Language Learning Online: Towards Best PracticeThis important and accessible book identifies the key elements in the quest for best practice in online language teaching. The authors, all of them international experts who have made significant contributions to the debate about how to exploit the new technologies, consider online language teaching from three crucial perspectives: design, tools and pedagogy. Their recommendations are such that they can actually be realised in spite of the limitations of today's educational environments. The book demonstrates that the new technologies offer far greater potential for authentic encounters and constructivist learning than even the best classroom simulations; that automated exercise and feedback structures can be individualised and meaningful; and that if we have to teach fully by distance, these ventures no longer need to represent impoverished versions of live classes but can engender a strong sense of community. To achieve this we need to understand what elements constitute good design both in technical and pedagogical terms, to think seriously about providing the best feedback possible, and to have the courage to take the risks associated with letting go of traditional learner/teacher relationships. |
Contents
designing towards user acceptability | 21 |
Optimising web course design for language learners | 43 |
Servers clients testing and teaching | 59 |
Engaging the learner how to author for best feedback | 81 |
MOO as a language learning tool | 97 |
Virtual worlds as arenas for language learning | 123 |
Common terms and phrases
Active Worlds approach audio authentic authoring tools Blackboard browser CALL chat classroom client-side collaborative communication Computer-Assisted Language Learning concept concordancers conferencing constructivist course create creative Debski discussion distance education Dublin Core evaluation example exercise face-to-face feedback Felix functionality graphics Hémard Hot Potatoes hypertext ICT4LT important instructional design instructor interaction interface Internet language teachers learners learning activities learning and teaching Learning Management System LMS system Lyceum materials module MOO-based multimedia NetMeeting offer online learning options outcomes participants pedagogical players possible practice programs requirements role SCORM second language Second Language Acquisition server simulation specific structure Swets & Zeitlinger synchronous target language tasks template testing tutors types Umeå University University usability users virtual environment virtual reality virtual worlds Warschauer web-based WebCT websites whiteboard Wimba
References to this book
Proceedings fo the 2nd International Conference on E-Learning: ECEL Dan Remenyi No preview available - 2007 |
Errors and Intelligence in Computer-assisted Language Learning: Parsers and ... Trude Heift,Mathias Schulze No preview available - 2007 |