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E-daf A Hit Among Lecturers and Students
A one-stop service for German learners in the virtual space of the Internet with a wide array of interactive multimedia learning materials

E-daf team (from left to right):Cheng Ing Ru, Lecturer; Rita Maria Niemann, Lecturer; Silvia Neizke-Neumann, Fellow; Dr Chan Wai Meng, Lecturer - European Studies Programme

E-daf (elektronisches Selbstlernzentrum fur Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is the first virtual self-access and resource centre for German language learning in the region with a broad and comprehensive coverage.

E-daf is designed to provide a one-stop service for German learners in the virtual space of the internet. The website allows students to supplement their classroom learning with a wide array of interactive multimedia learning materials.

This includes hypertext notes, exercise for various language skills, grammar, vocabulary, relevant links, and online audio and video materials.

E-daf development process
“Firstly, there is an inherent problem in German language learning in Singapore – namely the great geographical distance between Singapore and German speaking countries. This represents a problem for us because it means that there’s a lack of authentic communicative situations for our students,” explained Dr Chan Wai Meng.

Secondly, a lack of space in the University has made it difficult for the Programme to set up a self-access centre. This facility is important to students’ learning development as they have different kinds of motivation, needs and interests.

A virtual self-learning centre is thus the solution.

E-benefits
Among the benefits are:

• Interactive exercises enable lecturers pay attentions to individual students’ mistakes; and provide immediate and specific feedback.
• Students are more adventurous through E-daf, as the fear of making mistakes lessen.
• Individualisation and differentiation – E-daf allows students to work in an individual manner, and enables lecturers to differentiate among the various learners. For example, students can look at ‘hints’ in a pop up menu to solve a blank, call up the glossary or read strategic tips to tackle the exercises.