Computers with OUHK-developed language learning courseware installed will now respond to students reading phrases and sentences by saying what they have recognized. In the 'I heard you said' mode, the computer matches a student's speech with the closest phrases and sentences it has been trained to understand and confirms with the student: 'Is that what you said?'

This is one of the innovative features enhancing language learning that an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Leung Chun-ming, Director of Technology Development, has initiated in a research project since last October. Entitled 'Speech Technology Enhanced Language Learning (STELL)', the project applies cutting-edge Natural Language Understanding (NLU) technology to online language learning.

Broadly speaking, with NLU technology, a user can interact with a computer in the same way as when conversing with another person. In applying speech recognition techniques to language learning, software packages in the market are limited to using single words and pronunciation of short phrases. None use NLU technologies. Laboratories worldwide (including Microsoft, IBM, Philips, Motorola and Syracuse Learning) have developed 'speech engines' which enable continuous speech recognition (as compared with the recognition of discrete words) and natural text-to-speech synthesis.

Prof. Leung said, 'This branch of information technology can be fruitfully applied to develop effective courseware which will place the OUHK in the forefront in this arena.' The project is to prototype the use of NLU and text-to-speech technologies to enhance language learning. The first phase focuses on the development of scripting tools to apply available speech engines to enhance English language learning.

If the student has failed to read the phrase or sentence acceptably after three attempts, STELL courseware will show him or her how to say it properly by giving instant feedback in the form of 'Repeat after me'. Reinforcement of proper phrasing and reading flow will be provided using a karaoke-style format. Passages are segmented into natural phrases; segments are then shown in sequence at a settable speed. There is an online dictionary with pronunciation, and students can also learn through the record, playback and comparison modes.

An integral part of the project was the development of an authoring kit which provides tools for OUHK Course Coordinators and tutors to author and convert learning materials with minimal technical assistance. These tools will facilitate several learning principles to be incorporated in multimedia courseware for language learning: reinforcement, feedback, drills, comprehension by key words and key concepts. As a very patient tutor, STELL will help students improve their reading and listening skills, which is particularly valuable for weaker students.

In addition to Prof. Leung, the project team consists of Dr Fiona Hyland, Dr Philip Chan and Cliff Hall (language experts), Dr Albert Cheung (OUHK Visiting Fellow, now at City University of Hong Kong) and Andy Lam (Analyst Programmer).

Year 2000 compliance at the OUHK

Following the earmarking of $6 million and the setting up of a Review Group to tackle the Year 2000 problem in early 1998, the progress of the Y2K compliance project has so far been satisfactory. The majority of computer hardware and software systems used at the OUHK have been confirmed to be Y2K compliant by vendors. Upgrades of the non-compliant systems or equipment have been arranged to make them Y2K compliant. All purchase orders for the acquisition of new hardware, software or services have been guarded against Y2K non-compliance by the inclusion of a statement to demand delivery of Y2K compliant products. In addition, the University has some self-developed administrative systems which include a total of about 1,700 software programs. The Information Technology Unit has put in great effort to ensure their Y2K compliance. About 98 per cent of the rectification work has so far been finished, and all rectification work will be completed by September.

New ISPs to be appointed

The University will make arrangements with one or more Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer OUHK active students a special discount for opening an Internet service account effective from October 1999. The new ISP service plans will waive PNETS charges and should also maintain better subscriber-to-modem ratios for providing OUHK students with an improved quality of service.