Foreign language program experiments with new technology

Wiki and wimba sound like names from the future. These technology programs are offering University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students an innovative way of learning a foreign language.

Assistant Professor Matt Lange teaches German and has used podcasts for a few years. Podcasts are audio and video files that are distributed over the Internet. In his classes, Lange has used podcasts from Munich where young men would talk about current events, films, music; topics that students can relate to. "Unlike the average textbook material, the podcasts are unscripted so the conversation is much more realistic and is a more accurate expression of how a fluent person would speak," Lange said.

Senior German student Phil Gieschen feels that when learning a foreign language, it is important that students have more study tools than just their textbook. "The podcasts allowed me to pick up on the subtle nuances of German that I would not have gotten from a textbook. If students are personally motivated to learn a language, podcasts are great way to learn because it enhances your vocabulary, provides foundations for grammar and sentence structure, and gives you a taste of a different dialect you probably have never heard before," he said.

Jodie Parys, assistant professor in Spanish, uses podcasts in her classes as she feels it "allows real-world practice of Spanish language skills, provides cultural immersion experience and gives students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning to the community."

Her Spanish classes also use wikis, an online forum that allows students to practice their writing skills and editing other student's work. "It is just another way for them to communicate, practice and interact with their peers," Parys said.

Junior Spanish student Anthony Kiefer used digital recorders to interview a Mexican immigrant. "We asked a lot of important questions about immigration and I was excited to share his opinions with others by posting it on the UW-Whitewater podcast Web site," he said.

Chinese lecturer Yilin Zhang uses a combination of podcasts and wikis for students learning Chinese. Students watched recorded Chinese holidays and fellow students' Chinese skits. "The podcasts along with Desire-2-Learn has made teaching and exercise materials more accessible and more convenient for the students," Zhang said.

Students learning Japanese use multiple types of new technology to aid in the education. Along with podcasts and interactive wikis, the students use wimba voice and photostory. Wimba voice is a tool that allows students to record their voices and have recorded vocal interactions with other students. Photostory is a software program where students can create a digital photo album and narrate the picture description.

Japanese Lecturer Kasumi Kato began using the technology in a distance education classroom. Kato taught students at UW-Platteville and could not see or hear their reactions. "That was my starting point to think about what I can do to create a sense of community between two sites so they feel they can contribute their knowledge with others and learn from other students," Kato said.

The professors have seen a common reaction from students using the technology and see a benefit in using new interactive methods. "Students found the podcasts a convenience," Zhang said. Spanish students have responded positively saying that "the technology allowed them to use their Spanish skills in an authentic way," Parys added.

All of these professors plan to use the technology in future foreign language courses.