GLOSS 是Global Language Online Support System的簡稱,為美國國防部建置的語言學習網站,提供38種語言的學習課程,中文為其一,為華語學習者提供了實用的線上自學工具。 使用者於主頁選取語言類別後,可依需求設定程度、技能類別、核心能力以及主題等條件,搜尋適合自己的學習資源。程度方面,GLOSS將所有課程做了簡明的難易度排列,以1到4標明等級。技能類別則以聽和讀為主,材料多來自真實的文章、報導、廣播節目等,與生活結合。而核心能力則分為詞彙、句型篇章能力以及社會文化,課程型態配合目標有所調整,有效幫助使用者增進不同層面的語言知識。 最後,GLOSS系統好處在於每課之前都提供學習目標及課程概述,綱舉目張,簡潔清楚,不但能幫助使用者篩選課程,也能作為教師教學設計的參考。
Global Language Online Support System, GLOSS, is a language learning website set up by the Secretary of Defense of the United States. It offers lessons in 38 languages, Chinese is one of them. Once after selecting the type of language in the main page, users then can set their learning criteria, such as level, skills, core ability, and theme. Lessons are divided into 4 levels, whereas skills focus on listening and reading skills. Core abilities include vocabulary, syntax, discourse, and social culture. A clear list of learning objectives is given at the beginning of each lesson, users can use that to help them select the lesson they want to learn.