Online Learning Enviroment (OLE)

Description
Online Language Environment (OLE) uses Macromedia Communication server technology to create an online environment where instructors can create a threaded discussion while utilizing text, voice and video. Originally created to facilitate language instruction, the OLE Board is being tested in other disciplines to facilitate communication and to provide a research tool for linguistics.

Key Advantages
For instructors:

• OLE is ideally suited for open-ended tasks, such as narratives, role plays and group discussions, which allow for maximum learner control in deciding how to approach and execute them
• The asynchronous nature effectively eliminates the obstacle of coordinating schedules for distance learning and even facilitates out-of-class group work for busy students locally
• Maximizes exposure to a great variety of language input, including a wide range of vocabulary, grammatical structures and accents
• Does not necessitate instantaneous communication thereby creating a tangible product for an authentic audience, it fosters reflection and encourages attention to language use
• Critical language programs can now boost their enrollments by recruiting learners, potentially worldwide. They can also conduct oral assessments online, thus eliminating the cost of bringing in a qualified tester at the end of the course

For students:

• Allows students to interact in the target language with an authentic audience
• Allows students access to course materials anytime, anywhere
• Allows collaboration with other students
• Allows students to engage in course related activities in a single environment
• Teaches students new technology skills

Key Features

• Keeps audio, visual and/or textual records of language exchanges.  It can also be used for collecting data, by compiling language corpora or for conducting classroom research
• Courses such as those in less commonly taught languages, where geographical distance between learners may prohibit face-to-face interaction, can use OLE as the primary vehicle of instruction
• Conversations are not limited by space and time. Talkative students cannot dominate and quiet students can participate at their own comfort level
• Moderate, prompt, edit or even rearrange discussions, post assignments and evaluate student’s participation in class

Innovative Uses
Innovations for course related functions:

• Students can speak the language they are learning outside the classroom
• Reading assignments in the language being learned
• Online discussions using audio and video
• Recordings of students speaking the language throughout the semester to track their progress
• Recording two students speaking to each other in the language of choice

Innovations for non course related functions:

• Used in a national Arabic Poetry competition where students are recorded with audio and video reciting a poem from memory
• Recording students before they come to a language program here at the University to determine their placement level
• 'Elevator speech' test for students in the business program, students record their 'pitch' and it is reviewed later for grading

Getting Started
You’ll need an OLE conference set up for your class, with enrollments for your students. Use OLE if you have the need to record students speaking the language they are learning outside of the classroom. Think about assignments such as conversational, reading, recitation and memorization. Weekly OLE assignments let you have recordings of your students speaking the language they are learning throughout the semester, allowing for better end-of-semester assessment.

To request an OLE account, please complete a Service Request Form.