Major Project Report
** Miho Young * EdPsy387 * Fall-2002 **

Description of the Project

Technology Use in Language Teaching & Learning
This site introduces basic concept of CALL (computer aided/assisted language learning) through definitions, a variety of CALL resources, and links to CALL activities available on the Internet.

Goals of the Project

As a first year Ph.D. student who has wondered between specific fields of study, my personal purpose of this project was to develop a fundamental knowledge of:
(a) technology use in education
(b) CALL (computer aided/assisted language learning)
(c) people's opinions about technology use in language teaching and learning

Starting with an Internet search, the survey and the Interactive Paper were used as the input devices for my knowledge development.

As an educational web site, I attempted to:
(a) provide selected information relating technology use with language education using online links;
(b) share available online examples that applied technology to language teaching and learning;
(c) offer language teachers an opportunity to leave their opinions about technology use in language education.

I intended viewers to construct their own feeling about technology use in language teaching and learning through the organized information.

Target Learners

Currently, the main focus is on language teachers, such as ESL/EFL teachers, and the other focus is on language learners.

Survey & Interactive paper

Summary of the collected data and valuable comments of participants is on the Report.

Evaluation & Conclusions

Although I managed a web site before, this project was my first time to develop a personal web site. According to feedback from the survey, most participants liked my web site. because of its quality links, simple organization, and easy navigation. Some suggested possible improvements such as to simplifying pages, including information on CALL books, and separating student and teacher activities.

The number of available web sites that provide online or downloadable language learning activities and the fact that most these activities were developed by language teachers using JavaScript surprised me. I was also impressed by the quality of the activities the sites provided. Through the project, I learned loosely defined CALL, its online applications, and the importance of simplicity.

I discovered that putting a survey on a web site. is an easy task; however, collecting data through an online survey is difficult. By e-mailing language-related departments collected only two participants. I e-mailed all of my classmates and even asked my husband to ask his co-workers to view my survey. The total number of participants as of December 7, 2002 is 37. The low number of participants made me realize the importance of web design and the negative aspects of doing online activities. I will consider this project as my starting point in the area of web development.

Future Goals

I will continue to maintain this web site. as I develop my knowledge base further. Major changes will be made based on feedback received via the surveys.
I will:
(a) create student pages that can jump to learning activities;
(b) create teacher pages that links to exemplary teaching web sites;
(c) add an About Me page;
(d) reduce texts and simplify each page;
(e) use a non-distractive background;
(f) change contents of the survey and Interactive Paper for both language teachers and students.

Technology Used

JavaScript (Survey)
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX