AuthentiCom
Authentic language processing for foreign language teaching
About the AuthentiCom Language Lesson Designer
The AuthentiCom is designed to capture and process authentic language samples for use in foreign language teaching. The device processes samples of authentic language into configurable language lessons that are based on user-defined exercise templates. Of course, the device can also process scripted language.Some of the major features of the AuthentiCom are:
- Tablet PC for portability
Capturing authentic language samples will most likely require you to be highly mobile. The AuthentiCom is compact and lightweight enough to take anywhere.
- Input digital audio and/or video files
You can input language samples either by recording directly onto the device via attached microphone or digital video camera, or you can load prerecorded files for processing.
- Flexible and configurable
Instruction ready lessons are generated from lesson templates that are based on a user-defined collection of exercise templates. Although the AuthentiCom does come loaded with many basic exercise templates, it does not limit you to formatted exercises. There are a number of existing scripts for building common exercises, but you can also choose to edit and configure the language samples manually.
- Powerful voice recognition and language processing capabilities,
including:
Speech to text output that can be processed either automatically or manually for integration into lessons.
Highlighting of difficult language according to level set by user, with highlighted segments linked to definitions and examples of use.
Ability to isolate and navigate language of individual speakers. Sections of captured language can also be marked, with marks linked to exercises.
Automatic generation of a variety of cloze exercises with configurable variables Lessons can be exported in multiple formats.
- Lessons can be processed SCORM compliant for integration with a LMS
Our
target customers
The AuthentiCom is designed for language teachers, materials developers,
foreign language departments, government agencies, and multinational corporations.
Its portability and flexibility make it suitable not only for general language
learning applications, but also for the generation of specific, targeted
material. The AuthentiCom makes it possible to generate high quality, authentic
language learning content for both general and very specific purposes, making
it a valuable tool for virtually anyone involved in language learning.
How the AuthentiCom helps the users
Using authentic language for foreign language learning is clearly better than using contrived, scripted language. The problem with using authentic language has been that it is extremely time consuming to create learning materials out of authentic language samples using traditional word processing, HTML, and AV editing tools. The AuthentiCom makes it feasible for a wide range of users to efficiently create high quality learning materials using authentic language. And because it is portable, users can capture language samples in exactly the type of situation required, whether it be on a factory floor, in a business meeting, in a taxi, or at the check-in counter of a hotel.Why the AuthentiCom will attract a broad user base
- Most existing non-authentic language learning material does not fit the needs of language teachers or learners
- Language teachers and learners have always recognized the value of using authentic language in the learning process, but until now have had no easy means of doing so
- Language professionals who are nonnative speakers of the target language can create quality materials using authentic speech
Marketing strategies
In addition to more traditional marketing methods, an online demo of the AuthentiCom can be created that allows the user to upload a digital recording for processing. The resulting materials could then be downloaded by the user for instructional use.Hardware and Software
The AuthentiCom is a Tablet PC that has been augmented with special hardware and software, including:- Patented AuthentiParse software that automates language processing specifically for lesson design
- Voice recognition software
- Speech to text software
- Video capture card
- High-end sound card
- Audio and video editing software
- Design software including generators for a variety of language learning activities