RU135830U1 - TRAINING DEVICE FOR EXERCISING SKILLS IN LEARNING LANGUAGES - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A training device for developing skills in language learning, including a means for reproducing training records with a display and input means, containing a data store, a content selection unit, a task type and volume control unit, a response input unit, an error checking and correction unit 8, a statistical unit data and evaluation, characterized in that it is equipped with a processing unit and preparation of audio and video objects 1, configured to cut the selected object into fragments containing audio phrases, their recognition with subsequent recording Sewing the audio phrase text, the audio phrase navigation block of the selected object 4, containing a scroll bar that allows you to navigate to the selected audio phrase of the object, the playback block 5, while the processing and preparation unit for audio and video object data 1 is connected to the data storage 2 and the content selection unit 3 ; the navigation unit 4 has four outputs for connecting to the playback unit 5, the type and volume control unit 6, the error checking and correction unit 8 and the favorite storage and working unit 11, and the playback unit 5 is connected to the type control unit by one of three outputs and the scope of the task 6.2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the playback of training records is a computer or mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a context help block. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a unit for storing favorites and working with them. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit for processing and preparing audio and video objects includes interconnected text parser block, pars block

Description

The utility model relates to devices intended for teaching foreign languages through training and developing the ability to perceive foreign speech by ear, in particular for developing the ability to listen to foreign speech.

For the student, the motivating factor for learning a foreign language is a direct interest in the learning content (in a real song, book, audio film), and not an abstract educational material.

Currently, there are already video viewing systems with simultaneous demonstration of text: karaoke, video films with captions, audio books with texts and other systems in which it is possible to watch, listen and read the spoken text at the same time.

There are traditional methods of teaching a foreign language that teach to pronounce words, pronounce phrases. One of these methods is described in patent No. 2148276 (publication date 04/27/2000, G09B 19/06). Its essence lies in the fact that foreign language training is carried out by means of sound recordings of word strings consisting of a foreign word and its translation with an interval between them of 0.7-2.5 s. The interval between a foreign word and its translation is not more than 0.5 s. When recording, the interval between word bundles is increased relative to the interval between a foreign word and its translation by more than two times. Then record repeatedly listen. The development of listening skills in the proposed solution occurs through the development of speaking skills. The main way to test the development of listening skills are control questions. All control questions are always prepared in advance and laid down in the program. Thus, both questions and answers are always pre-programmed. In addition, the recording is made without taking into account the psychological characteristics of the student, his interests. All these shortcomings reduce the effectiveness of teaching foreign languages.

Known means of teaching foreign languages using sound reproduction of language fragments with listening. Such tools are used to practice the correct pronunciation. For example, a means of practicing the correct pronunciation is known, which analyzes the spoken fragment, splits speech into phonemes and analyzes their frequency spectrum (WO 2004049283 (A1) publication 2004-06-10). It should be noted that this technical tool has a narrow application and is intended for users who speak a foreign language to further improve their knowledge and cannot be used to develop listening skills, i.e. literal repetition.

A device for learning a foreign language is also known from the prior art, where the student’s voice information and image data of his mouth shape are recorded in user data memory using a microphone and a camera. The voice information of the speaker, for which the language is native, is recorded in the memory of the samples. Further, voice information is analyzed in the segments of pronunciation, emphasis, rhythm. The results of the analysis are presented in chart form (JP 2001318592, publication date 11/16/2001). Training is provided by providing examples of speech delivered by a person for whom the language being studied is native, registering the learner’s pronunciation, then comparing the frequency characteristics of their voice signals, obtaining the results of the analysis of the characteristic features and rhythm by comparing the envelopes of the voice signals compared with the dynamics of the change in the shape of the mouth during making a speech. However, this technical tool is essentially aimed at mechanically practicing pronunciation, in which the creative initiative of the students is minimized, individual characteristics of the students are not taken into account, which negatively affects the effectiveness of training.

A well-known simulator for developing skills in language learning, containing a data warehouse associated with a task selection unit and a data processing and task preparation unit, a response input unit associated with an error detection unit connected to an input of a statistical data storage unit and learning progress assessment (TW patent 521219, publication 02/21/2003). The simulator works as follows: the control tool randomly extracts many English words, phonetic characters, phrases, standard sentences, and the corresponding original lexical units (in this case, in Chinese) and generates many test tasks and many test answers. After that, the user can enter many answers, solving many test problems. The control unit individually compares the plurality of responses entered by the user to see if they are the same plurality of test answers and generates a test achievement from the comparison result; after which it generates a progressive diagram of the entire test achievement.

Common features of this technical tool and the proposed utility model are: the availability of means for generating test tasks in a foreign language, means for the user to enter an answer, evaluating the correctness of the answer, as well as means for storing statistical data and evaluating learning progress. However, this simulator does not take into account the individual characteristics of users, which in turn does not allow the learner to formulate literal repetition. Tasks are generated automatically by arbitrary selection of components. In addition, during training, the emphasis is on working with the visual image, while in studying the language, psychological work with the visual image of the word and the sound image of the word is fundamentally different. For example, the visual image of a word is difficult to confuse with other words. At the same time, how an audio image can be easily mixed with images of words such as: "a" or "the"; hear (hear) or here (here) or hair (hair) or hare (hare). In English speech and in other languages, the meaning of words changes depending on which words they stand next to. So, for example, the lexical unit “was” can be either stressed or not, and depending on this, have a different sound image. Some vowels may or may not be spoken. Also, if in the text each word is separated from the other by a space, then in speech each word is not separated from the next one and the words simply merge.

As the author’s practice and research shows, the effectiveness of teaching foreign languages is ensured by the formation of listening skills among students, i.e. literal repetition of audiophrases in a foreign language. At the same time, audiophrase means any lexical unit of a language: word, phrase, sentence, text. The analysis of the prior art showed the lack of technical solutions to implement the task of forming the students' listening skills. The proposed solution allows us to eliminate the disadvantages described above and to ensure the achievement of a technical result, which consists in increasing the effectiveness of teaching a foreign language to any categories of users, taking into account their individual abilities through the formation of listening skills and the development of the ability to perceive foreign speech by ear.

The technical result is achieved by the fact that the training device for developing skills in language learning, including a means for reproducing training records with a display and input means, comprising a data store 2, a content selection unit 3, a type and volume control unit 6, an answer input unit 7, a unit error checking and correction 8, the statistical data and evaluation unit 9 is additionally equipped with a processing and preparation unit for audio and video objects 1, configured to cut the selected object into fragments containing audio the basics of their recognition, followed by recording the text of the audio phrase, the navigation block for the audio phrases of the selected object 4, which contains a scroll bar that allows you to navigate to the selected audio phrase of the object and the playback unit 5, while the processing and preparation of data of audio and video objects 1 is associated with the storage 2 and the content selection unit 3, the navigation unit 4 has four outputs for connecting to the playback unit 5, the type and volume control unit 6, the error checking and correction unit 8 and the select storage unit and working with it 11, and the playback unit 5 with one of the three outputs is connected to the control unit for the type and volume of the job 6.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by drawings.

Figure 1 - presents a diagram of the proposed educational device;

Figure 2 - block diagram of the processing and preparation of audio and video objects.

A training device for developing skills in language learning includes a means for reproducing training records with a display and input means. As a means of reproducing training records can be a computer, or other mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet. To realize the purpose of the training device and to ensure the implementation of the claimed technical result allow the following blocks associated with the following methods.

The unit for processing and preparing audio and video objects 1 for entering them into the data warehouse 2. In contrast to the prototype, this unit allows the user to use almost any audio or video object as a training and test language material of their own free will. To do this, you must first cut the selected object into separate fragments containing audio phrases, then recognize what has been said, and then record the text of the audio phrase.

Audio and video objects in relation to whether they contain temporary markup of text can be divided into two types. The first group includes, for example, films with subtitles, songs like karaoke, i.e. video or audio materials with temporary markup of text. The second group includes video or audio materials, to which there is text that does not have a temporary markup, for example, audio books, podcasts, radio programs, and special educational material.

Processing and preparation of audio and video objects is carried out depending on the belonging of the objects to the first or second group as follows. For the first type of objects, the task of preparing them for entering into the database is performed by the following blocks:

1. An error checking unit in subtitle and video (audio) files, a file converter into the required form, and redistribution of too short subtitle times for listening.

2. A block editor that allows the administrator to check and correct possible errors in the timeline for subtitling

3. Block cutting audio (video) files into AF-s according to the adjusted time marking

For the second type of objects, it is necessary to break the text into sentences, split the audio (video) into audio phrases, determine the audio phrases corresponding to the sentences, determine the text corresponding to the audio phrases. These actions are performed by the following blocks:

1. Block parser text, splitting text into sentences.

2. A block parser of audio files that selects the minimum parts containing audio phrases in an audio (video) file.

3. Block cutting audio (video) files into audio phrases.

4. The recognition unit, which recognizes speech in the received audio phrases, records the text recognized in each audio phrase.

5. A distribution block that compares the received recognized text with the text of each sentence and distributes the audio phrases into sentences, as well as further it compares the corresponding phrases to each audio phrase and distributes the words of the sentence among the audio phrases included in this sentence.

6. A block editor that allows you to check and correct possible errors.

Data warehouse 2 contains audio and video objects, each of which is divided into audio phrases and corresponding text segments, their translation into other languages, as well as user data, the results of his work.

In well-known solutions, the systems contain entire objects in the audio and video database, which makes it difficult to quickly access any individual audio phrases, search for them, listen to them, make an arbitrary list from them for work, etc.

The content selection block 3 allows you to navigate, search the repository 2, select the necessary material, using such personally independent criteria as: type (video, audio), name, author, genre, difficulty level, average number of words in an audio phrase, total number of unique words , popularity rating, duration, etc .; and personally dependent assessments important for a particular user, such as, for example, the number of new words in the material for a given user.

In essence, this block provides a search based on personally dependent ratings. This is possible thanks to entries in the user's success database, his knowledge, and a comparison of these estimates with the statistics of specific objects.

The navigation block for audio phrases selected for the operation of the object 4. This block is of fundamental importance in the formation of listening skills when learning a foreign language, since it allows you to switch to any audio phrase of the object, see what has been completed and how much is left to listen to, review, return to completed. Each audio phrase in the navigator has a difficulty rating.

In well-known systems (simulators), either an audio phrase is not used as a task unit, and then navigation is possible only by text, but it is not connected with sound in any way, either there is no navigation system and the task is consistent and inextricable, or there is no testing system, self-testing and the learning task is not set at all.

This block consists of two elements: a scroll bar and a list of audio phrases. The scroll bar is an active zone that demonstrates visually where the current working phrase highlighted in the navigator is located in relation to the beginning and end, general information about the number of audio phrases, how many of them are passed, an estimate.

The audio phrases list includes test and non-test audio phrases. The tested audio phrases are active elements played in block 5. Prior to testing, the field of each audio phrase contains a serial number, status, and also additional information about the audio phrase (duration, complexity, number of unique words, etc.), miniature representation of the fragment. After testing, the field of the audio phrase is supplemented by the text entered by the student, the status of the passage of the phrase in a particular mode, and information about the grade.

The playback unit 5 allows you to play audio phrases the required number of times, stop anywhere, highlight the necessary passage of the audio phrase for a separate listening. This block allows the learner to formulate the skill of verbatim repetition of audiophrases in a foreign language.

The control unit for the type and volume of task 6 allows you to select different types of tasks depending on the individual desire of the student: enter all the audiophrase heard; insert only missed words; introduce only the main members of the proposal, etc.

The block allows you to select one of the modes:

- listening, repeating the phrase heard;

- translation of the heard phrase into the native language;

- translation of a phrase from the mother tongue into the target language;

- combined mode, which includes sequential work with phrases in the three above modes.

Block 6 allows you to adjust the length of the listened piece, the number of audio phrases in one task, the total number of listened words, sentences, thereby allowing you to adjust the optimal level of complexity of the current task. Efficiency in managing the level of difficulty of the task allows you to maintain the optimal level of motivation in the listening process.

The response input block 7 contains:

- input and editing tools through the keyboard;

- Spell checkers and tooltips;

- systems for inputting a response through a microphone;

- systems for choosing the right option from the proposed list;

- systems for entering and editing words from the phrase constructor using; D&D technology.

In this case, one input field is used and an easy transition from one input system to another is possible. The presence of several types of input simultaneously allows the user to flexibly tune to the optimal input of the answer, adjust the level of difficulty and maintain the best level of motivation.

The error checking and correction unit 8 allows you to verify the entered answer with the text that is pronounced in the audio phrase. Block 8 displays the result of the comparison depending on the level of complexity in one of the options:

- the answer is "right / wrong";

- An answer indicating the places of errors;

- An answer indicating the places of errors and the correct option.

The error correction variability in the answer entered by the user depends on the required level of complexity.

Block for storing statistical data and assessing progress 9. The results of each task are recorded personal history in the form of indicators such as:

- the number of correctly played audio phrases the first time;

- the average percentage of correctly reproduced words;

- operating mode;

- average time for AF and the total time working with the material;

- the number of words and AF for which help was needed, etc.

These data allow you to choose the optimal level of complexity for further work and correctly evaluate the progress of classes.

The context help block 10 allows you to switch to dictionaries, grammar guides, help from a tutor or community, depending on the user's choice, to search the database of other AFs containing similar words, alternative scoring, depending on the user's choice.

The favorite storage and working unit 11 allows the user to add favorite audio phrases and / or currently problematic audio phrases to the user’s favorite personal list of favorites. The block allows you to work with a complete list of favorites or part of your favorite audio phrases. Work can be organized on the simulator or, if necessary, audio phrases can be recorded through the unit to an external audio player.

As shown in figure 1, the data warehouse 2 is connected with the block for processing and preparing data of audio and video objects 1 and the block for selecting content 3. Block 6 for selecting the difficulty level of the task, the first, second, third and fourth outputs are connected respectively to the input of the navigation unit 4 audiophrases, one of the inputs of the response input unit 7, one of the inputs of the error detection unit 8, and one of the inputs of the playback unit 5. The second input of block 5 is connected to one of the outputs of the audio phrases navigation unit 4, and the third input is connected to the output of the context help tool selection block 10, also connected to the second input of the error detection unit 8, the third input of which is connected to the output of the response input unit 7, the fourth input - to another output of the block 4 navigation on audiophrases. The output of error detecting unit 8 is connected to the input of statistical storage unit 9 and learning progress assessment. The output of the latter is connected to the input of block 6 of the choice of the difficulty level of the task. In this case, the data storage 2 includes a content storage unit, which is a set of audio phrases and corresponding video and text fragments, a work results storage unit and a user data storage unit, connected to an input of the work results storage unit and one of the inputs of the content storage unit by output . Another input of the latter is formed by the input of the data warehouse 2, associated with the output of the block 1 for processing and preparing audio and video objects for recording them in the data warehouse. The input of the data storage 2 associated with the output of the content selection unit 3 is formed by the input of the user data storage unit and the third input of the content storage unit. The user response input unit 7 includes a means for inputting and editing a response inputted via a keyboard, a system for inputting a response input via a microphone, a system for selecting the correct option from the proposed list, a system for inputting and editing a response input using a phrase constructor. These means have an input, which is formed by the input of the user response input block 7, associated with the output of the task difficulty level block 6, and the outputs of these tools are associated with the input procedure selection means, the output of which is the output of the user response input block 7. The context help tool selection unit 10 is also associated with the content selection unit of the data warehouse 2. Blocks 4, 9, 10 are associated with the block storage of favorites and work with him 11.

The content for training listening skills can be audio books, videos, songs in a foreign language, etc. All content of audio and video materials is divided into phrases, words or phrases. Each phrase can be presented in two forms: in the form of text or in audio mode.

An audio phrase can be read by an announcer (voice of a living person) or synthesized.

Learning a foreign language using the device is as follows: the choice of audio phrases or audio phrases with video materials, while the film or audiobook is divided into fragments in the form of audio phrases or audio phrases with some video sequence. Next, enter the answer, while the student enters in the field for the answer:

a) in the “listening” mode - the text of the phrase in accordance with what he heard;

b) in the mode of "translation into the native language" - translation of the phrase heard into the native language;

c) in the "translation into the studied" mode - deferred reproduction of the phrase in the studied language, relying on the translation earlier made by him into his native language.

Text can be entered using the keyboard, voice, or D&D technology from an appropriate set of words or phrases. The student is required to enter the phrase partially or completely. With a partial entry in the response field, part of the required phrase is already present. It must be supplemented with words or endings in accordance with the heard text.

The third stage involves verification. In the “listening” and “transfer to the studied” modes, the entered phrase shows the places where mistakes were made. In addition, the proper answers are shown (how correctly missed words should be written, incorrectly heard words, etc.).

In the "native language translation" mode, it is proposed to compare the entered translation with the translation from the database.

Thus, the effectiveness of training of any categories of users, expressed in the formation of listening skills, is realized due to the proposed device, characterized by a combination of these essential features. At the same time, when using the device, the user can take into account his interests and individual abilities, since each speech revolution, each phrase and word, their sound image can be checked by the user. Moreover, if the user has difficulties with the perception of a particular word or phrase, he can independently select words, phrases, phrases that sound in a different context from the data store with a different voice, in order to identify and separate the essential characteristics of the sound image from the non-essential ones.

Claims (5)

1. A training device for developing skills in language learning, including a means for reproducing training records with a display and input means, containing a data store, a content selection unit, a task type and volume control unit, a response input unit, an error checking and correction unit 8, a statistical unit data and evaluation, characterized in that it is equipped with a processing unit and preparation of audio and video objects 1, configured to cut the selected object into fragments containing audio phrases, their recognition with subsequent recording Sewing the audio phrase text, the audio phrase navigation block of the selected object 4, containing a scroll bar that allows you to navigate to the selected audio phrase of the object, the playback block 5, while the processing and preparation unit for audio and video object data 1 is connected to the data storage 2 and the content selection unit 3 ; the navigation unit 4 has four outputs for connecting to the playback unit 5, the type and volume control unit 6, the error checking and correction unit 8 and the favorite storage and working unit 11, and the playback unit 5 is connected to the type control unit by one of three outputs and the volume of the task 6. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the playback of training records is a computer or a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a context help block. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a selected storage unit and work with it. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit for processing and preparing audio and video objects includes interconnected text parser unit, audio file parser unit, unit for cutting audio or video files into audio phrases, recognition unit, distribution unit, and block editor .

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