About

KMi participated in the webCEF project, which focused on language learning assessments based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Their work package involved developing an online assessment tool.

webCEF enabled language learners to have their language samples assessed by teachers from across Europe. It provided language teachers with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues throughout Europe and improve their skills in using the CEF scales. Additionally, it offered language researchers access to a large database of language samples and assessments.

The webCEF media annotation tool allowed both mentors and students to view, assess, and comment on video recordings, which were either recorded using KMi’s FlashVlog tool or uploaded from previously recorded media that was transcoded on-the-fly.

Assessments were made by individuals but could be shared with others in the group, either with students or with other mentors, for comparison.

We integrated our FlashVlog tool to allow webCEF users to quickly record media for annotation in the system. FlashVlog required no special hardware (any webcam) or software (just the Flash plugin) to operate, and since the recording was made directly to the server, there was no waiting for transcoding before the video became available.

The webCEF project ran until September 2009 and wass funded under the Socrates – Minerva programme of the European Commission.