“FirstVoices Aboriginal Language Archive – User Tutorial”
The User Tutorial will contain seven information modules. Each will be 6 to 10 pages in length and offer practical advice and solutions for language revitalization. The materials will be developed by contracted teachers, linguists, technicians and educators. The modules would form a complete “User Tutorial” (information binder) and be available individually for specific interest areas and resource requirements. The series may be used alternately by individuals and/or groups and be designed and written in a straightforward and easy-to-use format. Building upon this resource material, contractors would implement training sessions on a sponsored or cost recovery basis.
Planned Contents and Titles Include:
1. Getting Started with your Computer Network and the Internet
• equipment
• servers, networking and connections
2. Getting Started with your FirstVoices.com Account
• how to use FirstVoices
• overview of FirstVoices features
3. Getting Started with your FirstVoices Language Archive
• capturing and uploading your data
• the use of Unicode
• the use of film & photo libraries
• overview of intellectual copyright laws
• indexing and information organization systems
4. Getting Started with your FirstVoices Cultural Awareness Portal
• determining your content
• staying true to your community and addressing ethical considerations
• maximizing your economic development opportunities
5. Getting Started with Digital Video
• introduction, data capture, connect your camcorder
• practical tips on filming, lighting, sound
• importing video to your computer
• editing, enhancing, viewing and sharing video
6. Getting Started with Digital Sound Recording
• Practical tips on sound recordings
• Integrating your materials in FirstVoices
7. Bringing FirstVoices to life within your Community
• working with your Elders
• intergenerational language transmission
• making the most of your FirstVoices archives and library
• planning for the future
In addition to the information and educational materials, modules will feature illustrations and samples, practical examples illustrating best practices in action, and resource materials (i.e. additional reading, price lists, etc.). The User Tutorial will be suitable to all experience and resource levels with the aim to ensure long term success for each language archival project.
The objectives of the project are:
• to advise on best practices and methodologies thereby enhancing the credibility and awareness of the FirstVoices project
• to communicate industry standards to ensure accessibility and sharing of Aboriginal language content in a networked environment
• to develop and distribute an information series and training that provides Aboriginal language communities using FirstVoices, with a resource to help them plan and conduct their data capture and digitization activities.
