LG478-7-AU: FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING
Year: 2012/13
Department: Language and Linguistics
Essex credit: 15
ECTS credit: 7.5
Available to Study Abroad / Exchange Students: No Comments: N/A
| Module is taught during the following terms |
| Autumn |  | Spring |  | Summer | |
Module Description
TOPICS COVERED IN THE MODULE include:
* The history of CALL
* Why/When/How should we use computers in the language classroom?
* Evaluating the pedagogical potential of CALL software
* Constructing CALL activities & worksheets
* Research methods in CALL
* Current CALL research
* Problematizing CALL
STUDENT CONTRIBUTION
Students will be expected to contribute to sessions with questions, comments, and discussion. They will be expected to attend regularly, to read texts in advance of class as required, and to actively engage in the creation and/or evaluation of CALL materials. Participants will be expected to build upon the foundations provided through contact hours by engaging in further, independent work.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
* To familiarize students with the history and current state of computer-assisted language learning (CALL).
* To equip students with the basic arguments in favour of, and against, using CALL in the language classroom.
* To provide hands-on experience of using CALL resources.
* To provide hands-on experience of creating CALL tasks using tools such as presentation applications, WYSIWYG editors, basic authoring programmes, and word processors.
*To relate CALL to current ideas about language learning and teaching.
* To improve students' transferable skills such a problem solving ability and the confidence to tackle unfamilar issues through engaging in seminar activities, pair/group work discussion, etc.
Learning & Teaching Methods
One 2-hour lab session per week for 10 weeks combining lecture, seminar, and hands-on-task activities as required, plus workshops (up to 1 hour) every other week starting from session 2.
There will be a mix of teacher talk and pair and group tasks, and opportunities for students to create their own CALL materials. There will be a set reading each week, which will serve as preparation or follow-up for the session in question. Class discussion is encouraged, and questions can be asked at any time.
Assessment
100 per cent Coursework Mark
Other details:
GRADUATES:
1 X 3000 word assignment (80%) - Deadline: 8th Jan 2013.
1 CALL materials portfolio (20 %) - Deadline: 22nd Jan 2013.
I will provide some possible topics for investigation for the 3,000 word assignment, but students can alternatively choose a topic based on their own interests as long as it is approved by me. The topics typically include some or all of the following:
(1) A small scale piece of empirical research, which investigates how computers are used in language learning, and/or students' attitudes to their use.
(2) Authoring, explaining, and justifying a package of CALL material, with reference to the relevant literature.
(3) A systematic evaluation of an existing CALL package.
Exam Duration and Period
Other information
Only a very basic level of knowledge of computers is required for this module. We strive to achieve a balance between theory and practice.
Bibliography
- There is no single set textbook, but students who wish to prepare for the module are advised to look at some or all of the following:
-
Bax, S. (2003) CALL - past, present and future. System 31: 13-28.
-
Chapelle, C. (2001) Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
-
Egbert, J. (2005) CALL Essentials: Principles and Practice in CALL Classrooms. Alexandria, Virginia: TESOL.
-
Garrett,N. (2009). Computer-assisted language learning trends and issues revisited : Integrating Innovation. Modern Languages Journal, 93(s1), 719-740.
-
Reinders, H. & White, C. (2010) The theory and practice of technology in materials development and task design. In N. Harwood (Ed.). English language teaching materials: theory and practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp: 58-80.