Avatars & animations bring primary colour to schools language teaching
A new animated resource to support the teaching of foreign languages in primary schools has been launched by the University of East Anglia.
LinguaSign is a series of DVDs combining visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning to provide an introduction to speaking and listening skills in new languages.
Most primary school teachers have little or no specialist language training and so LinguaSign aims to meet a pressing need for materials to support them.
The launch follows the announcement last month of a government review of the primary and secondary national curriculum, including the future of modern foreign languages. LinguaSign has been created with the aim of helping primary schools meet possible recommendations and targets for language tuition.
Developed for use at Key Stage 2, LinguaSign is the result of a three-year European collaboration involving trials at schools in the UK, France and Holland.
It uses 3D animations and avatars voiced by native speakers in a series of interlinked stories, uniquely using gestures to reinforce language learning, with the added benefit that the teacher does not need to have prior knowledge of the language being taught.
The resource uses software developed by the university’s School of Computing Sciences. The DVDs are available in French and English, supporting the speaking and listening strands of current language teaching, with further languages expected to be added depending on demand.
Taster discs have also been created that allow classes to try Dutch, Portuguese, English and French stories. LinguaSign can also be used to provide an introduction to a new minority language.
Prof John Glauert, technical lead for the project, said “The animations introduce a native speaker into the classroom which helps give confidence to generalist teachers who do not have experience of teaching a second language.”
LinguaSign’s UK education adviser Joan Dickie added: “We have assessed the new resources in a number of schools in the UK, France and Holland and they have proved to be very effective within classes; groups have developed or improved conversational language skills within half a term and each story introduces approximately 50 new words.”
The cartoons allow time for the teachers and pupils to repeat the words and gestures after each phrase, reinforcing the language learning. Each cartoon is designed to be used many times during the week over half a term – approximately five minutes per cartoon – with the teachers and students initially repeating the words and actions demonstrated by the avatar but eventually being able to speak alongside the characters.
A comprehensive set of teacher’s notes, additional classroom activities and scripts accompany each story.
Helen Keer from Sprowston Junior School in Norwich has been involved in the appraisal of the new resources. She said: “My pupils have really enjoyed using LinguaSign to improve their language skills. Every time we used it they were enthusiastic and keen to join in.
“This is a great resource to use; it’s fun, it’s easy, it’s effective and it’s pitched just right. Non-specialist language teachers and experienced teachers alike will find LinguaSign a welcome addition to their existing language teaching.”
The DVDs are available to buy through the LinguaSign website: www.linguasign.com
• Image courtesy: LinguaSign/UEA