Featured!
The Language Center at George Washington University has done pioneering work in integrating technology with language development. It is part of an national network of 14 Centers which were created in part with a grant from the Department of Education.
The Ukrainian Traditional Folklore at the University of Alberta provides several exciting examples for how to use technology to teach culture. See particularly the "Material Culture" and "Verbal Culture" sections.
Quest lets you make interactive story games – you can make text adventure games (like Zork, or The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and gamebooks (like the Choose Your Own Adventure books). Your game can be played anywhere – in a web browser, downloaded to a PC, or even turned into an iPhone or Android app.
UCLA Center for World Languages provides a plethera of online resources for teachers.
I. Journals
Language Learning and Technology is an online journal of the latest research and theory in the field. Hosted by the Michigan State University. Free
CALICO Journal is another online accademic journal devoted to online language learning. Free
Journal of Educational Technology Systems can be purchased by subscription or per-article.
II. Articles
"Living in the Virtual Material World" by Peter W. Holloway and Natalie Kononenko, discusses the usefullness and creation processes for 3-D digital resources in teaching culture. The authors are at Ukrainian Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta. Article originally published in SEEFA, Fall, 2002.
"The Use and Abuse of Meaning Technologies" by Phil Hubbard, 2002, discuss and offers advice on using meaning technologies appropriately.
"Google as a Corpus Tool?" by Thomas Robb, 2003, investigates the usefullness of using popular search engines as langauge-building tools.
"Using Native Speakers in Chat" by Vincenza Tudini, 2003, gives ideas and thoughts on using electronic mediums for non-traditional lessons.
Considerations in Developing and Using Computer-Adaptive Tests to Assess Second Language Proficiency by Patricia A. Dunkel, 1999, is a little dated, but still relevant.
More coming soon!
II. Testing Services
SRAS Free Testing offers educators a testing platform based on the written TORFL examination. Basic exams to level three are available online - just create an account and start!
Wimba's Oral Assessment Builder is a test authoring tool for creating tests of speaking skills and handles oral stimulus and response well. It operates off Java technology and should work on most platforms and browsers.
Test Pilot Online Assessments (from ClearLearning) provides language testing tools based on Java technology. It can provide verbal stimulus, but does not yet allow for oral response.
Language Testing International is the exclusive licensee of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), a leader in the development of proficiency evaluation methods. LTI arranges ACTFL language proficiency assessments in 48 languages for corporations, government agencies, academic institutions and individuals. Its tests are more personal and subjective, with traditional paper tests and speaking tests administered over the telephone.
Lots more info! This site, maintained by San Diego State University, provides extensive information about online testing services. Don't be turned off by the primitiveness of the page! It is apparently well maintained.
