LCTLs

MSU Sponsors National LCTL Conference

In February 2002, more than 150 participants attended a national conference in Arlington, Virginia, on distance learning of LCTLs (less commonly taught languages) sponsored by Michigan State University and its national and language resource centers. Other collaborators included the National Foreign Language Center (http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/nflrc_home.cfm), the National Council of Organizations of Less Commonly Taught Languages (http://www.councilnet.org/), and the Language Resource Centers at the University of Minnesota (http://nflrc.msu.edu/) and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. (http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/nflrc_home.cfm)

The conference provided a rare opportunity for both language and area studies experts to come together and discuss the need to develop new courses and programs in, and plan effectively for, distance learning of LCTLs. Participants included representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, national and language resource centers, colleges, universities, and language professionals from K-12 and government language schools.

Conference topics included the optimal conditions for effective language learning in a distance learning course, the relationship between computer-assisted language learning and distance learning, and how best to assess language learners in a distance learning course. Conferees also participated in breakout sessions to discuss priorities for developing new materials and courses related to their world area.

Follow-up sessions will be planned in conjunction with specific area studies meetings. Cooperation among participants, the national resource centers, and language resource centers will continue to refine goals and encourage more development in the distance learning of LCTLs.

For more information on the conference and the wider initiative, visit the Web site. (http://langinnovate.msu.edu)