Cyber Spanish is
a Second Language Web-based tool for a collaborative environment. It is
an integrated Web-base language learning tool for high school level designed
to support the curriculum by studenst collaboration and the use of internet
tools. The proposed Master project involves the use of Web technology in
an educational context.
Students will be involved
in a collaborative learning experience interacting in pairs and learner
groups. The program includes discussions, personal and group presentations,
overseas peers interchange of ideas and the creation of School Web-base
document.
Cyber Spanish will help the
students to complement and reinforce the knowledge that they have already
acquired in their unit. This will provide the students the following opportunities.
-
to use Internet communication
technology
-
to work in a multidisciplinary
environment
-
to have a better understanding
of the culture of the Spanish Speaking countries
-
to be expose to the language
cultural reality on the Net
-
to network and contact
with students of similar ages and interests
-
to share knowledge and
experience with local and overseas peers
Rationale. The Latin American
region became important in the global market and especially in the Asian
Pacific area where Australia has an important role. Recently, Australia
and Chile have signed agreements to facilitate trade and tourism between
Australia and the countries of the Latin American region. For Australian
business and professional people and travelers their successes depend very
much on knowing the language and understanding of the culture of the Pacific
region. Taking into account all the above it is necessary to emphasis the
teaching of the Spanish language at the Secondary and tertiary levels.
Outcomes
-
The primary outcome of the program
is instructional effectiveness, defined as better communication skills
such as writing, reading, listen and speaking.
-
A second most important outcome
is the efficiency of the tool. It can enable students to acquire the level
of communication skills required by the curriculum in a shorter time.
-
The third outcome is cultural
understanding which will be recognised by the level of knowledge students
can acquired the culture and customs involved.
The Cyber Spanish will benefit
students and facilitate the future communication between Australia and
the Spanish speaking countries in the Region, providing a model for other
languages.
Ramona
del Carmen Castillo (2001), Institute for Interactive Media & Learning,
(UTS),
Sydney
|
