Kelz knows that despite the improvements in technology and despite the support available to faculty, some faculty will insist that the only way to teach language is face to face. Moreover, she believes, technology provides numerous opportunities to take instruction well beyond what's possible in the classroom. Video provides close- ups that allow students to carefully study lip and tongue positions and facial expressions. Streaming video on the Web allows students to watch and hear the same words, phrases, and sentences over and over again and to be exposed to a wide variety of speakers, accents, and dialects. E-mail allows shy students a discreet way to explain difficulties they may be experiencing.
Multimedia allow students to participate in interactive games and exercises.
All technologies promote collaboration and student ownership of learning. The possibilities are as endless as the instructors' creativity and the students' curiosity. The possibilities are endless, but Kelz understands it may take some time before use of technology in language instruction is broadly embraced. Both will originate from the IU Kokomo campus and will be offered statewide via the VIC Network and Oncourse. Kelz is confident that the two fall courses will serve as prototypes that other faculty can learn from.