Elearning - April/May 2008 - (Page 45)

Case StudyEducation Language Learning Goes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University >> Number of Students: 27,000 Beyond BY TRISH JASINSKI Members of Virginia Tech’s Foreign Language Department were initially apprehensive about purchasing learning software. They were concerned about the possibility of technical difficulties and the implementation of non-user-friendly programs. However, during a survey conducted by Virginia Tech’s Dr. Judith L. Shrum, those same faculty members were optimistic about additional practice in vocabulary and speaking, and the individualized practice capabilities that a Language ed to pilot TELL ME MORE Campus. Since the software’s functionalities would solve the accessibility issue, the next step was to solve the remaining challenges. Additional research ensued. Content, tracking, measurement, testing and ease of implementation were evaluated. Virginia Tech selected TELL ME MORE Campus language learning software. “The content has great depth with 2000 hours of instruction and 37 types of activities per language program,” says Shrum. “In addition, the content is built around authentic materials Elearning! April / May 2008 45 >> Industry Served: education >> U.S. Headquarters: Blacksburg, Virginia software solution might provide. The ability to enhance the learning experience with authentic materials (content elements developed from materials native to the country of origin) would ensure that students would understand both the language and the culture associated with the language. Deciding on the solution was just part of the process. Next, Virginia Tech had to ensure that the back-end systems would support its reporting, grading and student feedback needs. After additional research and evaluation, the university decid-

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Elearning - April/May 2008

Elearning - April/May 2008 Editor's Note Contents News Targeting Africa Locating Courseware People in the News Upcoming Events Deals Trendlines Web Services Building a Learning Culture Measuring the Learning Experience Making Learning Fun and Social LMS's 2008: What You Need To Know Learning Leader: CA Case Study: AVI Case Study: IBM Case Study: QualComm WBS Case Study: National Center for State Courts Case Study: Grundfos Pumps Case Study: Virginia Tech Pop Quiz Last Word

Elearning - April/May 2008

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