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CASLS is currently developing a new mobile application for students who are living in the University of Oregon's Global Scholars Hall. The mobile app will integrate students' living experiences with language learning and will encourage critical thinking about the role of language and culture in students' daily life.

CASLS Director Dr. Julie Sykes and University of Oregon Professor of Spanish Dr. Robert Davis will design a series of tasks for students to complete. Tasks across thematic dimensions might include: building collaboration and community, building language skills, understanding global issues from both a local and global perspective and integrating language learning with art and film.

Dr. Sykes comments, "I'm excited to have an opportunity to use place-based learning as a way to engage learners in meaningful ways outside the classroom." Dr. Sykes has had success in this venue previously with her place-based, augmented reality game called Mentira, the first of its kind.

CASLS Educational Software Engineer Scott Morison and CASLS Educational Software Programmer Carl Burnstein are busy testing new design and programming concepts.

"I hope to replace the drudgery of educational software ... with design that engages the learner and excites their natural instincts. This will involve introducing a level of user engagement that has to include some semblance of fun in every activity on every screen," says Scott Morison.

Carl Burnstein adds, "I'm hoping the app will build a strong community with the Global Scholars Hall by encouraging collaboration between students of different interests."

The University of Oregon Offices of Undergraduate Studies, Academic Affairs, and International Affairs support initial phases of the project.