This paper reports on the results of an action research project at Coventry University that consisted of
the evaluation of a curriculum innovation supported by the use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) WebCT, i.e. a new
module (course): Academic and Professional Skills for Language Learning. The
project was carried out collaboratively by staff – all
the linguists teaching level 1 modules in EFL, French, German, Italian, Russian
and Spanish – and students over a period of
ten months in 2002–2003. The module aims at engaging students actively with
the new literacies and skills required by the ‘knowledge
society’. The provisional hypothesis was that skills-based teaching and learning activities that are aligned
with the needs of language learners would raise confidence in academic and professional skills and increase motivation and
proficiency in language learning. The use of the Virtual Learning Environment Web Communication Tools (WebCT), available within
the online learning portal both on and off campus for students at Coventry University, would be instrumental in testing the
hypothesis, as it provided an interactive reflective forum for both staff and students involved. Both qualitative and
quantitative data were collected. The paper will show how the use of the Virtual Learning Environment facilitated the creation
of exercises that developed both ICT skills and language-specific ones. On a less positive note, the results confirmed the
outcomes of other research in the field, i.e. that students find it challenging to become reflective, autonomous learners and
that we cannot assume that the use of technology automatically leads to autonomy. Many students also found it challenging to see
the relevance to their studies of skills and literacies that went beyond the four basic language skills. The paper will conclude
by illustrating both the positive and the negative outcomes of the project and outlining the staff/student-agreed way forward
in the light of the issues encountered.
Supporting a course in new literacies and skills for linguists
with a Virtual Learning Environment. Results from a staff/student collaborative action-research project
at Coventry University
