A l'abast : comunicació bàsica en llengua catalana : basic communication in the catalan language. 'Al alcance : comunicación básica en lengua catalana'.

Pensado para las personas no catalanoparlantes que, tanto si han decidido convertir las islas en su lugar de residencia como si no es el caso, tienen la inquietud de acercarse a esta realidad lingüística y cultural. Pretende facilitar la adquisición de una serie de recursos útiles para una comunicación básica en lengua catalana. Consiste en un conjunto de frases frecuentes en situaciones usuales de la vida cotidiana. El texto escrito se complementa con un cd-rom que permite escuchar estas frases pronunciadas por hablantes nativos y registrar y escuchar aquellas que produce el alumno. No es un curso de catalán, es sólo una aproximación a la lengua catalana que debe estimular a aprender más. Incluye también una guía de recursos para aprender catalán desde las Islas Baleares: cursos, centros de autoaprendizaje, recursos en soporte informático o accesibles a través de Internet, que se adaptan a las necesidades de todos los que desean aprender esta lengua.

A l'abast : comunicació bàsica en llengua catalana : comunicación básica en lengua catalana : basic communication in the catalan language : communication basique en langue catalane. 'Al alcance : comunicación básica en lengua catalana'.

Pensado para las personas no catalanoparlantes que, tanto si han decidido convertir las islas en su lugar de residencia como si no es el caso, tienen la inquietud de acercarse a esta realidad lingüística y cultural. Pretende facilitar la adquisición de una serie de recursos útiles para una comunicación básica en lengua catalana. Consiste en un conjunto de frases frecuentes en situaciones usuales de la vida cotidiana. El texto escrito se complementa con un cd-rom que permite escuchar estas frases pronunciadas por hablantes nativos y registrar y escuchar aquellas que produce el alumno. No es un curso de catalán, es sólo una aproximación a la lengua catalana que debe estimular a aprender más. Incluye también una guía de recursos para aprender catalán desde las Islas Baleares: cursos, centros de autoaprendizaje, recursos en soporte informático o accesibles a través de Internet, que se adaptan a las necesidades de todos los que desean aprender esta lengua.

Understanding communication in second language classrooms.

Esta publicación se centra en la comunicación como elemento central de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje en aulas de segundo idioma. Basándose en las transcripciones reales de aula, el autor construye un marco conceptual a través del cual los docentes pueden reconocer cómo los patrones de comunicación se han establecido y mantenido en la clase. Reconoce la importancia de lo que los profesores y los estudiantes aportan de su propio medio, así como lo que realmente ocurre durante la interacción en la comunicación del aula. En la primera parte del volumen se esboza un marco para la comprensión de la comunicación de la segunda lengua en las aulas, incluyendo el control de patrones de comunicación, las percepciones de los estudiantes de patrones de comunicación en la clase, y el conocimiento y uso del lenguaje en el aula, tanto en general como a efectos del aprendizaje de los alumnos. La segunda parte examina una serie de patrones de la comunicación:la interacción profesor-alumno, la interacción estudiante-estudiante, y las pautas que se relacionan con la comunidad basada en cuestiones tales como inglés como segundo idioma de instrucción y el uso de materiales comerciales. La parte tercera ofrece sugerencias para la ampliación de patrones de comunicación, lo que permite su variabilidad, y establecer y ampliar las competencias comunicativas en el aula. Se incluye bibliografía.

The role of sketches in supporting near-synchronous remote communication in computer supported collaborative design

This paper presents recent research into the functions and value of sketch outputs during computer supported collaborative design. Sketches made primarily exploiting whiteboard technology are shown to support subjects engaged in remote collaborative design, particularly when constructed in ‘nearsynchronous’ communication. The authors define near-synchronous communication and speculate that it is compatible with the reflective and iterative nature of design activity. There appears to be significant similarities between the making of sketches in near-synchronous remote collaborative design and those made on paper in more traditional face-to-face settings With the current increase in the use of computer supported collaborative working (CSCW) in undergraduate and postgraduate design education it is proposed that sketches and sketching can make important contributions to design learning in this context

Conversational success in Williams syndrome: communication in the face of cognitive and linguistic limitations

Williams syndrome (WS) is characterized by apparent relative strengths in language, facial processing and social cognition but by profound impairment in spatial cognition, planning and problem solving. Following recent research which suggests that individuals with WS may be less linguistically able than was once thought, in this paper we begin to investigate why and how they may give the impression of linguistic proficiency despite poor standardized test results. This case study of Brendan, a 12-year-old boy with WS, who presents with a considerable lack of linguistic ability, suggests that impressions of linguistic competence may to some extent be the result of conversational strategies which enable him to compensate for various cognitive and linguistic deficits with a considerable degree of success. These conversational strengths are not predicted by his standardized language test results, and provide compelling support for the use of approaches such as Conversation Analysis in the assessment of individuals with communication impairments.

Textual communication in Virtual Environments for real world interaction

Ever since man invented writing he has used text to store and distribute his thoughts. With the advent of computers and the Internet the delivery of these messages has become almost instant. Textual conversations can now be had regardless of location or distance. Advances in computational power for 3D graphics are enabling Virtual Environments(VE) within which users can become increasingly more immersed. By opening these environments to other users such as initially through sharing these text conversations channels, we aim to extend the immersed experience into an online virtual community. This paper examines work that brings textual communications into the VE, enabling interaction between the real and virtual worlds.

Computer-mediated communication in distance MA programmes: the student's perspective

This paper reports on a study of computer-mediated communication within the context of a distance MA in TEFL programme which used an e-mail discussion list and then a discussion board. The study focused on the computer/Internet access and skills of the target population and their CMC needs and wants. Data were collected from 63 questionnaires and 6 in-depth interviews with students. Findings indicate that computer use and access to the Internet are widespread within the target population. In addition, most respondents indicated some competence in Internet use. No single factor emerged as an overriding inhibiting factor for lack of personal use. There was limited use of the CMC tools provided on the course for student–student interaction, mainly attributable to time constraints. However, most respondents said that they would like more CMC interaction with tutors. The main factor which would contribute to greater Internet use was training. The paper concludes with recommendations and suggestions for learner training in this area.

Women in art: the last taboo

The intention of this paper is to explore traditions and current trends in art with particular reference to the depiction of female experiences such as pregnancy, abortion, birth and motherhood. The inclusion and exclusion of such images in art history over time and across societies reflects prevailing attitudes, whilst affirming various stereotypical and gendered constructions developed and sustained within those societies. These constructions in turn relate to criteria defined by class, access to education and notions of femininity. Work by artists which feature aspects of these experiences (particularly childbirth), is considered taboo by many in a Western society which continues to render the essentially female experience as private, invisible and stigmitised and confuses the natural with the sexual. The work of undergraduate art students, inspired by the artwork of women artists who make explicit or are influenced by essentially female experiences, is discussed and attempts made to connect their work to the issues outlined.