ICT-Based Instructional Material Development: A Study of Communication Department Students

Technology as an essential matter has been integrated in today’s education for the sake of innovative and cutting-edge medium for English language teaching (ELT). Also, the students’ demands in learning English should be accommodated since they are in relation to the specialized study or the professional required of the students. This paper attempted to explain how the process of ICT-based instructional materials for undergraduate students of Communication Department is developed. This research occupies Richards (2001) model of R and D. There were three groups participated to this research. The students (N 50), lecturer (N 1) and the curriculum coordinator (N 1), from those three participants, were achieved by triangulation with respect to data collection sources. The finding shows that most of the respondents agree to use ICT-based instructional material in their learning process. It means ICT-based instructional material is proper to be implemented since the practicality and ease of usage. The feedback from the students indicates that they like the appearance of the instructional material and it attracts the students to use it to support their learning

Automatic generation of audio content for open learning resources

This paper describes how digital talking books (DTBs) with embedded functionality for learners can be generated from content structured according to the OU OpenLearn schema. It includes examples showing how a software transformation developed from open source components can be used to remix OpenLearn content, and discusses issues concerning the generation of synthesised speech for educational purposes. Factors which may affect the quality of a learner's experience with open educational audio resources are identified, and in conclusion plans for testing the effect of these factors are outlined

Using Blended Learning to Develop Vocational High School English Writing Material

The objective of this study is using blended learning to develop vocational high school English writing material. It tries to develop writing material based on blended learning in vocational high school. This study is research and development (R&D) adapted by Sugiyono’s model. There are nine stages applied in the study. They are (1) need survey, (2) design product, (3) design validation, (4) design revision, (5) try out 1, (6) product revision, (7) try out 2, (8) final product revision, (9) production. The try out place at tenth grade of SMK Negeri 1Lamongan. The data gained through interviews, questionnaires and observations checklist. The interviews are for students need and teachers need. Questionnaires are to do the concept analysis, to submit the experts’ appraisal and to get the student’s responses. Furthermore, the observation checklist is used to conduct developing testing. The result of the study is (1) all of students enthusiastic in blended learning method for writing English learning. The third conclusion, the students of SMK Negeri 1 Lamongan gave positive response to all the activities in “Writing Blended Learning” book. They were appreciating and feeling helpful during in writing English class. The last conclusion is using the Writing Blended Learning handbook can help students improve their English writing skills and made the students more excited when learning English writing. Finally, the product of the study is the handbook entitled “Writing Blended Learning” which comprises 9 materials divided into two semester

Putting theory into practice: The creation of REALs in the context of today's universities

Rich Environments for Active Learning (REALs), as described by R. Scott Grabinger and Joanna Dunlap, are comprehensive educational systems based on constructivist principles that present an intellectual and practical challenge to university lecturers. As teachers and researchers, academics are concerned with improving the learning potential of teaching strategies and, to this end, the theory of the REAL provides inspiration and ideas based on sound theoretical principles. Yet in the context of the current pressured climate, having the time and resources to put such an extensive, theory into practice can seem little more than a pipe‐dream. It is argued that using a computer‐based application such as the Hypermedia Learning Tutorials (HLTs) as the heart of a REAL allows lecturers to take positive steps towards the creation of comprehensive, flexible, integrated learning environments. The concept of the HLT is discussed and a practical application in the field of advanced second‐language acquisition is described. Based on conceptual analysis and the results of preliminary student evaluation, it is argued that the HLT encompasses both in theory and in practice the chief qualities of REALs and can form the basis for their creation in a wide variety of disciplines

Learning from the learners' experience: e-Learning@greenwich post-conference reflections

This publication comprises papers from presenters who, having made a conference presentation, were invited to author an academic paper about their work

IMPLEMENTING COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR SPEAKING CLASS

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a program derived from CAL (Computer-Assisted Learning) which is implemented to language and the prime focus of CALL is on the usage of computers in language learning. Much of the research has been aimed at improving written communication skills and little has been done to address the issue of increasing oral proficiency. In second/foreign language classrooms, the CALL environment creates situations that stimulate interest, allows dialogue and communication, enhances creativity, fosters a sense of personal worth, facilitates collaboration among students working together, permits rich learning experiences for all students, and strengthens communication skills. By using CALL, many resources of material can be easily developed in teaching learning process

Mobilizing The Open University: case studies in strategic mobile development

This paper presents an overview of many activities undertaken in the Mobile Learner Support project area in The Open University (OU). Please note that while many of the project strands involve strategic development that is embedded in the OU’s institution-wide teaching and learning systems, some of the data and findings we hope will be of use to others undertaking work in related areas. In addition to the core work in implementing a Mobile VLE and associated resources, an overview of related mobile audio eAssessment and eBook format development project strands are given, leading to development of a blend of web application software and native or client applications. The OU delivers significant proportions of online content and collaboration as part of its supported open learning distance education model to over 200,000 part-time students at any given time. In particular, over the past 4 years, adapting open source technologies for around 600 course websites has delivered the requirement to support course activities for up to 4,700 students per course cohort with a corresponding 250 variations of a single course to provide online tutorial spaces. The OU has also throughout its history adapted to increasingly flexible and personalised modes of delivering and interacting with multimedia and audiovisual content as part of a blended approach, most recently aiming to disaggregate content and allow remixing through its open educational resources initiative. For updates on the Mobile Learner Support project, please visit http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/mLear