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Involving the End-Users in the Development of Language Learning Material

Involving the End-Users in the Development of Language Learning Material

Anu Seisto (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland), Maija Federley (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland), Timo Kuula (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland), Janne Paavilainen (University of Tampere, Finland), and Sami Vihavainen (Helsinki Institute for Information Technology, Finland)
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 14
DOI: 10.4018/jmbl.2011040104
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Abstract

Printed and digital learning materials are usually developed separately. Therefore, little notice has been given to the possibilities of combining the two. This study introduces a new concept that combines printed and digital materials. A user-centric approach was chosen to develop a “hybrid book”, a combination of a traditional schoolbook and a mobile phone. Learning materials were combined into one entity by enabling access to the digital material through images in the book. The user groups of interest were 11- and 12-year-old pupils, their teachers, and parents. The concept was tested with materials for English as a foreign language (EFL). After a human-centred design process, the final application was given to one class for actual use and evaluation for a period of three weeks. Many potential benefits of using mobile phones for learning purposes were recognized, as they facilitated utilization of the digital content both inside and outside the classroom.
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Didactical And Pedagogical Framework

The design of the hybrid book was based on the didactics of English as a foreign language (EFL) and experience on teaching EFL. The involved teachers, some of them also authors of EFL school books, presented their views of important elements (including learning of vocabulary and grammatical rules), which formed the framework for the design process. Differentiation of pupils based on their performance, grammar exercises and listening exercises were key elements of the framework.

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