Engaging the language learner in a multicultural world
Abstract
The increased emergence of technology in the world has improved the teaching and learning outcomes at OHS. We are currently in the process of digitally migrating our print based and analogue audio materials. We strongly believe in the need for interactive learning and incorporating ICT into all of our courses. We would like to showcase to you how we make use of our online learning management system, our website and the school Intranet to promote and support the study of languages as a partnership between students, teachers, parents and the community.
We will provide a demonstration of our online learning management system (Moodle). We will show the courses available to students and outline the benefits of learning in this interactive environment. This will include:
- The need for students to have instantaneous feedback and recognition for their work.
- The need for our students to feel that they are part of a class and included socially. Many students studying via distance education may feel isolated and need to possess a sense of belonging.
- The collaboration and celebration of student work through languages.
- Self-correcting quizzes, which allow students to improve on their results in an instant and motivate them to improve.
- The use of photo stories and oral narratives to emulate the cultural and real life experiences in the country in which the language originates.
- The use of video and photos taken on field trips to articulate geographical areas, famous landmarks and attractions.
- The use of graphics and animation (including web based tools) to keep students engaged and motivated
- The function of integrating sound files in allowing students to hear the pronunciation of words at that immediate point in time.
- Moodle as a diagnostic tool for teachers.
We will also provide a demonstration of our website. This will include:
- Using the website as a means of communication between students, parents and supervisors about OHS.
- Podcasts which are currently being created in English and the target language to promote the use of languages and multiculturalism within the community.
Whilst the use of technology has been beneficial we would also like to discuss the issues and processes involved in changing to a ‘Digital’ school. These have included:
- The provision for training staff in regards to ICT.
- Instructional Design. Making sure that all online lessons are not just a replication of print based materials. This will include a summary into the most recent research in Multimedia design based on my own research and extensive study in this area.
Overall we see this presentation as an important case study. We will be providing a critical analysis of Language Learning in a digital environment. We will examine the journey we have made to engage the learner, the parent and the community in a multicultural world.
Julie Louise Duncan
Julie Louise Duncan is currently the Head Teacher Teaching and Learning (ICT) at the Open High School Randwick, Sydney. She has completed a BA/B Education at the University of New South Wales majoring in Theatre and History. Her love of teaching and education led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Education also at the University of New South Wales.
Whilst studying and teaching, Julie became increasingly interested in Instructional design and online learning. Julie has continued with her study and is in the early stages of research for her PHD in Education.
In her capacity at Open High School, Julie works closely with Jacqueline in furthering the school’s online learning management system. Julie focuses on aspects of quality teaching and instructional design. This includes the use and importance of media in language learning.
Julie also promotes language learning and the benefits of learning a language in this multicultural world. This has been achieved through the school website and community partnerships
Jacqueline Louise Baer
Jacqueline Louise Baer has a Bachelor of Education (Secondary – Humanities & Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney, where she majored in Indonesian and Malaysian Studies, with a minor in TESOL.
She is currently working as a teacher of Indonesian and also as an Information Technology Specialist at Open High School in Randwick in Sydney. She has worked at Open High School since 2000.
As an Indonesian teacher, she has taught a variety of courses to NSW secondary school students, ranging in language ability from Beginners to Background Speakers, and in school year from Year 9 to Year 12.
As an Information Technology Specialist, Jacqueline created the Open High School website, which focuses on Priority Partnerships between the school, the student, the supervisor and the community, with the aim of promoting language learning and multiculturalism.
Jacqueline also created the school’s intranet, and in so doing, has created a valuable communication channel with a focus on language learning for the school’s mostly part-time teaching staff.
She has also developed an online learning environment based on Moodle (Open Source software) which is currently home to the eLearning components of 6 of the school’s 38 language courses, with the rest in the planning stages.