Schedule: 2009-09-12 (12:45 - 13:30)
Parallel Session 6 (Room A-25)

Title: Integrating Technology to Promote Independent and Life-long Learning for Learners of Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Kuan-Yi Rose Chang, Michelle Low
Abstract: A series of Podcasting episodes and videos from You Tube were assigned to the students with pre and post listening/watching activities. These activities range from vocabulary, grammatical structures to popular culture. These materials supplement the basic texts used in the courses. This presentation addresses the implementation of Podcasts and authentic video from Chinese popular culture such as You Tube as teaching and practicing materials in beginning and intermediate Chinese language classes in two institutions-The University of Colorado Denver and The University of Northern Colorado.

Due to the demographic differences and available teaching facilities between the two institutions, implementation methods vary. The classes at the University of Colorado Denver do not have computers available to all students during class. The classes at the University of Northern Colorado meet in a smart classroom equipped with computers for every student. Roughly two-thirds of the students enrolled in the Chinese classes at Denver own an MP3 player or have easy internet access. The other third came from underrepresented groups of students who don't have access to a computer nor internet after they leave campus. These students were then provided an I-Pod from the department's technology fund (on loan for the semester) for this project. Students at the University of Northern Colorado, all students had access to high-speed internet connections in on-campus computer labs, or at home, as well as in the classroom or dormitory.

Students at the University of Northern Colorado were introduced to Chinese language input methods in the classroom, and taught how to install Chinese language input systems on their home computers. Students in both institutions were also given various websites with on-line dictionaries. In this way, the students were given tools to continue independent language learning outside the classroom. One of the goals for this project is to inspire independent and continued life-long learning after the courses end.

Initial feedback from students was positive. They indicated that the materials were motivating and appreciated the authenticity of these materials. The presenters will share with the audiences the selection criteria of these materials, samples of learning activities, student evaluations, suggestions on the implementation using these materials as well as overall successes and challenges during this project. Interactions and suggestions from the audiences are welcomed and highly appreciated.
Keywords: podcasts, you tube, technology, life-long learning, independent learning

Main topic: Catering for Less Widely Used and Taught Languages in CALL

Biodata: Kuan-Yi Rose Chang received her Ph.D. from Purdue University in foreign language education. She has taught classes in ESL, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Currently she is the Assistant Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver where she also directs the Chinese Language Program. Michelle Low received her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Comparative Literature. She has taught Chinese language courses across all levels as well as courses in Chinese Civilization, Film and Culture. She also directs the study abroad program in Chinese for the University of Northern Colorado.
Type of presentation Paper presentation

Paper category Reflective Practice

Target educational sector Higher education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-12 (12:45 - 13:30) Parallel Session 6 (Room A-25)
Title:	Integrating Technology to Promote Independent and Life-long Learning for Learners of Mandarin Chinese
Authors:	Kuan-Yi Rose Chang, Michelle Low
Abstract:	A series of Podcasting episodes and videos from You Tube were assigned to the students with pre and post listening/watching activities. These activities range from vocabulary, grammatical structures to popular culture. These materials supplement the basic texts used in the courses. This presentation addresses the implementation of Podcasts and authentic video from Chinese popular culture such as You Tube as teaching and practicing materials in beginning and intermediate Chinese language classes in two institutions-The University of Colorado Denver and The University of Northern Colorado. Due to the demographic differences and available teaching facilities between the two institutions, implementation methods vary. The classes at the University of Colorado Denver do not have computers available to all students during class. The classes at the University of Northern Colorado meet in a smart classroom equipped with computers for every student. Roughly two-thirds of the students enrolled in the Chinese classes at Denver own an MP3 player or have easy internet access. The other third came from underrepresented groups of students who don't have access to a computer nor internet after they leave campus. These students were then provided an I-Pod from the department's technology fund (on loan for the semester) for this project. Students at the University of Northern Colorado, all students had access to high-speed internet connections in on-campus computer labs, or at home, as well as in the classroom or dormitory. Students at the University of Northern Colorado were introduced to Chinese language input methods in the classroom, and taught how to install Chinese language input systems on their home computers. Students in both institutions were also given various websites with on-line dictionaries. In this way, the students were given tools to continue independent language learning outside the classroom. One of the goals for this project is to inspire independent and continued life-long learning after the courses end. Initial feedback from students was positive. They indicated that the materials were motivating and appreciated the authenticity of these materials. The presenters will share with the audiences the selection criteria of these materials, samples of learning activities, student evaluations, suggestions on the implementation using these materials as well as overall successes and challenges during this project. Interactions and suggestions from the audiences are welcomed and highly appreciated.
Keywords:	podcasts, you tube, technology, life-long learning, independent learning
Main topic:	Catering for Less Widely Used and Taught Languages in CALL
Biodata:	Kuan-Yi Rose Chang received her Ph.D. from Purdue University in foreign language education. She has taught classes in ESL, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Currently she is the Assistant Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver where she also directs the Chinese Language Program. Michelle Low received her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Comparative Literature. She has taught Chinese language courses across all levels as well as courses in Chinese Civilization, Film and Culture. She also directs the study abroad program in Chinese for the University of Northern Colorado.
Type of presentation	Paper presentation
Paper category	Reflective Practice
Target educational sector	Higher education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No