Participant behavior and content of the online foreign languages learning and teaching platform

Abstract

The paper describes the results of an experiment in building an online platform for learning foreign languages that allows people to teach their native tongue without being professional instructors. This platform allows audio and video connections between the participants and includes an interface with pre-defined interactive lessons. The content is presented in the form of bilateral scenario cards. Each of the participants (the student and the teacher) follows their own version of the cards in the video chat. For each card presented to the student there is a corresponding card for the teacher containing step-by-step instructions for reading the text out loud or asking the student a question and showing the correct answer. The student can use prompts and translations if s/he does not understand the teacher. The teacher does not have to prepare for the lessons, because the system contains all the necessary teaching materials. This system allows separating the lesson material from the teacher. Thus, the teacher can be any native speaker. The main constituents of content development are: dual language prompts, repetition, comprehension, and a dictionary. Four levels are implemented: preschool, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Four languages are currently supported: English, Spanish, German, and Russian.