Section 1 – About the learning programme
Section 2 – Navigation around the learning programme
Frequently asked questions
How do I access Adobe Reader for Resources?
How do I download a copy of the Flash player?
Section 1
About the learning programme
Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages learning programme. There are thirteen online learning units designed to support the programme, these are listed below.
- Using the MFL Framework
- Planning lessons
- Questioning
- Modelling
- Starters
- Plenaries
- Assessment for learning
- Creativity
- Target language
- Practice
- Thinking skills
- ICT
- Literacy and learning
Additionally, while you are working through these learning units, you will be able to access a range of resources and activities.
Section 2
Navigation around the learning programme
2.1 Navigation using the operation bar
Navigating through the screens is simple; however we have explained some of the principles of navigation in this section.
There are seven navigation buttons which you will find on the bottom of the screen on the operation bar (see below). Not all of these buttons are active on all the screens at all times.
- Exit ends your session in a unit; you can select another unit to work through.
- Menu returns you to the main menu for that unit; you can select another screen or section in the unit.
- Resource opens any linked document relevant to the screen you are on. If there is a document available to you in Resources, instructions and information will be indicated on the screen. If there is no document available, the Resource button will appear faded on the screen. Resource documents open in a new browser window.
- Help opens up this Help file. You can return to this file at any time from any screen.
- Print allows you to print the current screen.
- Back takes you back to the previous screen.
- Next moves you on to the next screen.
Additionally, each screen is numbered showing the screen you are currently on and also how many screens there are in the learning unit.
Please note that the learning programme does not record your progress through the learning units.
2.2 On screen navigation
As you work through the screens, you will come across different ways of displaying information, providing you with more detail or testing your knowledge.
These may include:
- Tab type screen – by selecting different tabs from the top of the screen, you will be able to view more information on related sub-screens.
- Hotspot text screens – by selecting different text links, you will be able to view more information on related sub-screens.
- Resource – opens any linked document relevant to the screen you are on (see above).
2.3 Controlling the video clips in multimedia screens
You will first see a loader screen with thumbnail images representing the individual video clips, which you will need to select to view the video clip. These loaders will have up to four clips for you to choose from.
Select the clip you would like to view by either:
- clicking with the mouse
- or if you are using the keyboard, by tabbing or using the right arrow key to move through the choices.
Hitting the return key will load up your chosen clip.
The movie clip has the following controls:
Return - Skip back - Stop - Pause/Play - Skip forward - Slider bar
- Return - select this button to return to the video clip selection loader
- Skip back - this button allows you to rewind the video clip if necessary
- Stop - selecting this button stops the video and returns to the beginning of the clip
- Play/Pause - use this button to pause and play the clip
- Skip forward - this button allows you to fast foward the video clip
- Slider bar - the slider bar is useful if you are revisiting a clip as it allows you to pin point a specific section of the clip that you would like to see
Please note: Once you have selected your chosen clip please wait for the blue buffer bar to reach its peak before selecting the play button.
FAQs
Adobe Reader for Extras
When you select Extras, you may link to a PDF document. To view this type of document you will need Adobe Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Reader on your computer you can get a copy from the Adobe Reader download page. On that page select download and follow the on-screen instructions.
Flash player for viewing Flash multimedia content
If you are unable to view any mulitimedia content within this learning unit it may be because you do not have the Macromedia Flash player plug-in. Please select the link below and follow the instuctions for installation.
ActiveX for Flash viewers - playing video files
In the event that video files do not play but you already have the supported flash plug-in for your browser installed, you will need to check your ActiveX controls and ensure they are enabled.
The best way to enable ActiveX is to select from the menu at the top of the Internet Explorer window:
- Tools>Internet Options
When presented with the Options window select the Security tab.
You can then choose to set your Internet security to the default (which in some cases will solve the problem by selecting the medium security on the scroll bar). It is more likely you will need to select the Custom Level button.
This will bring up another new window which will have a list of security components to be either: Disabled, Enabled, or Prompt.
Scroll down until you see:
- ActiveX controls and plug-ins
Below this you should see the circular click boxes to either Disable or Enable them. Ensure they are enabled then select Ok and Ok again.
Your ActiveX is now enabled.
Further infomation regarding video files.
The video clips within the MFL learning units are progressively downloaded to your computer and should be available to play after approximetely 5 seconds. Please wait for the blue buffer bar to reach its peak before you select the play button.
The majority of the clips are in excess of 1 minute 30 seconds and are of high quality video. For this reason, the files to be downloaded are quite large and are not suitable to be viewed via a 56kb dial-up modem.
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0395-2006EPD-EN