Webinar: Implementing Second-Language Learning Tools and Language Center Design in Tamaulipas, México
Implementing Second-Language Learning Tools and Language Center Design in Tamaulipas, México
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Presenter(s): Elsa Perez, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico
This presentation will describe the second-language learning technology tools we use in the Center for Languages and Applied Linguistics in theUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico. Public as well as private universities are incorporating more and more technology based programs in their ESL Curriculum. This is due to the fact that there is a national requirement established in the Mexican government so that ESL is incorporated from preschool to higher education degrees. The PINEB (National English Program) has included ESL as part of the curriculum pre-K to K12 and middle and higher education. Universities are receiving students with greater knowledge in ESL and are now requiring an English proficiency of B1 (intermediate consolidated) for graduation. The UAT, being aware of this need, has incorporated several ways to fulfill this demand. One of the attempts is the creation of language centers around the state. The presentation will discuss their design and the implementation of technology within them. We currently have four language centers in use and these serve about 8,000 students. We have a total of 15,000 so we are looking at alternative ways to reach out to them. One of the possibilities is online instruction combined with the regular classes. Each language center has a SAC (Self – Access Center) where students can receive additional practice, tutoring, and conversation classes as well.