Hi,



I am seeking anyone interested in working on an
online learning tool for foreign languages, particularly anyone in the Sydney or
Canberra regions as this is where I am based (but not exclusive to this if you
are interested). Expertise in CALL, E-learning, linguistics or computer science
would all be useful.



The tool concept is based on the premise that over
the course of language studies (particularly in-country studies via university
programs) students often create notes and achieve language insights that are
generally lost to the learner community after the student ceases formal language
tuition.



As such, I hope to develop an online platform aimed
at assisting communities of students in sharing and collaboratively
constructing language notes. I envisage that the platform would be based on
wiki-technologies but go
beyond this to provide better dictionary, romanisation and sound data support
for users. I am aware of a few projects like the Wikibooks for languages, but
feel that the tools and support provided are still inadequate to achieve the
critical mass that has led to the success of such sites as Wikipedia. I am also
aware of broader platforms like Alliance (Sakai) which could be
useful.



Communities like language programs in Universities,
TAFE and High Schools would all receive immense benefit from such a
tool.



I was thinking of prototyping such a tool
using Chinese language learning as a test case to assess the potential of the
platform.



If anyone is interested, or has contacts in
Sydney or Canberra in particular who would be interested I would be extremely
grateful if you could contact me.



Many Thanks,

Edwin Sillence




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