What is language learning?
Learning a new language can be both challenging and rewarding, and it requires dedication and persistence. To learn a new language effectively, it is vital to employ strategies such as comprehensible input—exposure to the new language through listening or reading—and comprehensible output—producing speech or writing in the new language. Receiving reviews and feedback is of utmost importance when it comes to identifying errors and making necessary improvements in the language learning journey.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a helpful tool that can assist educators and learners in creating and following a structured and flexible learning plan. A structured plan provides learners with a clear goal, a timeline, and a curriculum to follow. Using the LMS tools and features, educators can track the learner’s progress and achievements. On the other hand, a flexible plan gives learners the freedom to adjust their pace, schedule, and methods according to their needs and preferences.
How does Moodle support online language learning?
Moodle recognises the critical role language plays in effective education and understands that customised course content is key to boosting linguistic proficiency. In our interconnected world, being able to speak a second language is increasingly crucial.
By prioritising tools, such as Poodll, that facilitate tailored learning experiences, Moodle empowers educators in language learning with customisable course content, catering to individual learner needs. Poodll, a Moodle Certified Integration, allows educators to create dynamic language learning courses for their learners. It comprises a set of plugins enhancing language learning with audio and video recording features.
Cultivating multilingual competence
English, although it ranks third in terms of native speakers, holds the distinction of being the most widely taught language worldwide. While English dominates in business and connectivity, learning other languages is increasingly valued for professional growth and personal enjoyment. Moodle, with robust language support and innovative tools, facilitates diverse language education, embracing cultural nuances and broadening linguistic horizons.
Beyond vocabulary and grammar, language mastery involves skills like humour and body language interpretation. Moodle LMS not only supports essential language skills but, with the help of Poodll, goes further with features like automatic pronunciation assessment. It ensures a comprehensive approach to language learning, meeting diverse communication needs in our interconnected world.
Nurturing the four essential language learning skills with Moodle
Listening
Standard or community-contributed quiz question types such as Matching or Wordselect allow educators to record or upload audio to test learners’ listening skills, while Poodll’s Read Aloud combines listening with speaking by having the learner reproduce orally a model text recorded by the teacher or sourced elsewhere.
Speaking
Students can utilise Poodll Solo to submit spoken assessments and access feature-rich Poodll MiniLessons to enhance their oral skills. They can engage in real-time practice sessions using the BigBlueButton virtual classroom.
Reading
Now part of standard Moodle, H5P’s Mark the Words or Dialog cards challenge reading skills at various CEFR levels, and Poodll’s automatic subtitles open up a wealth of previously inaccessible learning resources. Poodll ReadAloud gives students reading practice while also providing teachers with valuable data about their students’ reading progress.
Writing
If time-consuming Assignment manual grading lacks appeal, H5P’s Essay auto-grading and the mobile-friendly automatically graded Poodll WordCards bring fun and variety to vocabulary learning, dictation and consolidation.
Benefits of using online platforms for language teaching
Interactive exercises
Interactive exercises streamline language learning by engaging learners actively and promoting hands-on practice that reinforces vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills in an immersive and effective manner.
Virtual language immersion
Virtual language immersion experiences enhance online learning by measuring reading speed and accuracy seamlessly. Auto-grading simplifies data collection, providing educators with efficient insights into reading fluency.
Digital flashcards
Activities like listen-and-type, choose-the-answer, speech cards, and type-the-words tasks introduce and reinforce words or phrases, facilitating focused language development.
Audio and video exercises
Audio and video features enrich language learning. Users choose specific topics for personalised study, receive real-time feedback on responses, and benefit from additional features for an immersive and effective learning experience.
Auto-grading
Auto-grading in reading fluency enables teachers to swiftly collect data, saving time and ensuring efficiency. This automated process streamlines assessment, allowing educators to focus more on personalised instruction.
Pronunciation tools
Recognising the learner’s speech quality in terms of comprehensibility and flow is key to providing automatic relevant feedback to the learner’s speaking skills. This is an additional functionality to Moodle that third-party plugins like Poodll provide.
Video captioning
Video captioning plays a role when extending the range of comprehensible input. There are situations when a learner will be presented with a listening exercise without visual support, and also situations when captioning will allow for a learner to expand their vocabulary by understanding language in context.
Formative assessment for language learning
Automating formative assessment is essential for optimising learning outcomes without requiring significant teacher involvement. Being able to grade speech quality and pace is a great feature when it comes to improving the generation of spoken comprehensible output.