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English Discoveries
is the resulting
product of a joint development effort of Berlitz and EDUsoft,
a product designed to provide Speakers of Other/ Foreign
Languages with a tool that enables them to survive and
thrive in an English-speaking environment. English
Discoveries represents a completely new concept in ESL/EFL
computer software technology - a full-color, multimedia
learning system that makes it fast, fun and easy for young
adults and adults to learn English. |
Video Presentation |
The
goal of the English Discoveries course is to provide students
with a comprehensive coverage of all essential English structures
and approximately 3500 vocabulary items as well as exposure to
practice with authentic language at their own level. The entry
level is zero (no knowledge at all required) and the exit level is
the threshold Level of the Council of Europe.
Key Pedagogical Principles:
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Integrated Modalities of Language Learning
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An
eclectic educational approach including specific practice of
different skills along with use of authentic language.
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Division of the course into stand-alone modules with each module
covering specific grammar subjects, language skills and
approximately 300 new vocabulary items
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Based on accepted curricula (Council of Europe, Berlitz Schools)
with the documentation of the topics and vocabulary used in each
module.
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Maximum re-entry and reuse of vocabulary and structures
throughout the course.
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Multiple options of covering the material in order to account
for individual differences and styles in educational goals
including: directive learning (through set lessons), selective
learning (through choice of different language skills) and
exploratory non-directive learning (through use of English in a
game situation).
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Use of adaptive evaluation where all language, vocabulary and
reading exercises automatically adapt themselves to student
performance insuring that students are practicing at their own
level.
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Availability of tools which take advantage of the capabilities
of the computer (i.e. word processor, multi-lingual lexicon,
context-sensitive help, grammar book).
English Discoveries Modules:
Let’s Start: 1CD
Basic: 3 CDs
Intermediate: 3 CDs
Advanced &Review: 4 CDs
Executive: 1 CD
Key Features:
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Freedom of Navigation:
Students have the freedom to select the topic/activity and the
order in which to work. Switching from one activity to another
is available at all times.
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Choice of Learning Environment
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available in each module:
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Topics: Language, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking
and listening.
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Lessons: System generated lessons, or teacher lessons, which
cover a variety of subjects.
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Integrated Communicative Task:
Adventure game that uses the module’s vocabulary & language.
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Multiple Activity Choices:
Students may choose any one of 4 different modes within each
topic
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Explore:
The student becomes familiar with the topic through help,
translation, etc.
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Practice:
Various exercises selected on previous performance.
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Test: On
any topic, at any time.
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Games: Based
on the topic studied.
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Student Control:
While working on their choice of topic and activity, students
can also control their input and judging. They can skip
exercises, redo exercises, get the correct answer or check the
correct answer.
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Adaptive Branching:
An individualized diagnostic tool which evaluates student’s
performance and selects the appropriate items for each student’s
level. (Used in test and practice modes.)
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Sound:
Appears in the form of instruction, feedback, examples, and
listening/speaking exercises (with professional native
speakers).
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Speaking Practice:
Emphasizes language functions, and allows students to absorb the
language, interact with native speakers, record their voice and
participate in real-world situations.
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Use of Visuals:
A wide variety of visuals including drawings, cartoons,
animation, still photographs and videos are contained in each
module.
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Native Language:
Translations of items are provided in the lexicon, reading
passages, listening passages and dialogues. To insure that the
student understands the product, the following is provided in
the user’s native language:
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Tour Guide (explains the entire module)
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Grammar Book (provides explanation)
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Context-sensitive Help
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Dictionary
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Tools to facilitate learning:
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Content-sensitive help (for explanations)
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Note pad (for taking notes)
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Bilingual speaking lexicon
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Grammar book (rules, samples, exercises)
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Student records (summarize student’s progress)
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Tour Guide:
Students have the option of taking a tour of any module in their
native language.
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“Private Teacher”:
Remedial lessons generated by the computer, based on information
problems the student is having in any section.
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Teacher Utilities:
Teachers can obtain information about each student, such as time
on task and performance, and create their own structured
lessons. Pre/Post tests; System and Customizable Lessons
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Navigation Guides:
Icons are used in each module to allow students to easily:
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Move from section to section ( i.e. Vocabulary to Reading )
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Select an activity ( i.e. Practice )
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Select a topic within activity ( i.e. Main Idea )
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Choose a tool ( i.e. Dictionary )
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Evaluate input ( i.e. Answer, Next )
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Operate the “language Lab” ( i.e. play, record )
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Extensive
Student Records
for self-monitoring and assessment
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Supplemental Student Worksheets
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Printable Program Text Files
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Network and Stand-alone Environments
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