ABSTRACT
The Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC) is responsible for training international military and civilian personnel to speak conversational English and educate them about numerous aspects of American culture. The original program limited the students’ participation and practice of formal English to the classroom setting. DLIELC determined that as a result, the performance of English speaking outside of the classroom was lacking. DLIELC approached Adayana Government Group and charged them with developing a solution that would help students to not only utilize and practice their English language skills on a repetitive level, but also simultaneously learn about American lifestyle, i.e. culture. In response to the audience and stated challenge, Adayana Government Group created VALIDATE, or Voice-Activated Language in DirectApplied Training & Education, using voice activation and avatars in experiential learning situations in American culture. Students utilized emerging technologies and blended delivery methods of English language training, which supplemented their classroom instruction. As a result, the students repetitively completed the courses and began speaking English outside of the formal classroom setting on a regular basis. The early results of the gameware are a success.
