Summary

The e-learning program "Modern Greek language acquisition" is an online learning system for students of Modern Greek Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin. The program that is on offer on the digital LMS Blackboard offers a wide variety of learning and exercise material for the training of grammatical-syntactical skills for understanding texts and the oral language for the language levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The program promotes the self-learning of the students by the fact that the type, the level and the frequency of the exercises can be chosen. It helps when preparing for the exams of the individual language courses and for the internationally recognized certificate of proof that one has sufficient Greek language skills (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1). The platform has, amongst other things, the goal of strengthening and extending the language basics and the register one has when dealing with Modern Greek. The aim is to reach a homogenous language level for all students of Modern Greek.

Course

Course title	E-learning program "Modern Greek language acquisition"
Course type	Self-learning course
Department/Institute	Institute of Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures
Degree program	Modern Greek Studies
Lecturers	Prof. Dr. Miltos Pechlivanos, lecturers for Modern Greek at the professorship for Modern Greek Studies
No. of participants	The e-learning program is available to all students of Modern Greek Studies (bachelor and master) as a training support for the duration of their studies
Phase	Pre-studies language course resp. basic module A and B, module 1 (bachelor)
SWS/CP	Pre-studies language course resp. basic module A and B: 10 SWS (winter semester) + 10 SWS (summer semester) Module 1: 6 SWS (winter semester) + 6 SWS (summer semester) Tutorial for the pre-studies language course and BA module 1 “Modern Greek language, conversation": 4 SWS (winter semester) + 4 SWS (summer semester)

Tools

Blackboard
Blackboard tests

Realization

The program encompasses the following functions:

An exercise platform with more than 2500 tasks on phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, text comprehension and listening comprehension of Modern Greek
A complementary vocabulary tool for practicing lexical knowledge and deepening one's vocabulary in a sensible context
An online grammar guide to Modern Greek in connection with the exercises that fit to the grammatical topics
Links to the external, free e-learning programs as well as electronic sources such as dictionaries

In Blackboard one can find over 90 tests which can be accessed from the question pool in accordance with the principle of random selection. The tests are provided for every level in different variants: in accordance with the six categories (phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, text comprehension and listening comprehension) and the level of difficulty (*, **, ***).
The exercises are defined by their autonomy and the possibility of receiving a direct feedback. The students can either check their vocabulary, a language function or a structural element. In addition, they can try to solve exercises from the fields of communication and interaction (text comprehension, listening comprehension).
There is the possibility of tracking one's own learning progress in that the students can view the results of the exercises in the grade book. What is always listed are the last results of the self-tests that one has completed. This report can be used to see what actual self-tests one has already taken and in which areas one still has problems. Thereby one can continue on with one's learning progress in a targeted manner.
The e-learning program was developed as a facultative offer for self-learning and practice purposes. In order to point out the manifold possibilities that the program offers for learning Modern Greek and successfully completing the course of studies, a sensible interlinkage (blended learning) with traditional face-to-face teaching is aimed for. The re-usage of multimedia exercises with illustrations, audio and video (songs, TV and radio shows, comics and newspaper articles) in the seminars increases the visibility and attractivity of the program. In the face-to-face sessions problems are included with which the students had to deal with when working on the exercises on their own.
For the entire duration of the program "Modern Greek Language" an accompanying tutorial is planned:
- For the process-accompanying evaluation of the results for both the language teaching as well as the self-study phases based on the exercises
- For the individual accompaniment and motivation of the learning process
- For the more efficient focus on special difficulties during the learning acquisition phase

Experiences made by the lecturer

The electronic exercises can help to independently acquire knowledge as well as a basic language competency for Modern Greek. In addition, the online learning system provides for the possibility of independently practicing things and to prepare for the exam in a targeted manner.
The exercise platform is also suited for preparing for the certificate exam in Modern Greek. The is an internationally recognized title at various levels and is recognized as proof of qualification by employers and continuing education institutions. The certificates are, for example, necessary for foreign as well as Greek students if they would like to study and matriculate themselves at Greek universities.
On 11.03.2010 the program was awarded the FU e-learning prize 2009 in the category multimedia learning materials and learning environments.

Further information

FAQ "Modern Greek language acquisition"
Slides to the lecture (in Greek) Για τη διδακτική της νεοελληνικής γλώσσας στο Freie Universität Berlin (L. Stefou and B. Soethaert) in the framework of the (Center for the Greek Language – KEG, 10-11 October 2014)
Access to the e-learning program

Support offered by CeDiS

Consulting services for the implementation of digital solutions in teaching: The Center for Digital Systems (CeDiS) has extensive experience of many years when it comes to the implementation of digital media and systems within the fields of teaching, learning and research. We offer a wide variety of consulting services on the implementation of these tools and systems within the entire academic scope and especially at Freie Universität Berlin.
Training courses and workshops: For lecturers at Freie Universität Berlin (professors, employees, tutors) as well as lecturers of other universities CeDiS offers training courses and workshops on the topic of teaching and learning with digital media. These course enable participants to implement online elements within their own sphere of teaching.
The Executive Board of the Freie Universität supports e-learning initiatives: With the e-learning funding program financial resources are provided to lecturers that enrich and improve their courses quality-wise by implementing technological and media-related support. All of the academic staff teaching, the lecturers or even the institutions of the Freie Universität - without the Charité-Universitätsmedizin - can be supported within this program.