Schedule: 2009-09-12 (10:45 - 11:30)
Parallel Session 3 (Room A-32)

Title: Applying Learning Objects Metadata Theory for Pedagogical Evaluation of Web-based CALL
Authors: Rafael Seiz Ortiz, Ana María Gimeno Sanz, Belén Serra Cámara
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe a theoretical framework based on previous research findings regarding Learning Objects Metadata (LOM) in order to substantiate a new model of pedagogical evaluation of Web-based Computer Assisted Language Learning resources. By building upon a theoretical framework previously modelled by the CAMILLE R&D Group, this study aims to establish a systematic approach to Learning Objects Metadata theory and research as a valuable tool to carry out a sound pedagogical analysis of Web-based CALL resources. In order to achieve this, the first stage in our discussion is based on a brief review of a number of key issues present in previous research on LOM, with a special focus on Language Learning Objects. This review incorporates topics such as: definitions of Learning Objects, description procedures, reusability and quality standards. Subsequently, a theoretical framework for the pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL is outlined, and a related analytical tool consisting of a database for pedagogical evaluation of existing Web-based CALL resources, called WIRESLAB (Seiz Ortiz, 2006), is briefly presented. Since part of the application of this theoretical framework resulted in the development of the WIRESLAB database, some insights of the research review on LOM are also integrated into the database as parameters to assess the pedagogical features characterising online language learning resources. Finally, several conclusions are drawn to support the suitability of using Learning Objects Metadata theory when conducting pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL, including suggestions on how to do so successfully.
Keywords: Pedagogical evaluation, Web-based CALL, Learning Objects, Metadata, quality standards.

Main topic: Research in new language learning environments

Biodata: Rafael Seiz is a lecturer and researcher in the Applied Linguistics Department at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, UPV). He has organized numerous workshops and conferences dealing with teaching innovation and CALL. His research interests are focused on educational innovation and the pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL. Ana Gimeno Sanz is Senior Lecturer in English Language (Department of Applied Linguistics, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia) and has published numerous research papers in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Project Manager of several funded multimedia CALL research and development projects (e.g. Proyecto InGenio) and has created an on-line dedicated Web-based CALL authoring tool and content manager. Belén Serra Cámara is a Language Laboratory Technician and PhD Candidate at the Applied Linguistics Department, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Her research interests are focused on CALL evaluation, specially the study of Learning Objects Metadata and ways of cataloguing and evaluating Web-based CALL.
Type of presentation Paper presentation

Paper category Research

Target educational sector Adult education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-12 (10:45 - 11:30) Parallel Session 3 (Room A-32)
Title:	Applying Learning Objects Metadata Theory for Pedagogical Evaluation of Web-based CALL
Authors:	Rafael Seiz Ortiz, Ana María Gimeno Sanz, Belén Serra Cámara
Abstract:	The aim of this paper is to describe a theoretical framework based on previous research findings regarding Learning Objects Metadata (LOM) in order to substantiate a new model of pedagogical evaluation of Web-based Computer Assisted Language Learning resources. By building upon a theoretical framework previously modelled by the CAMILLE R&D Group, this study aims to establish a systematic approach to Learning Objects Metadata theory and research as a valuable tool to carry out a sound pedagogical analysis of Web-based CALL resources. In order to achieve this, the first stage in our discussion is based on a brief review of a number of key issues present in previous research on LOM, with a special focus on Language Learning Objects. This review incorporates topics such as: definitions of Learning Objects, description procedures, reusability and quality standards. Subsequently, a theoretical framework for the pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL is outlined, and a related analytical tool consisting of a database for pedagogical evaluation of existing Web-based CALL resources, called WIRESLAB (Seiz Ortiz, 2006), is briefly presented. Since part of the application of this theoretical framework resulted in the development of the WIRESLAB database, some insights of the research review on LOM are also integrated into the database as parameters to assess the pedagogical features characterising online language learning resources. Finally, several conclusions are drawn to support the suitability of using Learning Objects Metadata theory when conducting pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL, including suggestions on how to do so successfully.
Keywords:	Pedagogical evaluation, Web-based CALL, Learning Objects, Metadata, quality standards.
Main topic:	Research in new language learning environments
Biodata:	Rafael Seiz is a lecturer and researcher in the Applied Linguistics Department at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, UPV). He has organized numerous workshops and conferences dealing with teaching innovation and CALL. His research interests are focused on educational innovation and the pedagogical evaluation of Web-based CALL. Ana Gimeno Sanz is Senior Lecturer in English Language (Department of Applied Linguistics, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia) and has published numerous research papers in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Project Manager of several funded multimedia CALL research and development projects (e.g. Proyecto InGenio) and has created an on-line dedicated Web-based CALL authoring tool and content manager. Belén Serra Cámara is a Language Laboratory Technician and PhD Candidate at the Applied Linguistics Department, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Her research interests are focused on CALL evaluation, specially the study of Learning Objects Metadata and ways of cataloguing and evaluating Web-based CALL.
Type of presentation	Paper presentation
Paper category	Research
Target educational sector	Adult education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No