Language Learning with an Adaptive Coach and Life-Like Conversation Partners

Program to be Demonstrated: Foreign Language Online Workshop (FLOW)

Foreign Language Online Workshop (FLOW) uses intelligent agent technology to simulate two key elements of natural first language learning environments. An "Adaptive Coach" guides each learner along an individually optimized path to competency. The Coach continually monitors a learner's progress and recommends interaction with strategically selected learning objects (e.g., vocabulary lists, grammar rules, exercises, games, quizzes, stories, cultural materials, role-plays). Mark-up tools allow designers to include third-party learning objects. "Life-like Conversation Partners" engage learners in authentic conversation practice to assess, exercise, reinforce, and extend skills at successive levels of competency. Authoring tools allow designers to create new Conversation Partners.

Dr. Barbara Hayes-Roth is Founder of Extempo Systems, Inc. and Senior Research Scientist in Computer Science at Stanford University.

Dr. Eva Knodt is a Content Designer and Developer at Extempo Systems, Inc. and a foreign language educator. She is bi-lingual in German and English.

Ms. Heidy Maldonado is a PhD student in Education at Stanford University. She is bi-lingual in Spanish and English.

From http://calico.org/CALICO02/courseware/Hayes.html