Learning by Means of an Interactive Multimodal Environment

Author(s):  
Serena Zanolla ◽  
Sergio Canazza ◽  
Antonio Rodà ◽  
Gian Luca Foresti

This chapter presents the Stanza Logo-Motoria, an Interactive Multimodal Environment (IME) for learning, which the authors have been developing and experimenting with since 2009 in several educational institutions. The aim of this chapter is a) to describe the activities carried out by the Resonant Memory, the first application for the Stanza Logo-Motoria, b) to illustrate the validation protocol of the system used as a listening tool for learning English as a Second Language (ESL), and finally, c) to document the positive partial results that demonstrate the improvement in ESL oral comprehension in pupils using the Stanza Logo-Motoria. The authors have also found that this environment can offer pupils: a) a truly interactive multimodal learning experience, b) a social opportunity for learning among children, and c) an intrinsically motivating experience.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Fahad H Abdeen ◽  
Waheeb Albiladi

The use of games in education has received much attention from educators who perceive games as a motivational tool that can enhance their teaching and learning practice. Gamification in education is a relatively new field that promotes the use of games for educational purposes. Gamification or game-bases teaching is a growing trend among educational institutions, which use it to promote training, develop problem-solving skills in learners, and enhance the learning experience. The present paper aims to revisit the literature on the use of gamification in educational settings. Specifically, the paper discusses the use of gamification for teaching and learning English in the ESL/EFL context. Games have been used effectively with language learners to develop their skills in speaking, listening, writing, reading, and grammar.


Author(s):  
Jason R. Mixon ◽  
Kathryn Jones

The objective of this chapter was to describe CORE leadership traits for teachers and leaders that will assist them in being interculturally responsive educators and improve learning in the second language classroom. Communication, organization, relationships, and enthusiasm (CORE) are traits that consistently improve teacher/leader social interactions with students and thus improve the educators' ability to enhance the learning experience (Mixon, 2010). What's in your CORE? Being predisposed to cultural issues is imperative for pre-service teachers to prepare appropriately to teach students of other cultures (Barnes, 2006; Cooper, 2007; Walker-Dalhouse & Dalhouse, 2006). Henkin and Steinmetz's (2008) goal was to produce teachers who are prepared to provide an academically sound education in a culturally responsive classroom. The culturally responsive classroom is pivotal to align with the globalization of students that has dramatically changed the demographics in our educational institutions today.


2001 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Ali A. Lori ◽  
Saif H. Al-Ansari

This paper examined a number of variables pertaining to the sociocultural outlooks of 412 young Arab students learning English as a foreign language and the relation of their attitudes and motivations prior to their learning of the language. Analysis indicated clearly that certain variables appeared to be correlated with their attitudes and motivations more than others. Most of the students had maids in their homes, and the presence of a maid was associated with most of the psycholinguistic variables tested. Their previous learning experience of the language was positively correlated as was their knowledge of English stories. Having some sort of English games had the highest correlations (.25 to .41). Potential pedagogical implications of these results were discussed.


PARADIGM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Justsinta Silvi Alivi ◽  
Wiwik Mardiana

<p align="justify">Technology in informal language learning is inevitably in this digital era since it offers opportunities and brings positive impacts on English language learners. Some related studies are concerned with a particular approach. Therefore, this study looks at a broader lens to investigate individuals' differences in developing a second language, and to what extent technology contributes to their second language acquisition by employing the transdisciplinary framework of Douglas Fir Group (2016). This case study involved two participants, and the data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that individual differences in learning English are influenced by social interaction (micro), environment (meso), and belief (macro). Technology is utilized not only as a medium of learning English but also as an identity construction. How ideology and technology are interrelated is further discussed.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1515-1525
Author(s):  
Emnijeta Ahmetović ◽  
Vildana Dubravac

Regular curriculum modifications and the shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered paradigm in educational institutions are meant to enhance the teaching-learning process and fulfill learners' needs as successfully as possible. This study aimed to examine learners' attitudes towards learning English, their needs/wants, learning preferences, strategies, and lesson topics. Moreover, it also investigated the differences in learning preferences based on grade level.  The data were gathered from a survey administrated to 200 elementary school students in Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings illustrated that the participants generally have a positive attitude towards learning English with more significant extrinsic reasons motivating them to learn it. Regarding students' needs, the analysis revealed that overall, students found writing the most challenging and speaking the most desirable language skill. Furthermore, the majority of the participants reported that they like to learn by reading texts or stories, finding the discussion in the classroom the most annoying classroom activity. While learning vocabulary by translating new words is regarded as the most beneficial method, doing written exercises at school presents the most significant way of acquiring grammar. Moreover, the study identified a significant influence of a grade level on the preferred ways of learning English.


Author(s):  
Qinfang Xu ◽  
Sha Tao ◽  
Shifeng Li ◽  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
Beilei Li ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A. Lowe ◽  
Victoria L. Medina

Service learning offers opportunities for both educational institutions and the community. To demonstrate the possibilities this pedagogy can offer, this article discusses a service learning experience partnering students with a hospice agency. Using mixed methodology, impact on students, patients, and staff are examined. Results indicate that students improved their attitudes toward the elderly, and death and dying; they also believed the experience caused personal and professional growth. Interviews with patients highlighted the importance of relationships and recognition, and staff identified benefits to students, patients, and the hospice agency. The conclusion is made that service learning is best perceived in a light of reciprocity and that this method of engagement offers opportunities for educators and practitioners. Finally, some tips are given for practitioners interested in developing such collaborations.


Author(s):  
Zoriana Dziubata

The paper covers the problem of distance learning of English as a Second Language (ESL) in higher agro-technical educational institutions in Ukraine. Integration of distance ESL learning into the educational process in higher agro-technical educational institutions has been considered from the perspective of its current inevitability due to the COVID-19 quarantine. The most effective ways of implementing online learning of ESL into the curricula have been discussed. Synchronous and asynchronous learning have been considered. Having analyzed the forms of online teaching as well as the requirements for their implementation, teaching the approved course materials online in multiple environment (combined synchronous and asynchronous learning) has been defined to be the most effective one. The authors’ experiences in designing and teaching synchronous and asynchronous distance learning ESL classes for non-linguistic specialties in higher agro-technical educational institutions provide an insight into the characteristics, benefits, and limitations of these two modes of distance learning. Effective synchronous distance learning classes can be modeled according to the teaching style and course materials used in traditional classes through use of the Internet. Asynchronous distance learning classes require quite a different model built around provided course materials and short «lectures» delivered via streaming audio and graphics. However, lecturing cannot provide effective interaction, which is vital in ESL learning. Thus, the approach must be significantly redefined and multiple environment should be created for delivering effective distance learning ESL classes.


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