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My general area of interest is in exploring the potential of ICT for supporting the teaching and learning of minority (community / heritage) languages. Given the low status of these languages and the lack of appropriate materials for students in this country, I believe that the possibilities offered by the Internet combined with the opportunity to wordprocess in the target language could prove an invaluable support to students and teachers alike. This is particularly the case since the introduction of the new GCSE in Modern Languages and the coursework option which encourage research skills developed through work on culturally appropriate source material. Although the focus in the project is on two Asian languages, the findings of will clearly have relevance for other languages and will inform work on use of ICT that I carry out with all students undertaking the PGCE Modern Languages course at Goldsmiths' College. I believe that it will also have special relevance for teachers and learners of minority languages in other European countries.
The project that I wish to carry out will take place at a secondary school in the London Borough of Newham where Urdu and Bengali are taught from Years 7 to 11. I have already entered into discussions with colleagues in the Modern Languages Department, the ICT co-ordinator and the Headteacher all of whom have been very supportive.
My plan is to observe and carry out semi-structured interviews with students (and teachers) using ICT to research and produce pieces of writing which will contribute towards (a) a multilingual magazine which might be presented on the Web (b) GCSE coursework. I shall be particularly concerned to explore the effects of ICT on both motivation and the teaching/learning process. What are the skills that students need to acquire to make effective use of the Web? To what extent is teacher guidance and control desirable? Etc
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