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March 2002
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March 2002 Newsletter
| Download an Adobe Acrobat pdf file of this Newsletter |
| View Archive of Some Past Newsletters |
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Website: http://www.marlboro.edu/~neralld/ |
IALLT website: http://iall.net/ |
Published 4 times yearly |
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NERALLD Info: Cindy Bravo, Boston College Language Laboratory, Lyons Hall, Rm.313 Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 cynthia.bravo@bc.edu langlab@bc.edu Phone: (617)552-8473 Fax: (617)552-2064 |
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SPRING 2002 MEETING Friday, April 12, 2002 "Teaching World Languages hosted by: Choate Rosemary Hall More information and directions begin on page 5 of this letter. |
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From the President of NERALLD: Hello and welcome to spring - almost! I hope that your winter holidays were festive, your year to date has been productive, and, like the Sox, you're now ready to report for "spring training." April 12th's the date; Choate Rosemary Hall in sunny (we hope!) Wallingford, CT's the place. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about "Teaching World Languages in a Computer/Language Lab Setting and Beyond." Thanks to the hard work of the program committee and its industrious chairperson Kara Schwartz of Amherst College, a full and varied roster of presentations awaits. (See the program agenda on page 5). You too can join the line-up of talented presenters by sharing a teaching with technology idea, lab-classroom activity, or pedagogical support practice during the afternoon 'SHAREWARE' idea exchange session. In preparation, just complete the 'SHAREWARE' Information Sheet on page 8 and email it to one of the session's leaders, Kara Schwartz (klschwartz@amherst.edu) or Barbara Place (BPlace@mcc.commnet.edu). Join your colleagues and our gracious host (and presenter!) Charles E. Long, Spanish teacher and Head of the International Learning Center at Choate Rosemary Hall, for what will undoubtedly be an informative day for all. Did you know that our meeting will be historic as well? For the first time, I believe, since our organization's founding in 1974 we'll be coming together on a secondary school campus. The Prez Sez: "Be a part of history! On April 12, 2002 make your way to Choate Rosemary Hall and gain a new perspective on facilitating world language instruction with technology in today's K-12 and higher education settings ... and beyond!"
Cindy Bravo Boston College cynthia.bravo@bc.edu or langlab@bc.edu |
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Resources of Interest |
(1) NERALLD DECEMBER 2001 NEWSLETTER ADDENDUM - Our apologies to Mary Fetherston of the University of Rhode Island and Bruce Parkhurst of Boston University. Inadvertently the summary of Mary's 11/2/01 "Using Software for Lab Management" presentation given at the College of the Holy Cross (notes provided by Bruce) was omitted from the December 2001 Newsletter. The full summary text of Mary's presentation is on page 4 of this newsletter. You can also find it on the NERALLD web page as an addendum to the December 2001 newsletter (http://www.marlboro.edu/~neralld/). (2) JOB OPPORTUNITY IN VERMONT - Saint Michael's College announces a search for an Assistant Director of the Language Learning Resource Center/Instructional Technology Support, NERALLD member Lori Williams's former position. Interested? For the complete job description, contact the Office of Human Resources, Saint Michael's College, One Winooksi Park, Colchester, VT 05439 (802)654-2533. (3) FLTEACH (Foreign Language Teaching Forum) - an online resource for language teachers moderated by Jean LeLoup and Robert Ponterio of SUNY Cortland; includes an extensive listing of WWW Resources for Language Teachers and an academic discussion listserv (http://www.cortland.edu/flteach). (4) MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resources for Learning and Online Teaching - ( http://www.merlot.org) - Visit the "World Languages Community" home page ( http://worldlang.merlot.org/Home.po) for teaching/learning resources in more than 15 languages. (5) SUGGESTED READING - "Student Perceptions on Language Learning in a Technological Environment: Implications for the
New Millennium" - article by Jonita Stepp-Greany (Florida State University) published in the January 2002, volume 6, number 1
issue of Language Learning and Technology |
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Notices |
!! URGENT: Due to budget cutbacks at UMass/Amherst, the FOREIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTER is scheduled TO CLOSE permanently at the end of June 2002!! Lend your support to the campaign to STOP THE CLOSING. Contact UMass and State officials to express your disapproval of the University's decision. More information about the proposed closing and contact information have been posted by Irene Starr, FLRC Director and generous, long-time NERALLD member at: http://www.umass.edu/langctr/closing.html. ALSO: The Dean of UMass/Amherst's College of Humanities and Fine Arts has proposed the merger of five language and literature departments into a single department. For more info. about this, go to: http://www.gazettenet.com/02212002/news/11729.htm. |
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Business Matters! |
In anticipation of the NERALLD business meeting on April 12, 2002, please consider the following agenda items: (1) K-12 OUTREACH - Are you a K-12 educator? Are you a NERALLDer interested in language learning at the elementary and secondary school levels? Share your ideas about how NERALLD might better address the needs and interests of the K-12 community. Sign up for a K-12 email discussion group. (2) ISSUES FOR IALLT? - In June your NERALLD President, as a member of the IALLT Advisory Council, will be attending the 2002 IALLT Summer Leadership Meeting at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, site of the IALLT '03 conference. In addition to Board and Council members discussing plans for the 2003 conference, there will be a mechanism for reporting the issues and concerns of regional groups with respect to IALLT. Let's together identify NERALLD's issues. (3) SELF-PROMOTION - In light of the current crisis facing the FLRC at UMass/Amherst, Irene Starr will address briefly the need for self-promotion in the workplace. (4) FACULTY PIONEER AWARDS - Let's recognize and honor our pioneering NERALLD faculty who, through the years, have taught us much about learning languages with all manner of technology. A brief awards ceremony will be held. |
Coming Events
(1) 3/26-30/02: CALICO'02 - Creating Virtual Language Learning Communities, University of California at Davis (http://calico.org/CALICO02).
(2) 4/5-6/02 To complement NERALLD's Fall 2001 meeting topic: Blackboard: Building A Community of Learners, a conference at St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY (http://it.stlawu.edu/~blackboard).
(3) 5/3-5/02 NEALLT 2002 at the University of Pittsburgh - The Language Media Center: Not Just Another Computer Lab - annual conference of the Northeast Association for Language Learning Technology, an IALLT regional group (http://www.neall.org).
(4) 6/16-20/02 SummerTech 2002 at Phillips Academy, Andover, MA - an intensive workshop on the use of technology in language teaching; designed for secondary school language teachers with beginning to intermediate-level computing skills (http://www.pafaculty.net/~llc/summertech/summertechindex.html).
WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER?
Because you are...
• a NERALLD member in good standing • a member in the recent past
• a member of our parent organization, IALLT • a likely target for this type of info!
Want to be removed from this list, or make corrections to your address? Contact cynthia.bravo@bc.edu
Oops! The summary of Mary Fetherston's presentation at the Fall meeting at the College of the Holy Cross was inadvertently omitted from the December 2001 Newsletter. With our sincere apologies to Mary and to Bruce Parkhurst who contributed notes on Mary's presentation, we submit a summary of Mary's presentation as a Newsletter addendum. You can also find it on the NERALLD web page as an addendum to the December 2001 newsletter along with a "First Impressions" piece offered by Marisa Castagno.
Michael Nieckoski,
Newsletter Editor
Mary Fetherston, University of Rhode Island
Does it Really Work? Using Software for Lab Management - the revolution and evolution of using a courseware package for lab management
At URI, the courseware tool used for web-based course materials is WebCT. In the lab, WebCT is used as a lab management and staff communication tool (and similarly at other labs on campus). The students like it. Mary does not use all the program's features (such as the quiz function), but the chat tool and instant messaging are heavily used as a natural outgrowth from the tools the students use in classes.
At URI, students go through an authentication server which provides a single login and password for all systems. Once into WebCT they move freely through various sites for courses and workplaces, such as the lab. Mary uses discussion forum spaces to post information for students, material relating to courses, and she maintains FAQ pages and archives of prior communications. Home page, mail, forums, help and course materials - these are the pages that the students use most. One thing she really appreciates is being able to post information once for referral by her 15 student workers -- and she doesn't have to repeat the info again. It also frees-up her time to do development projects instead of spending it with hands-on administration and supervision.
Mary walked us through her WebCT pages for her lab, Independence Hall Multimedia Facilities (IMHF). The links on the site include access to her calendar, student work schedules, instruction manuals for lab assistants, phone lists, and a photo gallery of her staff.
The site is not only a rich information resource; it creates a useful on-line environment, if you build it that way. It increases communication among workers, even when not on duty. Some disadvantages are the need for daily access and fairly close supervision to be sure students are checking the site.
It was a revolution in Fetherston's thinking that she could build something that would get and keep the students' attention. While she expected the FAQ or information archive to be most heavily used, she found instead that the group communication was the big draw. Using humor helps.
Her recommendations:
"Teaching World Languages in a Computer/Language Lab Setting and Beyond"
Agenda
NERALLD Spring Meeting - April 12, 2002
Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT
Charles E. Long (Choate Rosemary Hall), Host Site Coordinator
Kara Schwartz (Amherst College), Program Chair
8:30 - 9:30 Coffee/Registration/Tour of International Learning Center
(Humanities Building, Rotunda)
9:30 Welcoming Remarks Cindy Bravo, NERALLD President
(Humanities Building, Viewing Room)
9:45 Top Ten Multimedia Language Lab Activities
John de Szendeffy, CELOP, Boston University
This presentation will showcase the 10 most popular ESL class activities for students in the Multimedia Language Lab. It will demonstrate the classroom possibilities of several activities, using different applications for the Macintosh and PC. The role of the computer as tool vs. tutor will be folded into the discussion of each activity.
10:45 Tracking Secondary Students with Technology - Performance vs. Tracking
Charles E. Long, Choate Rosemary Hall
"My son spends two hours a night on Spanish homework, why isn't he getting an A?" Secondary school students do not always plan their time well or study effectively. We would like to think that the results from time spent with foreign language activities would be seen in classroom and assessment performance. When a student performs well, this is not an issue, but when he or she claims to be spending a lot of time, and is not progressing, it is important to find out why. In this presentation I will outline how we track student work done in the language lab and over the network.
11:15 The Virtual Language Lab: Using Technology to Supplement Language Instruction Any Time, Any Place, by Any Path, at Any Pace
Rebekah Richards, Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium
In this presentation I will describe and demonstrate my use of technology to create a virtual language lab (including CBI morphology and vocabulary drills, an audio cd-rom, online image libraries, and both synchronous and asynchronous tutoring) for online Latin students (grades 9-12) throughout the state of Colorado. I will suggest that these solutions can be implemented in any networked environment to introduce supplementary instruction into the language classroom any time, any place, by any path, and at any pace.
12:30 - 2:15 Lunch (Dining Hall)/Business Meeting (Viewing Room)
2:15 'SHAREWARE'
Barbara Place, Manchester Community College and Kara Schwartz, Amherst College
Please join our sharing exchange. Please bring one paper copy of an idea concerning teaching with technology, lab/classroom activities, or any other best practice you would be willing to pass along. If possible, please email the copy in advance to Barbara Place BPlace@mcc.commnet.edu or Kara Schwartz klschwartz@amherst.edu. Please use the 'Shareware' Information Sheet on the back of the Meeting Registration Form (in NERALLD Newsletter) to describe your idea/practice.
3:15 The Use of PowerPoint in a Beginning Spanish Class: A Tool for Teaching and Learning"
Constance Montross, Clark University
In this presentation I will examine ways in which a teacher and students can use PowerPoint to achieve the linguistic and cultural goals of a first year language class. I plan to show examples of slides I've created for class and examples of group presentations on cultural topics that my students have created.
3:45 Selecting New Editing Software to Update an Old Multimedia Project: StorySpace and the Latest Implementation of Spanish 104
Marisa Castagno, Connecticut College
I will talk about the problems we encountered when a faculty member decided to update her old XmediaEngine multimedia project for Spanish 104, how we review different editing software, how we chose StorySpace as editor, and the final results.
4:30 Tour of International Learning Center (Steele Hall)
5:00 Après-Meeting Dinner for interested participants at a nearby restaurant (Location TBA)
DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION
NERALLD Spring Meeting - April 12, 2002
Choate Rosemary Hall
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT. 06492
Humanities Building (Registration in Rotunda, Meeting in Viewing Room)
Host: Charles E. Long, International Learning Center
http://crh.choate.edu/InternationalTelephone # (in case of emergency): (203)697-2000 (Switchboard operator will forward calls to our host Charles Long's cell phone #)
For General Directions to Choate Rosemary Hall:
http://www.choate.edu/visitors/directions/default.htmTrain/Bus Service: Amtrak serves Wallingford. Trains go south as far as Washington and north to
Boston via Springfield and Worcester. For information, call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Metro North commuter trains run between New Haven and Grand Central Terminal. For information, call 1-800-METRO-INFO.
A Connecticut Transit bus stops at the beginning of South Main Street and goes to New Haven Green. For information, call (203)624-0151.
Taxi Service in Wallingford: Yellow Cab (203)269-1444
For Campus Map:
http://www.choate.edu/visitors/campusmap/default.htmParking: South side of Christian Street or East side of Main Street or Memorial Circle
Accommodations:
http://www.choate.edu/visitors/areaaccommodations.htmOur Host Charles Long suggests:
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The Fairfield Inn by Marriott Barnes Road Wallingford, CT Exit 15, I-91 (203)284-0001 http://www.marriott.com/ |
Courtyard by Marriott 600 Northrop Road Wallingford, CT Wxit 15, I-91 (800)321-2211/(203)284-9400 |
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High Meadow Bed & Breakfast 1290 Whirlwind Hill Road Wallingford, CT (203)269-2351 (very good reviews; very nice spot; not too close to campus) |
The Wallingford Victorian Bed & Breakfast 245 North Main Street Wallingford, CT (203)269-4492 eMail: artparadox@earthlink.net (very close to campus; clean, but owners are "beginners" in the field) |
DIRECTIONS TO HUMANITIES BUILDING (Building #4 on Campus Map - Paul Mellon Humanities Center):
From the North: I-91 - Take exit 15. Turn right onto Rte. 68. Turn left at 3rd stoplight onto North Farms Rd., which becomes North Elm St. At Christian St. (5th stop sign) turn right, then right into Memorial Circle (2nd campus drive). Humanities Building is across the lawn at the top of the hill.
From the North and South: Wilbur Cross Parkway (Rte. 15) - Take exit 64. Turn right onto Quinnipiac St. Bear left after stop sign, cross over R.R. tracks. Go straight through light (Quinnipiac becomes Center St. at this intersection). Turn left at 2nd light (at top of hill) onto North Main St. Turn right at 1st stop sign onto Christian St. Humanities Building is first on the left.
From the South: I-91 - Take exit 14. Turn left onto Woodhouse Ave, go through 2nd light at Center St. (becomes East Main St.) At 2nd stop sign turn left onto Christian St. and follow to campus. Go through stop sign at North Elm St. and turn right into Memorial Circle (second campus drive). Humanities Building is across the lawn at the top of the hill.
NERALLD MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL/NEW MEMBERSHIP &
SPRING MEETING REGISTRATION FORM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 IS THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR REGISTRATION
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SHAREWARE INFORMATION SHEET (other side)
NERALLD Membership Dues for 2001-2002 = $25.00
The NERALLD membership year runs from Oct 1 - Sept 30. Dues are $25.00 per year (no half-year rate, per bylaw amendment approved 11/2/01). NERALLD is open to all interested parties, upon receipt of dues. Membership allows members to attend meetings, workshops, vote, and receive NERALLD newsletters. Please note: Membership in NERALLD is on an individual basis. There are no institutional membership rates.
CURRENT/LAPSED MEMBERS - REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. IF YOU DID NOT RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN FALL 2001, PLEASE DO SO NOW. Send in this form, or email the information to langlab@bc.edu by April 3. Cash or check accepted at meeting. [Note: Dues received by the Spring meeting are for the current 2001-2002 membership year.] Paying by check? Make it out to NERALLD. Please mark all that apply:
NAME: _____________________________________________ Email Address:_______________________
(If there are corrections to the mailing label, please note them below.)
p
I paid my dues in Fall 2001. I will attend this Spring'02 meeting.(____$10. check for lunch enclosed / ____ will pay $10. lunch fee at meeting)
p
I am renewing and will attend the meeting. p I am renewing but won't attend the meeting.$35. ($25. to renew, plus $10 for lunch) $25. to renew (check enclosed )
(____check enclosed / ____ will pay at meeting)
Après-Meeting Dinner? - Care to join meeting attendees for dinner at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense) and avoid rush-hour traffic at the conclusion of our meeting on Friday, April 12?
p YES p NO
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NON-MEMBERS
- REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED but advance payment is not. Send in this form, or email the information to langlab@bc.edu by April 3. Cash or check accepted at the meeting. [Note: Dues received by the Spring meeting are for the current 2001-2002 membership year.] Paying by check? Make it out to NERALLD. Please mark all that apply:p
I am not a NERALLD member. I will attend the meeting.$35. ($25. to join, plus $10 for lunch) meeting.
(____check enclosed / ____ will pay at meeting)
p
I 'd like to join but won't attend this meeting.$25. to join (check enclosed)
Après-Meeting Dinner? - Care to join meeting attendees for dinner at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense) and avoid rush-hour traffic at the conclusion of our meeting on Friday, April 12?
p YES p NO
Name: ______________________________________ Institution: __________________________________
Department: ________________________________ Address: ____________________________________
Email: ______________________________________ City: ________________________________________
Telephone #:______________ FAX#:____________ State: ______________ Zip: ___________________
SEND THIS FORM
to: Cindy Bravo, NERALLD President, Boston College Language Laboratory,Lyons 313, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, or email langlab@bc.edu or phone (617)552-8473.
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'SHAREWARE' INFORMATION SHEET |
Don't miss your chance to participate in the 'SHAREWARE' (idea sharing exchange) session at the Spring meeting on 4/12/02! In preparation for the exchange, please bring one copy of an idea concerning teaching with technology, lab/classroom activities, or any other best practice you would be willing to pass along. Please use this 'SHAREWARE' Information Sheet to describe your idea/practice.
TYPE AND PURPOSE OF ACTIVITY/PRACTICE:
LANGUAGE:
AUDIENCE (level of language/grade):
SIZE OF ACTIVITY GROUP:
DURATION OF ACTIVITY:
MATERIALS NEEDED (software/hardware, AV materials):
PROCEDURES:
Please email this Shareware Information Sheet in advance of the meeting (if possible) to:
Barbara Place BPlace@mcc.commnet.edu or Kara Schwartz klschwartz@amherst.edu
OR
Snail Mail the Meeting Registration Form/Information Sheet to:
Cindy Bravo, NERALLD President
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