Sake Jager

ELLIPS: providing web-based language learning for Higher Education in the Netherlands

This paper presents the overall considerations and pedagogical approach which were at the basis of the development of an innovative web-based CALL application, Ellips (Electronic Language Learning Interactive Practising System). It describes the program’s most salient features, illustrating in particular the technical challenges involved in the realization of this multilingual, server-hosted, database-supported language-learning application. Ellips, the product of a cooperative project between four Dutch universities, offers effective web-based support for language learning in Higher Education (HE) institutions. Ellips focuses particularly on grammar training, listening and pronunciation skills; although it can be accessed on its own, it has been created with integration with virtual learning environments (VLEs) like Blackboard and WebCT in mind. As a matter of fact, Ellips offers functionality lacking in these systems, which have not been specifically developed for language learning and offer more assessment than practising opportunities. Moreover, in Ellips all learning materials are coded with language-specific metadata (mainly based on descriptors derived from the Common European Framework), so that developers can easily find and reuse materials and so-called ‘semi-adaptivity’ is allowed (students automatically receive more exercises on the topics which they have not yet mastered). Other important features of Ellips are full Unicode support, extensive feedback (for every item in an exercise and for the whole exercise), a student-tracking system, the use of (streaming) audio and video, and the possibility to record student input and store it in a portfolio.

Designing the online oral language learning environment SpeakApps

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on SpeakApps, a major collaborative computer-assisted language learning project, developed based on an open source techno-pedagogical solution to facilitate online oral language production and interaction. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed method approach was incorporated as part of the development process which included a comprehensive literature and practice review, user requirement survey of 815 learner, 61 pilot studies with 7,180 students, construction of qualitative teaching scenarios and a Delphi analysis. Findings – Language learners have limited experience of using synchronous communication tools within language learning contexts. Improving usability features within the Open Educational Resources supported the notion of sustainability and that the provision of the mechanism to indicate quality were vital to support the integrity of open content. Originality/value – The paper provides an overview of the operationalisation of an action-oriented a...

New Directions in Telecollaborative Research and Practice: Selected Papers from the Second Conference on Telecollaboration in Higher Education.

This collection of papers, consisting of 39 delegate contributions and three keynote articles from “New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: the second conference on telecollaboration in higher education” hosted by Trinity College Dublin in April 2016, offers a window on a rapidly evolving form of learning. Telecollaboration is used in many formats and contexts, but has as a defining feature the ability to unite learners from classrooms around the world in meaningful computer-mediated tasks and activities. This cross-disciplinary overview discusses telecollaboration in support of language and culture, teacher training, student mobility, and other disciplines and skills from a range of analytical perspectives. It will be of interest to anyone working in HE as an educator, researcher, educational designer, mobility officer, decision maker or administrator.