Learning to break down language barriers
The innovative project makes use of existing multimedia kiosks located at Adult
Learning Centres across the city. The interactive kiosk software,
developed in conjunction with Derby software specialists
REALSENSE Solutions Ltd., welcomes visitors to the service in their own
language (initially Punjabi and Urdu are being trialed), introduces courses for
learning English as well as many of the other courses on offer at the service
across numerous learning areas. The kiosk also provides guidance on how
learners may be able to obtain various levels of learning support and what
steps they need to follow in order to identify and enrol on a course at a level
appropriate to their learning needs.
The project came about as a result of the need to address communication
'barriers and hurdles' that DALS staff regularly find themselves faced with
when liaising with individuals from Ethnic Minority Groups. It was identified
that these barriers could be addressed and overcome by combining an
understanding of commonly recognised individual needs and queries, with
language expertise in order to improve upon the response given to individuals.
The languages initially identified and most relevant for this project were
Punjabi and Urdu.
When an individual arrives at a DALS learning centre seeking information and
advice, DALS staff endeavour to provide a basic level of response that is
helpful and useful to the individual. However, the quality of this
response is dependent upon DALS staff's:
- competence of the language spoken by the individual
- knowledge of the information and advice most commonly sought after by similar individuals
- understanding of the individual’s needs and the possible options available to them
- ability to convey the right information to the individual
With the above dependencies in mind, we recognise the need to bridge the
communication gap identified and provide a more consistent, coherent and clear
message to individuals from ethnic minority groups.
Aims & Objectives
The aim of the project was to improve initial contact and
communication with individuals from Ethnic Minority Groups when
they arrive at a Derby Adult Learning Centre. This is now being achieved
in the form of an interactive multi-lingual multimedia kiosk - an audio visual
experience in which the individual is presented with information in their
chosen language using an appropriate level of text and media.
The objectives of the computer based project are to provide the
individual(s) with:
- a warm and welcome introduction to the service in their own language
- an easy-to-use language selection process i.e. English, Punjabi or Urdu
- a simple menu providing access to information (in their selected language) about:
- Courses. Do you need English classes - Yes / No (link to courses)
- Enrolment and Registration information
- Wide range of courses available
- Information about DALS centres
- Help about finances, child support etc.
- Information about Course fees and reductions
- Information about specific support needs
Approach
The approach makes use of the technical infrastructure already established at
DALS learning centres for the multimedia kiosks i.e. hardware and software
already installed, setup and configured. The solution will also be deliverable
online and as such can be delivered via the main public website
www.adult-learning-derby.org.uk
Sample screenshots taken from the English Version of the Kiosk
Future Opportunities
This solution, if successful, could be evolved with additional language variants
at a later stage. Similarly, the solution could be further evolved to
address the needs of individuals with visual and hearing impairments e.g.
Makaton, Sign Language etc. at a later stage.
Other Councils and Education Authorities in particular that face similar
language barrier challenges could benefit from the underlying platform produced
by REALSENSE Solutions Ltd.
Please contact the information line on 01332 717900 for more
details about this project.