Flipping the Classroom

The chapter explores and describes the use of flipping the classroom approach in a Kazakhstani university language class. Flipping the classroom means that students gain first exposure to new material outside of class, depending on the preferred learning style it happens via reading or lecture videos, and then use class time to do the harder work of assimilating that knowledge, perhaps through problem solving, discussion, or debates. The idea that lies behind this approach is not new. However, the access to these reading and writing materials using digital technology is relatively new. The research question of this study was, How does flipping the classroom work in the language classroom? In law schools, for example, the approach was a traditional way of teaching in which students prepared ahead of time to participate in Socratic seminars.

Exploring Innovation in Second Language Writing Teaching

A general aim of the present study is to address the issue of what constitutes the concept of innovation from teacher cognition in the context of second language (L2) writing. This study presents a qualitative exploration into the innovative teaching practices of six Vietnamese EFL teachers coming from three emphases of L2 writing teaching instruction: L2 writing teaching with an emphasis on (1) language skills development, (2) reading text comprehension, and (3) focused textual features. Employing constant comparative analysis into finding interpretations, this study sets the focus on exploring the teaching background of the participants and the dimension of how teacher self-efficacy has an influence on teacher implementation of innovative L2 writing teaching practices. Findings from the study suggest patterns of teacher concerns and teacher thinking of in their L2 writing teaching practices. Further implications are discussed in line with future research and teaching development.

Role of the Social Constructivist Theory, Andragogy, and Computer-Mediated Instruction (CMI) in Adult ESL Learning and Teaching Environments

The purpose of this chapter is to explore whether social constructivism promotes mobile technology rich, student-centered learning/teaching practices, leading adult English as a second language (ESL) students to transform into self-directed learners. Under this theory, a shift from teacher-centered English language learning to a student-oriented approach to how students acquire basic English skills is promoted and students' possible transformation into independent and autonomous learners is fostered because, by use of mobile technologies, they may successfully transfer information from their previous experiences to their current knowledge. Incorporating mobile learning (m-Learning) into their instruction and making social constructivism an integral part of their curriculum, ESL teachers can contribute to their students transformation into self-directed learners as an active, knowledge-building community and in charge of their own learning processes, which explains that this theory is highly compatible with the principles grounded in what Knowles proposed as a progressive learning approach for adult education: andragogy.

Blended Unified Design (BUD)

Blended unified design (BUD) is a new instructional design (ID) model created with the purpose of positively influencing second language learning/teaching environments, with an emphasis on English as a second language (ESL) learning and teaching settings. Another purpose with the construct of this innovative ID model is to introduce it to second language educators, instructional designers, scholars, educational leaders, and all other critical players who are engaged in the design, development, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of instruction.

A Comprehensive Call Solution for Writing in the Disciplines

This chapter describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a CALL support system for a university literacy project funded by the University Grants Committee in Hong Kong. The project, Supporting and Developing Students' English Literacy Practices in the Disciplines, was a collaboration among three universities: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Baptist University. The chapter first describes collaboration between discipline teachers and language teachers to identify appropriate genre-based online support for students followed by details of the comprehensive needs analysis. Most importantly, the chapter focuses on how this CALL system was designed and developed to meet the needs of different stakeholders including the manner in which the comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic design helps non-traditional and independent tertiary level learners develop literacy skills for their content courses. The chapter concludes by providing details of an evaluation of the CALL system conducted with various stakeholders.

Using ICT for ESL Learning at Primary Schools

This chapter reveals a pragmatic focus on the issue of classroom communication under the affordance of ICT. Placing the specific context for ESL learning at primary schools, the interlink between the five Cs of modern learning theory and three core components technology, theory, and pedagogy in computer-assisted language learning frames critical consideration for three key areas: (1) facilitating exploratory talk, (2) enhancing collaboration in learning, and (3) exchanging communication. Examples are selected to demonstrate the above dimensions and to address teaching with ICT implementation in ESL context. This chapter ends with an evaluation for the effectiveness of ICT implementation in the domain of teaching implementation for ESL primary learners.

A Model for Professional Development in Technology Integration

The change in any instructional practice requires an effective professional development plan that best addresses the needs of the teachers. This chapter is an attempt to conceptualize a research-based multi-dimensional model for professional development of teachers with respect to technology integration. The purpose of this study was to use the current literature to determine the characteristics of high quality professional development that focuses on the integration of instructional technology into teaching practices. This study developed as a result of the findings and recommendations from a previous quasi-experimental study. Following a thorough review of related literature to illuminate the recommended professional development practices, a model was developed based on the TPACK framework. The proposed model includes (1) TPACK as the central framework to design the teacher technology integration curricula, (2) the use of online discussion and support platforms to ensure the sustainability component of the training, and (3) on-site professional collaboration and partnership to provide teachers with opportunities to model, share their experiences.

Genesis, Development, and Future of Two Exemplary Podcast Courses in a Higher Educational Institution

This chapter focuses on the pedagogical and linguistic benefits that podcasting offers language learners in a world that is becoming increasingly centered around mobile technology. The huge growth in the number of mobile devices owned, the expansion of the mobile internet, and the development of cheaper ways to access online information offers both learners and instructors an ideal opportunity to access specifically prepared content whenever and wherever it is convenient for them to do so. Language learning should be much more than just acquiring knowledge in a traditional academic setting such as a classroom or within a tightly structured and controlled language course. Therefore, this chapter will conclude with a detailed analysis of how podcasting can empower learners to move away from traditional settings and attitudes to language acquisition by individualizing the learning process.

Using ICTs and Mobile Devices to Assist Adult English-Language Learning

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and mobile devices to assist language acquisition has expanded rapidly during the past decade given the prevalence of broadband networks and mobile phones. Many studies have examined how these technologies can facilitate English-language learning. The chapter will discuss the current research on using ICTs to create e-portfolios to support language learning, the role of mobile devices in the language-learning process, the impact of using ICTs on English-language learners' (ELLs) learning other than language acquisition (e.g., increasing their sense of a learning community), and the design procedure of such a learning environment. Future research in this area also will be discussed.