DAZ Online 2.0

Summary

DAZonline is an image-based learning platform that supports children and adults in learning German.
«DAZ» is a well-known term among teachers — an abbreviation for «Deutsch als Zweitsprache».
DAZonline enhances the language learning process in a creative way by combining visual feedback with audible content.

Key terms

Frontend: Angular, TypeScript, Bootstrap
Backend: PHP Slim, MySQL

Project goal

DAZonline 2.0 is an enhancement of DAZAPP, which was developed by a previous project team between 2018 and 2019. The aim of the project was to fix bugs on the existing platform, make the web application more stable and add new features.

Furthermore, a newly introduced requirement was that the application should be attractive not only for children but also for adult learners. As a result, the design of the application was completely revised.

Initial situation

At the time the project started, DAZonline was already in live operation (see dazonline.ch). To ensure the integrity of the already existing 700 learning images and the according metadata, all changes were coordinated with the customer carefully.

Benefits of the solution

The combination of seeing, reading and hearing is well suited for natural language learning — a psychological approach which has been provided by our customer, who herself has been studying and researching the subject for many years.

Unlike other learning apps such as Duolingo, teachers can produce their own content at DAZonline. After a short workshop, teachers receive free access to the platform where they can upload, label and publish their own pictures to provide a natural language learning experience for interested learners.

Receptive skills like listening and reading are enriched by the experience of using pictures and audio from the classroom or from a school trip as a basis for learning.

Results

Improvements:

• The design of DAZonline was completely revised. Learning is now even more fun and the platform looks more appealing for adults.
• Active filters are no longer lost during navigation. Additionally, pre-set filters or search results can now be shared via URL.
• Various updates and improvements of the technical components.

New features:

• Multiple learning images can be joined together as a collection. This enables teachers to create a topic or stories from learning images. Learners can navigate to the next picture during the learning process with a single click or swipe.
• Teachers can export individual images or entire collections as PDFs. A QR code is automatically generated, which leads to the corresponding learning image.
• The improved access mechanism now allows the sharing of learning pictures via a secret link. This allows teachers to use photos from the classroom without having to worry about privacy issues.
• Selection of different types of hotspots (labels on the image) to guide the learner's attention.
• Copyright information can be added to the learning images.

See it in action: dazonline.ch

Comparison before and after

Project data

• Time frame: February 2020 – January 2021
• Total man-hours: 1800
• Team size: 8 members (6 developers, 1 product owner, 1 scrum master)

Client

Susanne Grassmann (), Verein Lernbild

Project team

• Dominique Grimm
• Rahel Koch
• Cliff Clemente
• Raphael Jordi
• Pascal Mathis
• Tobias Siegrist
• Matthias Ledergerber
• Jonas Hadorn

Supervisor

Thekla Müller

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