning Program
for Less Commonly Taught Languages
Cultures and Languages Across the
CurriculumUniversity of Iowa, November 5-6, 2005

• Elena OsinskyALLNet DirectorInternational
  ProgramsUniversity of Iowa

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ALLNet Autonomous Language Learning

• Overview and Progress Report What is ALLNet?
• Development of ALLNet web site as a resource and
  management tool
• Learning materials for students - CDs
• Training materials for tutors - DVDs
• Video conferencing i-Sight
• Web conferencing Elluminate Live!

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ALLNet Autonomous Language Learning

• National Resource Center at the IP, UI
• Funded by the U.S. Dep. of Education grant
• Objective Communication Skills in Foreign
  Languages for Study and Research Abroad
• Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL)

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What is Autonomous Language Learning?

• ALLNet supports learners in developing the
  skills necessary for autonomous language
  learning, such as
• accepting responsibility for their learning
• understanding the purpose of their learning
  program
• defining language learning goals
• understanding their learning preferences
• planning and executing learning activities
• regularly reviewing progress.

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Who can apply?

• UI student, faculty and staff
• Interested in study/research aboard
• Committed to autonomous language learning
• All languages NOT offered at UI are eligible
• Tutors and materials need to be available

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Progress Report

• Self-instructional language centers in the US
  facilitate group-based foreign language study
• ALLNet allows for customized learning
• ALLNet students (fall 2005) 20
• ALLNet languages (fall 2005) 16
• ALLNet languages pending5

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ALLNet Web site as a Management and Resource
Tool

• On-line evaluation forms
• e-Learning Log (work in progress)
• e-portfolio for Lithuanian students (work in
  progress)
• Languages Cultural resources
• Web http//www.uiowa.edu/allnet

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Instructional Materials

• Language Materials Project at UCLA for
  instructional and authentic materials
• Language Resource Centers Center for Advanced
  Research in Language Acquisition at the UMN
• Self-Instructional Language Programs
• Language Professionals CARLA provides database
  of LCTL courses in the US

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Learning Materials for Students

• Malayalam language case study
• Only two Universities in the U.S.
• Textbook is out of print till Spring 2006
• All materials are in old script
• Lithuanian Case study
• Textbook is without tapes
• Creation of CDs with audio files

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ALLNet Tutors

• Educated speakers of the target language
• Trained according to NASILP guidelines
• Tutorial sessions emphasize language practice
  (workshops instructional DVDs)
• Major responsibilities review of materials that
  learners have studied on their own check on
  pronunciation provide correct language input
  provide cultural information weekly progress
  reports.

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Video Conferencing

• Tibetan case study
• Distant Tutor from Arizona
• From phone sessions to video conferencing
• A student and a tutor are Mac users
• Apple i-Sight video conferencing for speaking
  listening

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Video Conferencing
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Web Conferencing Elluminate Live!
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Interface of Elluminate Live!
For Polling
Raise Hand
Send Text Msg
Talk
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Thank you to ALLNet Supporters

• The National Resource Center , UI
• International Programs, UI
• Language Media Center (LMC), UI
• Dr. Pusack (German Department) and Dr. Greenough
  (History Department), UI

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Contact More Information

• Elena OsinskyALLNet Director350 International
  CenterUniversity of Iowa
• Web www.uiowa.edu/allnet