IntraLibrary Repository Conference 2008 Integrating NDLR learning objects with Blackboard to deliver multimedia-based tasks and assessments in Italian

intraLibrary Repository Conference 2008

Integrating NDLR learning objects with Blackboard to deliver multimedia-based tasks and assessments in Italian

Laura McLoughlinDepartment of ItalianNUI [email protected]

Paul Gormley and Michelle TooherCentre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), NUI [email protected] ; [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




Overview

1. The NDLR and the Modern Languages’ CoP

2. How the Italian Department in NUI Galway is using the NDLR repository as a Content Management System to organise departmental resources.

3. Description of how the NDLR learning object public URLs integrate with Blackboard to produce a set of online tasks and assessments.

4. Presentation will highlight the lifecycle of the model through requirements definition, production, implementation, evaluation and review.


Modern Languages’ CoP and the NDLR

What is the National Digital Learning Repository (NDLR)? “A HEA-funded project which aims to provide a framework to

support academics in the development and sharing of digital learning resources (in subject communities) in Irish Universities and Institutes of Technology.”

What is the Modern Languages’ Community of Practice (CoP)? “… aims to support anyone involved in teaching languages

(including literature and culture) in Irish universities or Institutes of Technology. We want you to feel part of a wider community and to join our spirit of “share and share alike,” passing on materials, information. and support to one another.”


Facilitation via the Modern Languages’ Cop

How does the Modern Languages’ CoP facilitate and encourage the use of the repository?

Dedicated website for Modern Languages’ Community One-stop-shop

Examples of how to use resources Help guides – .wmv, .ppt, .pdf Events, conferences, meetings, project launches Podcasts Online meeting rooms


Why – Background and Rationale

Italian Department - Dr. Laura McLoughlin and Dr. Anne O’Connor Update and upgrade resources for standard and applied Italian. To have a pool of resources free from copyright, which could be freely used,

digitised and adapted in accordance with the needs of the class or of individual students.

To make resources available through Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment.

To improve vocabulary retention by learners through multimedia activities. NUIG Blackboard Upgrade – CELT, NUI Galway

Blackboard Learning Edition 6.0 to 7.2 (Blackboard Academic Suite) Investigating best practice.

NDLR Project – NUIG NDLR Team Use and repurpose learning objects. Develop a bank of resources that could be added to. Content Management System.


What - Creating the Resources

Identifying the Resources Foreign language resources for students of Italian, level B1-B2

of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages : interactive exercises, audio and video material, listening comprehension, webquests.

Funding Resource Development CELT contributed €2000 to support the development of

resources from NUIG institutional NDLR funding allocation Jennifer Lertola Lucia Camozzi





Evaluation 1/3 – Italian Student feedback

…on the use of multimedia-based stimulus questions…“…it requires different skills because the exercises not only concernwritten comprehension, as in text-based questions, but also oral –in case of audio files - visual - in case of pictures - or both - in caseof videos…”

…on the student user experience…“…multimedia exercises are very useful for language students, not only

because they provide different stimuli and capture the attention of the student, but also because they make the language itself more realistic…”

“…Videos are above all useful because they are more similar to the real

interaction with a native Italian speaker the students can have, since they combine both spoken language, and gestures and body expressions…”


Evaluation 2/3 – Italian Staff feedback

This model was successful because:…it favours a holistic approach to language learning: learners

combine seeing, listening, hearing (background noises in a video/audio clip for example) speaking and acquiring language structures.

…Because it relies on skills most students have already acquired and mastered (IT and web skills), giving them a sense of reassurance.

…The use of interactive digital resources creates a more stimulating environment for the learner, thanks to their inherent “entertainment” value. This helps defuse the tension which can characterize a more traditional “frontal” learning environment, with its perceived obligatory nature.


Evaluation 2/3 – Reviewing the model

Blackboard - tests easily updated and modified Blackboard – resources can be repurposed to student need Greater number of resources through NDLR repository Application to other contexts – repurposing learning objects

CDs, webquests, 1 year Diploma eLearning module Beyond the Italian context

Association of French Teachers (AFA) – collaboration with NDLR Modern Languages Community of Practice to utilise this model


Summary and Future Developments

Useful pragmatic model. Good solution to Italian Department requirements by

utilising Blackboard and NDLR functionality. Model will be augmented, expanded, and broadened by the

Italian Department in NUIG. Applied to other language contexts.


Further information

Language content: Dr. Laura McLoughlin [email protected]

NDLR Modern Languages: [email protected]

NDLR Modern Languages website: http://www.ndlr.ie/modlang/blog



http://www.ndlr.ie/modlang/blog

Documents

IntraLibrary Repository Conference 2008 Integrating NDLR learning objects with Blackboard to deliver multimedia-based tasks and assessments in Italian