Outlook

The next regular one-year ALI Swahili introductory cycle is scheduled to start around October 20, 2003 and last for two semesters. It will end with the exams in autumn 2004.

In addition to CDROM-based interactive learning and classroom teaching, ALI Swahili 2003/2004 will exploit synchronic and asynchronic means of interactive online learning through chat rooms, etc.

Languages of instruction

The choice of English as language of instruction for the prototype version follows the recommendation of the Socrates/Erasmus steering committee at its Berlin meeting in February 2000.

Adaptation of the course contents to other European languages which may be used as teaching media, such as German, French or Italian, are expected to be carried out by - or in close co-operation with - the partner institutes engaged in African language teaching in the respective language areas.

A demo version in French is in progress.

Using Swahili as a teaching medium is generally encouraged. Headings referring to topics are bilingual in English and Swahili already at the Basic level. However, the substitution of Swahili to English as the main language of instruction is to become a priority only at the Advanced level.

Future developments will give a more prominent place to resources available to both supervisors and teachers over the internet such as chatrooms and other types of groupware. Currently, such plans are being discussed with a number of partners at the national (Swiss) and international level of cooperation (Europe, Africa). Plans under discussion include the following:

• Completion, refinement and further optimization of the Basic level module of the ALI Swahili version 12 currently in use.
• Development of the Advanced level module
• Introduction of ALI Swahili as an online component in dual e-learning programs developed in partnership with university networks in Europe and Africa engaged in the broader field of African studies.
• Adaptation of the conceptual frame and the interplay of the technological components as a "shell" for developing similar programs for other languages in view of promoting the computer-supported study and teaching of African languages.

Developments resulting in new course offers will be reported on this site.