Event #: 3073 TESOL 2004, Long Beach, California, USA

Title: Blended Learning for Task-Based Instructional Multimedia Interactivity

Interest Section: CALL

Content Area: Technology in education

Presenters:

	Aiden C. Yeh, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC
	Arlyn Freed, Delaware County Community College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Abstract

Presenters exhibit and explain blended learning projects for task-based instruction. Assignments integrate face-to-face interaction with multimedia interactivity for enhanced language learning. Presenters address multiple skill areas; synchronous communication; integration/creation of Web, audio, and video elements; task methodology; and language as vehicle.

Presentation Outline

Brief Introduction

What is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning projects for task-based instruction

Task-based activities provide ample opportunities for students to enhance their language learning skills by carrying out projects that manifest their understanding of the lessons. Such activities allow students to be at their best, raise awareness in their language skills, and lastly, intensify their motivation to excel. In providing well-structured task-based activities to supplement lessons, students learn by doing. They see intuitively the importance of the different processes involved in producing their projects. Hence, they gain a deeper appreciation of what team work and collaboration means.

Marketing and Promoting a hard-to-sell proeuct. Task (please see Unit 2 A Wine That's Raised Some Stink, p. 19, Consider the Issues, 1995, Carol Numrich): Think of an idea for an unusual product that would be fun to create. Prepare the design and marketing strategy for your product. http://www.geocities.com/nkfust03/invention/

On Physical Appearances and Discrimination. Discussing different opinions on fashion; how first impressions are formed; how people respond to appearance. Lecture based on the movie trailer, "Legally Blonde 1". Project: Students use movie trailers or movie clips to discuss discrimination based on physical appearance. http://www.geocities.com/nkfust02/clothes/

We real cool: Integrating and interpreting poetry in the classroom. http://dcyeh.com/sy0304/poem/

Let's get physical! An online conference with Arnold Muhren and Dafne Gonzales on TPR and other kinaesthetically based language learning activities. http://dcyeh.com/sy0304/2ndsem/groupa_projects/tpr/

Telling True Stories: An Online Event with Susanne Nyrop and Renata Suzuki. http://dcyeh.com/sy0304/2ndsem/groupb_projects/stories/

Fear of Being Too Good: A Listening and Conversation Project with Michael Coghlan http://www.geocities.com/aidenyeh/michaelc/index.htm

Samples of Assignments that integrate face-to-face interaction with multimedia interactivity

In Let's Get Physical, students prepare lesson plans on TPR related activities, and present them in class. http://dcyeh.com/sy0304/2ndsem/groupa_projects/tpr/students_pres/

In Telling True Stories, students tell and share their true stories in class. They are given 15-20 minutes to write their stories. After writing their stories, they take turns in sharing their stories. This activity can be given as an assignment if you ran out of time. You can also ask your students to record their voices, to practice their speaking and pronunciations skills. http://dcyeh.com/sy0304/2ndsem/groupb_projects/stories/students_stories/

In Fear of Breing Too Good, students listen to Michael Coghlan's original composition. They write their reactions and record their voices. These materials are submitted online using Yahoogroups. During the online chat with Michael Coghlan, students get to know the real person behind the singer/composer.

http://www.geocities.com/aidenyeh/michaelc/fear_of_being_too_good_audio/index.htm

Students' Presentations: Culmination of Task-based activity [Please click on the links above]

Creation of Web pages and online exercises based on students' work to test their listening skills

http://www.geocities.com/nkfust03/invention/group1/jingle/

Wrap-Up: Address multiple-skill areas, enhanced language learning activities, and use of target language [English] as vehicle