Schedule:	2009-09-12 (12:45 - 13:30) Parallel Session 6 (Room A-25)
Title:	Teaching less commonly taught languages through web conferencing tools
Authors:	Elena Osinsky
Abstract:	Since Fall 2004, The University of Iowa has offered a language service for interested learners to study less commonly taught languages, in which learners are expected to learn the language through self-study and meet with a language facilitator for language practice. However, it is not an easy task to find tutors for such languages as Tibetan, Khmer, Afrikaans or Catalan in the small Midwestern university town. The paper will provide practical solutions in teaching less commonly taught languages using web-based audio-graphics conferencing tools. An overview of the features and training issues related to the web-based conferencing tools is provided.
Keywords:	Distance learning, web conferencing tools
Main topic:	Catering for Less Widely Used and Taught Languages in CALL
Biodata:	Elena Osinsky has been a member of the teaching and research staff at the University of Iowa since 2000, where she is currently the Director of the Autonomous Language Learning Network (ALLNet) Program.
Type of presentation	Paper presentation
Paper category	Reflective Practice
Target educational sector	Higher education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No