Deployment of an e-platform for interpreting novices' self-directed learning

Abstract

This paper presents how an e-platform newly deployed for interpreting novices facilitates their self-directed learning and complements classroom learning, and explores their perceived benefits brought by the system. The e-platform adopts a multilevel approach and allows students to select the skills they wish to improve/enhance. “Multilevel” refers to (1) employment of multilevel texts on the same news topic, (2) difficulty progression from bilingual term exercises to spontaneous sight translation and consecutive interpreting tasks, and (3) use of recordings of English in British/ American accents and in other accents. The system can only be accessed on campus. Students have to practice in work booths, jot notes for consecutive interpreting exercises, interpret within specific time limits, and have speeches recorded. Interpreting assessments have been adjusted to reflect part of students’ self-directed learning. Students tended to perceive themselves as having higher competence crucial to interpreting after learning with the e-platform, hence high user satisfaction.