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Language Learning In Cyberspace: Teaching Hindi and Urdu on the Web. Afroz Taj Professor of Hindi-Urdu Language and Literature University of North Carolina, USA. Why Hindi and Urdu Online?. Revolutions in technology Revolutions in pedagogy The North Carolina Center for South Asia Studies
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Language LearningIn Cyberspace: Teaching Hindi and Urdu on the Web Afroz Taj Professor of Hindi-Urdu Language and Literature University of North Carolina, USA
Why Hindi and Urdu Online? • Revolutions in technology • Revolutions in pedagogy • The North Carolina Center for South Asia Studies • Out-of-date materials • Post-9/11 World and Critical Languages
Revolutions in Technology • Internet • Email and discussion groups • Media-based learning tools • Broadband connections • I-pods and pod-casting • Teleconferencing • Webcasting
Revolutions in Pedagogy • Cultural fluency • Student autonomy • Interactive learning environment • Authentic learning objects • Proficiency versus translation • De-emphasis of text
Background • Established the Hindi-Urdu programs at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill (1995) • Taught five years through live teleconferencing • Demonstrated demand and justified new faculty lines • Incorporated film clips, songs, and Internet • Began to develop distance learning materials • “A Door Into Hindi” began production in 1999 • The Post 9/11 World
Course Conception • Comprehensive elementary language courses • Major grants from US Dept. of Education IEPS (Title VI) • Urdu and Hindi • Collaboration with other Urdu teachers • Beta-testing in multiple universities • Open to all, free of charge
دروازہ : Design • Media-intensive learning objects • Filming in India and Pakistan • Emphasis on cultural proficiency • Grammar in context • Scripted and non-scripted material • Multiple layers and flexibility • Classroom v. independent learners • Humor and play • Compatibility with Distance Education • Design for the Web Generation
دروازہ : Technology Issues • Nastaliq font display, Unicode • Video delivery • Hosting • Technical support • Accessibility • Future technologies • Assessment
Where to Find Us A Door Into Hindi: http://taj.chass.ncsu.edu Darvazah: A Door Into Urdu: http://taj.chass.ncsu.edu/urdu
Recent Comments from Learners • “I have learned Hindi by myself since last year. The website "A Door into Hindi" is the main document for me to study Hindi language.” (Zhang Hua, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) • “Without the Teach Yourself method by Rupert Snell and A Door Into Hindi I would never have made progress!” (Lisa Kumar, SOAS, London) • “The music and humor in the video clips really makes it really fun and enjoyable. Kya baat hai!” (Naresh, Texas) • “I have been using your "A Door into Hindi" in the oral section of my second-year Hindi class here at the University of Virginia. My students are enjoying your films. Many thanks.” (Holly Donahue, Instructor, Intermediate Hindi, University of Virginia) • “I'd just like to congratulate you on your website. I think it's a very useful resource for those learning Hindi.” (Neha, Australia) • “Hi, I've really enjoyed your site, and I expect it to be an important part in my learning of Hindi.” (Tim, Brazil)
“While trying to teach myself Hindi, found your website A Door Into Hindi. The videos are really great, I feel they teach language that I am really going to need in everyday situations, and I especially love the jokes which make learning Hindi on your web page very enjoyable.” (Amelia Neumann-Samek, American University, Paris, France) • “Thank you very much for making this interactive multimedia Hindi course available. I would like to use it for my introductory Hindi course, which I am going to be teaching at York University.” (Shobna Nijhawan, Assistant Professor of Hindi, York University, Canada) • “I love the Door to Hindi site. What a wonderful resource! Dhanyavaad!” (Tiernan Ray, Germany) • “The dialogues are useful. The films are interesting and funny. Furthermore, they show us a glimpse of India.” (Pauline, France) • “I stumbled upon your door into hindi and I just wanted to thank you so much! I love it! It's definitely the best instruction on the web.” (Maria, New York City) • “The WiderNet Project would like to ask your permission to include this web content in the eGranary Digital Library.” (Georgeanna Williams, University of Iowa)