Language students and their technologies: Charting the evolution 2006–2011

ReCALL ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline H Steel ◽  
Mike Levy
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Language Students ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Compare And Contrast

AbstractThis paper has two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to record the technologies in current use by learners of a range of languages at an Australian university in 2011. Data was collected via a large-scale survey of 587 foreign language students across ten languages at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Notably the data differentiates between those technologies that students used inside and outside of formal classrooms as well as recording particular technologies and applications that students perceived as beneficial to their language learning. Secondly, this study aims to compare and contrast its findings with those from two previous studies that collected data on students’ use of technologies five years earlier, in 2006, in the UK and Canada. The intention is to chart major developments and changes that have occurred during the intervening five-year period, between 2006 and 2011. The data reported in two studies, one by Conole (2008) and one by Peters, Weinberg and Sarma (2008) are used as points of reference for the comparison with the present study.The findings of the current study point to the autonomy and independence of the language learners in this cohort and the re-emergence of CALL tools, both for in-class and out-of-class learning activities. According to this data set, learners appear to have become more autonomous and independent and much more able to shape and resource their personal language learning experience in a blended learning setting. The students also demonstrate a measure of sophistication in their use of online tools, such that they are able to work around known limitations and constraints. In other words, the students have a keen awareness of the affordances of the technologies they are using.

scholarly journals Language Learning Advice at the University of Leeds

2015 ◽  
pp. 120-123
Author(s):  
Jadzia Terlecka ◽  
Carolin Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Language Students ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Principal Elements

This article introduces the role and work of the Language Learning Adviser based in the University of Leeds Language Zone, one of the largest self-access centres in the UK. The Language Zone houses language learning resources for over 40 languages, including English. The Language Learning Adviser’s office is located in this area. The article will present an overview of the facilities available in the Language Zone (LZ), followed by a detailed description of the Adviser’s role. The role consists of three principal elements: providing individual consultations with students, developing and monitoring materials, and offering workshops on aspects of language learning. The increasing role of technology in language learning is also discussed and mention made of activities and events organised for language students by the Language Zone and the Language Learning Adviser.

scholarly journals Cafe Delphi: Strategies for successful remote academic collaboration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Jolly ◽  
Laura Caulfield ◽  
Rachel Massie ◽  
Bozena Sojka ◽  
Steve Iafrati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Cooperative Research ◽  
Remote Collaboration ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
World Cafe ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Combination Of Methods ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Online Methods ◽  
The University

<div>Developing collaborative and cooperative research across academic disciplines and university administrative boundaries can be a challenge. In an attempt to understand and propose solutions to this challenge, the authors of this paper set out to: test an innovative combination of methods to generate and evaluate ideas and strategies; and to write about the findings using collaborative online methods. During this process Universities in the UK moved to online working and so the authors completed this paper through entirely online means.</div><div>The authors - a team of academic researchers from the University of Wolverhampton - came together in sessions designed as a hybrid of World Café and Delphi technique approaches to discuss challenges and solutions. The findings were written up drawing on insights from the use of massively authored papers (also known as ‘massively open online papers’, MOOPs), and online tools to enable remote collaboration. This paper presents details of the process, the findings, and reflections on this collaborative and cooperative exercise. That this paper was written using the methods discussed within it, highlights the value and success of the approach.</div><div>In light of the current Coronavirus pandemic and the increased need to work remotely, this paper offers academics useful strategies for meaningful and productive online collaboration.</div>

scholarly journals Helping Second Language Student Writers Improve Their Revision

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Wenzhe Kang ◽  
Ruiyi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Native English Speakers ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Student Writers ◽  
Writing Ability ◽  
Language Students

Writing ability is a comprehensive evaluation of language learning level. Nowadays, most universities offer writing-related courses to help students lay a good foundation for writing and contribute to their subsequent studies. Compared with native English speakers, second language learners need to do more revision, which is a great challenge for second language learners. Therefore, in this paper, the aim is to make the second language students understand and apply the revision correctly.    

scholarly journals Design and Management of a Self-Access Language Learning Space Integrated into a Taught Course

2016 ◽  
pp. 136-151
Author(s):  
Sahar Alzahrani ◽  
Vicky Wright
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Look Ahead ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
The Many ◽  
The University

This paper reports on the design and management of an online self-access language learning (SALL) space that was used with a group of Saudi medical students to complement classroom-based learning. The aim was to increase the opportunities for communication and language practice and, more specifically, to help develop the learners’ language learning autonomy (Little, 1999). In a pre-study, a questionnaire and a focus group were used to collect information about the students’ needs and interests in language learning. The design of this space was informed by the students’ feedback on their language learning needs and styles as recommended by Breen (1986) and Marsh (2012). Desire2Learn, a widely used virtual learning environment, was used to provide learners with an online self-access center because of the many features it has which would help learners to take control of their learning. The learning resources and online tools included instant messaging (IM), a news stream, access to a facilitator and other learning support, moderated discussions, videos, images, activities and quizzes, as well as links to external materials and to free self-access language learning resources. A description will be provided of how the materials, the tools, and the facilities were integrated within this space along with the justification for each of the elements. A look ahead to how this study could be extended for use with all learners enrolled in the medical scheme of the university will be discussed at the end of the paper.

scholarly journals Setting Up a Language Learning Environment in Microsoft Teams

2020 ◽  
pp. 263-270
Author(s):  
Carolin Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Short Notice ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
The University ◽  
Support Students ◽  
Staff Skills ◽  
Do So

The Language Zone at the University of Leeds, UK, is well established as a hub for language learners across the campus, both those on language courses and those studying languages independently for a variety of reasons. It has been operating entirely online since March 2020 and will do so until the campus fully re-opens. This written account gives a brief overview of the changes made to the Language Zone’s services and provision of learning materials in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including how the team members’ roles were adapted to ensure staff skills were taken into account. In addition to showing how services were maintained when the campus was closed at short notice and teaching was moved online until further notice, the study outlines how the Language Zone developed a platform to support the 2020 summer pre-sessional programmes to be delivered completely online. Finally, reflecting on the recent achievements and considering how to support students in the future, it aims to inspire other self-access centres to think about what they can do to develop their services in response to the crisis and beyond.

Attitudes of Adult EFL Learners Towards Preparing for a Language Test via CALL

2019 ◽  
pp. 1730-1745
Author(s):  
Nilüfer Bekleyen ◽  
Serkan Çelik
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Language Test ◽  
State University ◽  
Adult Language Learners ◽  
Traditional Classroom Teaching ◽  
Higher Education Preparation

The present study focuses on the attitudes of adult language learners towards an Internet-based computer program designed to prepare the users for a language test. The participants were the attendees of a YDS (National Foreign Language Examination offered by the Turkish Council of Higher Education) preparation course which was conducted at a state university in Turkey. Sixty participants contributed to the study. Their attitudes towards Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) were measured via two different instruments: a questionnaire and an interview. The results indicated that lower level learners had significantly better attitudes towards CALL compared to higher level learners. In general, the participants found computers to be more interesting, motivating and encouraging but did not consider the traditional classroom teaching substitutable with CALL. The findings revealed no significant changes pertaining to the participants' attitudes towards CALL after their language learning experience with computers for four months.

CSCL – a tool to motivate foreign language learners: The Finnish application

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
TUIJA LEHTONEN ◽  
SIRPA TUOMAINEN
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
On Line ◽  
Language Students

This article discusses the applications of the theory of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to teaching and learning a foreign language, in this case, one of the ‘Less Commonly Taught Languages’, Finnish. The ‘Virtually Finnish’ project was based on the idea of creating a larger, virtual Finnish learning community among the second-year Finnish language students in five US universities during the fall semester, 2001. CSCL was chosen as a base, as its principal goal is to aid the learners in sharing and distributing their knowledge to the whole learning community. In addition to discussing the set up and the content of the project, the students’ feedback about their language learning experience in the CSCL-environment will be examined. Furthermore, the conclusions, and the realization of our goals from the perspective of CSCL, as well as the students’ feedback on the collaborative process will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from limited feedback, a discussion of tools to aid language students in becoming a part of motivating and authentic collaboration projects on-line will be discussed. Looking at the students’ work on-line, as well as the feedback received, it was realized that certain skills crucial for communication have been neglected in teaching. Furthermore, it was realized that teaching on-line learning strategies in addition to teaching the target language is crucial. Future plans, and ideas for research in the area of CSCL will be shared in anticipation of inspiring others to undertake further research.

Building better customer relationships: case studies from Malta and the UK

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 430-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Broady‐Preston ◽  
Joanna Felice ◽  
Susan Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Basic Premise ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of two surveys conducted at the University of Malta Library, 2003‐20044 and Lanchester Library, University of Coventry, 2005‐2006. Relationships between library staff and their customers are explored using a customer relationships management (CRM) framework.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups were used to ascertain customer and staff perceptions of the quality of library service and the existing nature of customer/librarian relationships.FindingsCRM was a useful framework for analysing the perceived worth of university libraries. In the contemporary competitive environment, librarians needed not only to ascertain and meet customer need, but to form active collaborations with their customers if the true market potential of academic libraries is to be realised. Good communication strategies are essential for CRM to be successful. Training for staff and customers in information skills and/or new systems is an essential element of a CRM approach.Research limitations/implicationsFurther large‐scale research is desirable to test the basic premise and the methodology employed in greater depth.Practical implicationsInvolving customers actively in the design and delivery of library services has positive benefits vis‐à‐vis the perceived worth and value of the service within the wider institution.Originality/valueDemonstrates the value of adopting a CRM strategy within university libraries.

scholarly journals Self-directed use of mobile devices for language learning beyond the classroom

ReCALL ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Lai ◽  
Dongping Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Learning Tasks

AbstractThe essence of mobile learning is learners’ agentic use of mobile devices to create learning experiences across time and space. Thus, understanding learners’ perceptions and preferred use of mobile devices for learning are critical to realizing the educational potentials of mobile learning. This study explored language learners’ self-directed use of mobile devices beyond the classroom through a survey and interview study with foreign language learners at a university in Hong Kong. A total of 256 learners were surveyed and 18 were interviewed to understand the nature of mobile language learning experiences that these learners engaged in autonomously beyond the classroom. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three dimensions of self-directed out-of-class mobile learning experience. Among the three dimensions, learners were found to use mobile devices more for facilitating the personalization of learning than for enhancing the authenticity and social connection in learning. This study further revealed that selective use was an outcome of the interaction between learner-defined affordances of the devices, their culturally informed and habitual use of the devices, their perceptions of the nature of the learning tasks, and the tempo-spatial circumstances of task implementation. The findings suggest that these factors need to be considered when designing mobile learning activities and educational interventions that promote mobile learning beyond the classroom.

Language learning using multimedia conferencing: the ReLaTe project

ReCALL ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
It Services ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Joint Research Project ◽  
University College London ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Multimedia Conferencing

The article provides a description of the ReLaTe (remote language teaching) project, to develop a working demonstrator using a multicast-based conferencing system (Mbone service), for distance foreign language tuition. It covers aspects of technical development for applications over SuperJANET and gives an overview of the trials and evaluation, including how students and teachers adjusted to the system; the advantages and drawbacks of the system; how the system affected learning and teaching in the context of acquisition and delivery of foreign languages. The ReLaTe project is a joint research project between the University of Exeter and University College London, involving the Foreign Language Centre and IT Services (Pallas) at Exeter and the Language Centre and the Department of Computer Science at UCL. The project began in September 1994, with funding from BT and JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) of the Higher Education Council of the UK. mis article covers the work of the project from September 1994 until December 1995.

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