More on Plug-and-Play

Welcome to the Plug-and-Play category. This guide will help you through the preparation and submission process.

Category Description

This category is for 'plug and play' submissions that language teachers can use directly without modifications. Ensuring immediate usability maintains consistency, quality, and accessibility across diverse classrooms, particularly with video materials that are difficult to edit and may not allow teachers the time or resources for adjustments.

Requirements

A plug-and-play submission requires three components: 1) Video(s), 2) Video Abstract, and 3) Navigation notes.

Video Specification

Remove any references to specific contexts from the videos, such as institutions, subjects, assessments, and particular requirements. Acknowledgements, however, are appreciated.
Check compatibility of any interactive elements with common web browsers and mobile devices.
Ensure that all content used in the video is either original or properly licensed. For details, please see the Copyright page.
Confirm that videos are no longer than 5 minutes.
Encode video in MP4 format and have at least a high-definition resolution of either 1920x1080 or 1280x720 pixels, with a preferred aspect ratio of 16:9.
Limit file size to 1GB or less.

Video Abstract

The video abstract is intended to work in the same way as a text-based abstract. Video abstracts should be approximately 30 seconds (no more than one minute even for long pieces). Below is a suggestion for the content in a three-sentence format:

Sentence 1: What problem or need brought about the production of this learning object?
Sentence 2: In what way is this learning object unique, engaging and/or interactive?
Sentence 3: How can the learning object be used in a classroom?

For more details, please read the Video Abstract Guidelines

Navigation Notes

The ‘navigation notes’ section of the Plug & Play submission works alongside the video abstract to guide users on the most appropriate use of the submitted video.

Introduce the materials, format, purpose, target audience, and subject area.
State overall goals and specific objectives for teachers and students.
Provide tips for maximizing the effectiveness of the materials in diverse classroom settings.
Include links to any external sources.
Outline any preparation for teachers and students, and sequence of activities.
Mention any prerequisites or required materials.

Also see the Navigation Notes Section in the Video Abstract Guidelines

Preparation Guiding Questions

Though the following guiding questions are intended to help you determine whether your submission is a good fit for STiLE, there is no expectation that your submission would answer every question directly.

Is the content widely taught and useful for various teaching contexts?
Is it innovative or original in some way?
Is it freestanding and not tied to a specific course or program?
Can other teachers use the videos directly without modifications?
Are the production values high, making it clear and attractive?
Is the content accurate and aligned with current scholarly thinking in language education?
Is it engaging?
Does it allow for interaction, such as through links for student output via an app or website?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does a submission look like?

A: Please refer to the Plug-and-Play Scholarship page.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a question?

A: editor_plugandplay@stile.hk

Q: Who can submit materials to the Plug-and-Play section?

A: Submissions are open to all educators, researchers, and content creators involved in language teaching and learning.

Q: When is the deadline?

A: Submissions are welcomed on an ongoing basis.

Q: How long will the review process take?

A: Submissions will be reviewed by our editorial team with the aim of finishing the review process within four weeks. Submissions are evaluated based on their usefulness, innovation, production quality, accuracy, engagement, and interactivity.

Q: Will the editorial team email me directly with feedback?

A: You will receive feedback and any necessary revision requests via email from the online platform.

Q: Can I submit materials in a language other than English?

A: Submissions can cover any language and be in any language. If the submission is not in English or Chinese, please contact the editors (editor_plugandplay@stile.hk).