Authoring a Web-enhanced interface for a new language-learning environment
Titel:
Authoring a Web-enhanced interface for a new language-learning environment
Auteur:
Hemard, Dominique Cushion, Steve
Verschenen in:
ALT-J
Paginering:
Jaargang 8 (2000) nr. 1 pagina's 41-49
Jaar:
2000
Inhoud:
This paper presents conceptual considerations underpinning a design process set up to develop an applicable and usable interface as well as defining parameters for a new and versatile Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) environment. Based on a multidisciplinary expertise combining Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Web-based Java programming, CALL authoring and language teaching expertise, it strives to generate new CALL-enhanced curriculum developments in language learning. The originality of the approach rests on its design rationale established on the strength of previously identified student requirements and authoring needs identifying inherent design weaknesses and interactive limitations of existing hypermedia CALL applications (Hemard, 1998). At the student level, the emphasis is placed on three important design decisions related to the design of the interface, student interaction and usability. Thus, particular attention is given to design considerations focusing on the need to (a) develop a readily recognizable, professionally robust and intuitive interface, (b) provide a student-controlled navigational space based on a mixed learning environment approach, and (c) promote a flexible, network-based, access mode reconciling classroom with open access exploitations. At the author level, design considerations are essentially orientated towards adaptability and flexibility with the integration of authoring facilities, requiring no specific authoring skills, to cater for and support the need for a flexible approach adaptable to specific language-learning environments. This paper elaborates on these conceptual considerations within the design process with particular emphasis on the adopted principled methodology and resulting design decisions and solutions.
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