Web-based learning units in the field of technical English
Each learning unit covers a self-contained topic from the field of technical English, based on current videos, audio recordings or texts. This topic is presented using multimedia presentations and various types of exercises, thus training reading and video comprehension as well as vocabulary and grammar.
The learning units are designed for learners with a good basic knowledge (B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference).
Each Online Extension forms a self-contained unit and is available in two versions – one version for German learners and one version in English only
Available units
In this unit, you will watch an interview with the lead engineer Simon King, who works for Arup, the company responsible for the lighting design of the new Concourse of London’s King’s Cross station.
The exercises will help you practise your comprehension of the video as well as vocabulary and language structures that are relevant for various areas of Technical English.
This unit is based on a video published by Bosch, which provides information on how cylinders may be deactivated while the engine keeps running.
It is particularly interesting for learners of English involved in the automotive industry and the mechanical engineering sector.
The video in this unit introduces you to a new safety technology in cars – developed by Ford – that combines the technology of safety belts with that of airbags.
Besides video comprehension exercises, you can work on topic-specific vocabulary as well as on the use of adjectives and adverbs and the use of participles in Technical English.
This unit provides you with both a text and a video on high altitude wind power. They refer in particular to an airborne wind turbine, the so-called BAT, developed by Altaeros-Energies.
This unit is particularly interesting for learners of English in the renewable energy sector or the field of electrical engineering. The text on which this unit is based informs you about tidal power and various developments in this area.
The text in this unit provides you with some general information on smart grids. It also explains why smart grids will be needed in the future.
The reading comprehension exercises are followed by various vocabulary and grammar exercises that are relevant for this topic.
This unit is based on several texts, all of which provide short explanations of how various different technical devices work. Apart from practising your reading comprehension skills and expanding your technical vocabulary, this unit will especially help you acquire certain language structures that are often used when describing technical devices.
In this unit’s video, you are introduced to the basics of geothermal energy and its uses.
The video comprehension exercises as well as the vocabulary and grammar exercises will help you develop your language skills relevant to this topic.
The cooperation
The TechnoPlus Online Extensions are being developed in cooperation between htw saar and EUROKEY Software GmbH.
The author responsible, Dr. phil. Christine Sick, is a professor of applied languages, CALL (computer-assisted language learning), multimedia and distance learning at htw saar and was already involved as the lead author in the development of the multimedia language learning programme TechnoPlus English. She is supported in the Online Extensions by Lisa Rotter and Miriam Wedig.
Source of supply
One complete learning unit (King’s Cross) is available without registration. You can start right away with the first learning unit!
https://open.ec-ol.de/course/index.php?categoryid=3
Please contact us to access further learning units:
