SPEAK is developing an integrated, multimedia language learning development and delivery system that encompasses authoring, tutoring and learning. It will enable commercial language schools and large corporate training departments to upgrade their language learning services by providing multimedia products to their customers. The author will build up exercises in an object oriented environment using basic templates to which he can add such items as 'score' and 'drag & drop' objects. The learner will benefit from customised courses addressing precisely the needs, subject matter and level of difficulty he requires.
The SPEAK system will be available as both an off-line and on-line product, with a website allowing such resources as dictionaries for particular languages and audio-visual material to be downloaded.
Software environment for delivering 'niche' courses to language learners in the workplace e.g automotive industry, banking sector is being commercialised. The environment allows the integration of multimedia material like video, text and speech and the use of interaction to deliver the material, as well as on-line grading and feedback from the tutor. Learners at remote sites can work on training courses, while monitoring and feedback by the tutor happens either 'on-line' or 'off-line'. The system is targeted at commercial organisations with in-house training needs.