t-learning Case Studies - Interactive language learning, Italy

Stream is an Italian commercial service provider offering a bouquet of channels for a fixed subscription to the Italian home user market via cable and satellite. There are about 130,000 subscribers. Within its bouquet of channels is a language learning channel - TVL (TeleVision Language) - that offers various programmes aimed at helping Italians learn English and other languages. This has been on the air since 1998 and is broadcast 24 hours a day with the programmes repeated regularly.

In addition there is a separate interactive learning channel - TVL Interactive - that provides learning reinforcement. This consists of text and graphics but with no video or sound - however, sound is planned as an enhancement at a later stage. The channel contains a number of modules consisting of various topics each containing questions of different levels of difficulty. Using the remote control a home user can select a module from the menu. This module is then downloaded into the memory of the set-top box in the home. The level of difficulty can be chosen and the questions can be answered all using the remote controller. The home user is told via the screen whether the answers are correct or not and explanations are also given. The total results are presented on a scorecard. In total there are 200 different exercises available and documentation is also provided in the Stream interactive TV magazine.

Modules are broadcast on a carousel basis, rather like teletext, so that there may be a short pause until the software for the module has been downloaded. The interactivity is achieved through this module software - the set-top box does not need to be connected to a telephone line. However, as the set-top box only has a limited amount of memory it can only hold a module of a limited size before it is overwritten with another module that is required.

All the modules are replaced every two weeks with a new set of questions enabling the user to repeatedly return to the interactive channel. Neither the TV nor the interactive channel contains any advertising. In 1996 some research was conducted into the potential market of about 2,000,000 families in 19 Italian cities. It was found that 60% were strongly interested in a language channel and that it had the potential of doubling the number of subscribers to the bouquet of channels.

During 1997 the possibility of an interactive broadcast video channel was examined and experimented with utilising subtitles, a glossary, and help applications linked with the broadcast video. A second format used two video and audio flows where the user selects one of two possible presentations with exercises.

However, the results of the quantitative research indicated that people wanted to watch one TV channel and that interruptions in video flow had a negative impact. They preferred to just watch the TV programme and then have the option at a later stage to use the interactive service. Therefore in the design of the service, interactivity was not included as part of the TV channel.

Future plans include utilising a return channel (via a telephone line) for remote tutoring, feedback to editorial/teaching staff in Stream and for storing results of the exercises to enable evaluation.

It is interesting to note that this example was first quoted in the 1999 study report but still seems to be demanded. However, Stream do not appear to currently have plans to develop any further education-related services and are in the process of merging with the other satellite operator in Italy Telepiu.

Sorry no screen shots available at present