|
||
|
Two topics stand foremost in world-language teaching as it has been shaped for the past several decades: 1) the pedagogical discussion centering around “proficiency” or “communicative competence” (usually vs. explicit grammar instruction or the audio-lingual method); 2) the emergence of instructional technology as not just a common feature but a virtually inescapable and necessary part of language teaching and learning. After a brief outline of pedagogical and technological developments, the presentation will focus on the evolution of resources developed by an experienced producer over almost three decades, backed by more than four decades of classroom teaching. The chief focus will be computer-based full-service introductory packages for German, Spanish, and two less-commonly taught languages (Swahili and Albanian). Illustrations will also be drawn from the presenter’s technology-based reference resources (Multilingual Talking Pictoriall Dictionary) and several special-purpose programs (computer-guided communicative writing activities, multimedia grammar tutorials, listening comprehension programs using authentic audio). Special attention will be paid to the presenter’s new iPhone app “uPhone.de” (and other languages), which uses a simulated cell-phone keypad to support listening comprehension for numbers 0-9999999999. The presenter will outline the gradual process of rethinking both the pedagogy of the instructional resources, and the transformation from conventional print resourceds through “classical” use of technology (reinventing the book with a computer) to full appropriate use of the technological medium on its own terms. In the final part of the presentation, he will trace the creation of an iPhone app using authoring software (LiveCode) that allows language teachers without advanced programming knowledge to produce fully funtional apps. Participants will receive access to an electronic version of the presentation, fully functional copies of the introductory German programs, access to sample versions of the introductory Spanish, Swahili, and Albanian versions, and samples of other learning software for various languages. |