SBIR-STTR Award

With the rise in the familiarity of and access to the World Wide Web, an exciting and powerful new environment that can provide materials to users regardless of location has been added to the spectrum of computer-assisted language learning tools. Although computer-assisted language learning has been the focus of much research over the recent past, implementing he range of desirable, interactive language-learning functions in a Web environment - especially advanced multimedia capabilities and interactive learning features - has not been widely explored. In addition, technical challenges such as incorporating a right-to-left script (e.g., Arabic) into a left-to-right environment have not yet been adequately solved for Web development. New Web development tools and new technologies for media delivery are being introduced at a rapid pace, but the full extent of their application has still not been fully identified, especially as it relates to the language learning environment. This project will research the technical issues of implementing effective Web-based language exercises for Modem Standard Arabic (MSA), and will lead in Phase II to the development of a marketable suite of language maintenance exercises for MSA.Summary Of Anticipated Results And Implications:Phase I: The goals of Phase I are to: (1) determine the technical feasibility of delivering interactive spoken Modem Standard Arabic (MSA) language exercises via the World Wide Web. Technical feasibility will be determined by a) an adequate development tool; b) a method for acceptable delivery of audio; and c) the ability to display Arabic script in an Anglo-centric computing environment; (2) design a sample set of exercises that demonstrates this feasibility while maintaining the strong pedagogical principles of computer-assisted language instruction; (3) implement this sample set of exercises on the World Wide Web for examination and review; and (4) deliver a final report detailing the research conducted by LAS and the conclusions that were reached.Phase II of the project will focus on full curriculum development of the spoken MSA maintenance exercises that address the Intermediate to Advanced-High proficiency levels according to the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language(ACTFL) and the 1 - 2+ levels according to the Federal Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR). Production will include audio development by native speakers of MSA. A commercially viable suite of exercises will result from Phase II.

Potential Commercial Applications:
businesses with international interests, school districts, universities and government agencies. LAS may also post the lessons on its own Web site to license its use by other groups and/or to allow direct access to the exercises for a fee.

The goal of the project is to produce a Web site on the World Wide Web that provides access to a pedagogically sound Arabic language maintenance curriculum. The target audience will be Arabic learners from a wide variety of backgrounds who have achieved Intermediate to Advanced-high levels of proficiency. Authentic Arabic-language materials will be developed that help learners maintain and refine their Arabic language skills in an interactive, multimedia environment. The Web Site will use an innovative and well-structured curriculum that places the learner in realistic situations, but that organizes information in terms of its functional utility (e.g., speech acts, such as congratulating or apologizing, appropriate body language, male versus female language). The curriculum design calls for approximately ten lessons, each set in a unique situation, and consisting of tasks of linguistic and social relevance to learners. Lessons will fall into three "worlds" or categories: one focusing on social interactions ("Social Tools"), one dealing with getting things done or exploring in an Arabic-language environment ("Adventures"), and one containing materials designed to facilitate learners' use of Arabic in a specialized environment, in this case, business (" Ventures"). Anticipated Result: Phase II: Phase II of the project will focus on full curriculum development of spoken Modem Standard Arabic (MSA) maintenance exercises that address the Intermediate to Advanced-High proficiency levels according to the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) and the 1-2+ levels according to the Federal Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR). Production will include audio development by native speakers of MSA. The result will be a commercially viable suite of approximately ten lessons, with 3-4 tasks per lesson, as well as supporting materials.