scholarly journals Theoretical perspectives and new practices in audio-graphic conferencing for language learning

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
REGINE HAMPEL
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Open University ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Communicative Skills ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Conferencing System

This article will start with the situation at the Open University, where languages are taught at a distance. Online tuition using an audio-graphic Internet-based conferencing system called Lyceum is one of the ways used to develop students’ communicative skills.Following Garrett’s call for an integration of research and practice at EUROCALL 1997 (Garrett, 1998) – a call which is still valid today – the present article proposes a conceptual framework which can support the use of conferencing systems such as Lyceum in language learning and teaching. In the first part of the article, I examine several pedagogical theories supporting language learning, that is, second language acquisition and sociocultural theories, and multimodality, and apply them to the practice of audio-graphic computer-mediated communication (CMC) as used at the Open University. I also build on previous research, which, however, is still dominated by written CMC. What Erben stated in 1999 is still true: that audio-graphic technology “remains under-researched and under-theorised.” (Erben, 1999:230). Firstly, I therefore examine studies on written CMC and secondly those that have been conducted on audio-graphic CMC in order to identify the benefits and challenges of these media.Both the pedagogical theory and previous studies of CMC have informed the design and implementation of online tuition at the Open University. Thus the second part of the article reports on a research project on Lyceum, which took place in 2002. The goal of the project was to evaluate the use of audio-graphic conferencing in practice, and this in turn has instigated both improvements in the software used and in student support as well as further changes to the task design. I present some findings and discuss both the challenges of audio-graphic conferencing that were encountered and the benefits that were identified.

Learners’ interactions: a comparison of oral and computer-assisted written conversations

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARISOL FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA ◽  
ASUNCÍON MARTÍNEZ ARBELAIZ
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Language Context

Previous research has underscored the role of negotiation in providing appropriate conditions for second language acquisition. Varonis and Gass (1985b), in a study of English as a Second Language (ESL), found greater amount of negotiation in non-native–non-native interaction than in native-non–native interaction. Given the increased interest in computer mediated communication and in its applications to language learning, this investigation explores whether those results are obtained when using an electronic written medium. This study compared the negotiations generated by dyads of non-native speakers (NNS–NNS), native speakers (NS–NS), and non-native and native speakers (NNS–NS), in the oral and written modes. The results revealed that the NNS–NS group negotiated in the oral mode significantly more than in the written mode; this group also negotiated significantly more than the other two groups in the oral mode. Learners' shared social and linguistic background seemed to have facilitated the comprehension of input. Conversely, lack of familiarity with native speaker's pronunciation seemed to have caused more breakdowns in the oral conversations of the mixed dyads. Though the results of this study suggest that negotiation is not the main resource to obtain modified input in a foreign language context, other learning strategies that may be beneficial in the language learning process were at use in learner-learner interaction.

scholarly journals Hijacking hypermedia and other highways to learn computer science on a distancelearning course

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Wilson ◽  
Denise Whitelock
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Open University ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Conferencing System ◽  
The Web

A teaching project using Computer-Mediated Communication (CMQ to aid students' understanding of computer science took place from February to November 1995 at the Open University. The project fell within that of STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), and the course was M205 - STILE: Fundamentals of Computing. Four different institutions were involved: the Universities of Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and the Open University (Ruggles, 1995; Ruggles et al, 1995; Underwood et al, 1996; Zhao et al, 1996). One of the main aims of the Open University implementation was to improve the presentation of the computer science course by enabling structured access to online facilities for both tutor-to-student and student-to-student communication. The nine tutors and 110 computer science students were situated nationwide and in Europe. In line with our partners, we used the Netscape browser version 1 revision N, with Trumpet version 2 revision B. Although use of the Web for teaching and learning was underpinned by a wealth of literature about hypertext and hypermedia (see Nielsen 1993; Laurillard, 1994), it did not successfully sustain conferencing in 1995. Therefore we also adopted the FirstClass conferencing system (version 2.6) to accommodate our distance-learning students.DOI:10.1080/0968776970050206

Principles and Guidelines for Task Design in CMC Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-34
Author(s):  
Klaus Brandl
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Cognitive Complexity ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Task Design ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Task Effects ◽  
Sociocultural Perspectives ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Computer Mediated

The goal of this chapter is to describe principles and guidelines that are to serve course designers and materials developers as a guide to task design in computer-mediated communication (CMC) learning environments. Drawing on cognitive and sociocultural perspectives, it argues that in task design it is imperative to bring into alignment a range of factors, such as the linguistic and cognitive complexity of the content, goals and outcome, processing conditions, and number of participants, in order to maximize targeted outcomes. The chapter is divided into three sections: First, a brief overview of theoretical perspectives and different design variables is provided. Second, different guidelines that are based on current research on CMC task effects are discussed. Last, the chapter concludes in the appendix with the description of rationales and procedures for 11 different task configurations that are to serve as prototypes and illustrate how task effects can be maximized in CMC-based online language learning.

Culture and Language Learning in Computer-Enhanced or Assisted Language Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 73-87
Author(s):  
Bolanle A. Olaniran
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated

This chapter explores computer-mediated communication (CMC) and information communication technology (ICT) use in language learning. More specifically, the chapter addresses the impact or implications of CMC tools for computer enhanced language learning. The chapter attempts to present a review of key literature in adaptation of communication technologies to teaching or learning language in general and specifically second language acquisition. The chapter stresses the need to understand culture and contextual appropriateness of language, thus, it argues for communication technology to be used as a secondary resource rather than a primary tool for language learners. The discussion addresses the dimensions of cultural variability with respect to language learning. At the same time, features of synchronous and asynchronous CMC were analyzed in the context of language learning. Finally, the chapter addresses implications for language learning in computer mediated communication or computer assisted environments.

Virtual immersion

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenza Tudini
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Discourse Markers ◽  
Negotiation Of Meaning ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Computer Mediated

Most studies in the field of synchronous Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) deal with interactions between language learners, while interactions between native speakers (NS) and learners have not been explored to the same extent, particularly to ascertain whether chatting with NS can provide a pedagogically sound bridge to conversation. Through the analysis of interactions within a NS Italian chatline, this paper considers whether the chatline environment can act as a bridge to conversational Italian by providing the same opportunities for second language acquisition reputedly offered by face-to-face interaction. Italian NS chatline discourse is analysed for its conversational ‘flavour’ by considering variety of Italian, range of topics, questions, discourse markers, feedback tokens and negotiations. The findings of this study suggest that NS chat discourse can provide learners with exposure to colloquial and regional varieties of Italian, which are generally unavailable in language textbooks. Furthermore, NS chatline discourse offers learners a type of informal conversational practice which also includes negotiation of meaning, thus confirming its role in promoting language learning.

Exploring German preservice teachers’ electronic and professional literacy skills

ReCALL ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROLIN FUCHS
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Computer Mediated

This article presents findings from an exploratory pilot project which aimed at fostering electronic and professional literacy skills of preservice language teachers through computer-mediated peer collaboration. The research context is a qualitative case study involving cooperation via the email and chat functions of FirstClass among preservice teachers at the Justus-Liebig Universität in Giessen and the Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg in Germany. The author investigates participants’ prior experiences with regard to computer skills, Internet proficiency, and technology-based language learning and teaching. Next, she discusses benefits and challenges for preservice teachers with respect to collaborating via computers (computer-mediated communication or CMC) with their transatlantic partners. In collecting and analyzing preservice teachers’ reflections, a Grounded Theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was used. Instances of electronic and professional literacies were identified and triangulated with data from pre-course questionnaires, post-course self-assessments, logs, email and chat transcripts, and field notes. The author discusses benefits and challenges which preservice teachers encountered through the collaboration. Findings include preservice teachers’ differing levels of electronic literacy skills, tolerance for ambiguity, institutional constraints, peer feedback, and perception of the final product. Based on her findings, the author stresses the need to encourage preservice teachers’ meta-level reflections on the challenges of the collaboration and suggests conducting longitudinal follow-up studies in order to investigate if and how in-service teachers apply the knowledge they gained from their teacher education program to their own teaching.

scholarly journals Review of "Disruptive Technologies and the Language Classroom: a complex systems theory approach"

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Behice Ceyda Cengiz
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Technologies ◽  
Disruptive Technologies ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Language Classroom

<p>Which dynamics of language learning and teaching change when traditional face-to-face language classrooms are moved to the online medium? And more importantly, does the advent of online technologies change the ways language teachers teach and language learners learn? In “Disruptive Technologies and the Language Classroom”, Hampel (2019) provides new insights into these important questions. She points out that online language learning and teaching destabilizes the language classroom by affecting its overall dynamics and by opening up new venues for language learning and teaching. By referring to her years-long experience in online language teaching and research, she argues that understanding the effects of these online technologies will better help language learners to communicate successfully in the second language (L2). Viewing communication as an aim and instrument in language learning, she focuses on the idiosyncrasies of computer-mediated communication and presents a theoretical discussion of computer-mediated communication’s unique features and affordances in reference to related literature. </p>

Current Trends in Online Language Learning

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 19-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Blake
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Language Games ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Online Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Development ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Virtual Classes

Online language learning (OLL) can take place in Web-facilitated, hybrid, or fully virtual classes. These formats are beginning to attract serious attention from the language profession and, in particular, the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This article traces recent studies of online learning and then focuses in on its application to language learning through tutorial CALL, social computing, and games for language learning. I strive to show that tutorial CALL and computer-mediated communication can complement each other in the service of modern language instruction, along with the inclusion of language games. Although assessment studies of OLL remain sparse, the evidence is steadily mounting that shows that these new formats can provide learning environments conducive to successful second language development when properly integrated into the curriculum.

Promoting Autonomous Language Learning in Online Environments

10.47908/9/15 ◽  
2013 ◽  
pp. 165-280
Author(s):  
Maria De Santo ◽  
Luisa Boardman
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

The Self-Access Language Centre of the University of Naples “L’Orientale” (CILA) promotes the development of autonomy in language learning, offering a wide range of technology-based resources and a language counselling service. In the last few years, to satisfy the growing need for independent language learning in our university, we have integrated autonomous learning in the SAC with online pathways and multimedia materials. We started by offering online Self-Access activities in blended courses, integrating face-to-face classroom teaching with online modules. This experiment enabled us to develop a kind of blended autonomous learning, combining a real-life SAC with online Self-Access Centres. Virtual SACs suggest a variety of language learning activities and allow learners to study a language while reflecting on their learning process. In the online SAC, language counsellors implement the language learner’s autonomy promoted in presence in the SAC, interacting with them through computer-mediated communication. In this paper we shall look at how the promotion of autonomy in language learning can be enhanced through the integration of technology-based materials and activities made available in self-access modality. Our aim is to present online resources designed to help students learn a foreign language autonomously.

The Open University of Israel

2011 ◽  
pp. 1546-1553
Author(s):  
Zippy Erlich ◽  
Judith Gal-Ezer
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Jewish Studies ◽  
Open University ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Computer Mediated

The Open University of Israel (OUI) is a distance education institution with open admissions that offers academic studies to students throughout Israel. Its home-study method allows its students to pursue higher education whenever and wherever convenient. The OUI offers over 500 courses in life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences, management, Jewish studies, education, humanities, psychology, communications, music and art, and more, and has about 38,000 students all over Israel and abroad. The OUI has traditionally taken advantage of existing technologies and has integrated state-of-the-art technology into its courses. For several years, the OUI has been integrating computer-mediated-communication (CMC) technologies into its course Web sites to improve its distance teaching. These new teaching methods expand and enrich the written textbooks that are the basis for teaching at the OUI. The incorporation of technological teaching methods is fully adapted to the written study materials that are prepared by experts in their fields. Below, we will present the OUI and its distance learning methods, which include the integration of the CMC technologies.

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