Technology-enhanced language learning: innovation and new pedagogy Pete Sharma LABCI, Buenos Aires September 2009

Part one: what’s new? Background ‘Blended learning’ New technologies New pedagogies Benefits & constraints

Background i) Computers have changed our lives as teachers forever Corpus linguistics Word frequency Course book authenticity Neologisms

(ii) CALL is situation specific Computer-aided language learning Solution in situation A has no impact on Situation B Classrooms - online ‘Comparing apples and oranges’

(iii) New era Digital natives Digital immigrants Publishers no longer solely ‘own’ content Web 2.0 – User content – collaborative

(iv) Technology – driven world Innovators – early adapters - early majority Pedagogy playing ‘catch-up’ Pedagogy is crucial for language teaching

(2) Blended learning Combination of..... work + training f2f classroom + online pedagogical approaches Technologies Real world / in world

New pedagogies Grammar Vocabulary Language Skills – Listening – Speaking – Listening + speaking

Benefits & constraints BENEFITS Learning beyond the classroom – time and place Cross-border projects – affect of global audience Facilitates learner choice Opportunities for creativity

Develop learners digital literacies Save on a pen drive Currency – Michael Jackson Multi-modality – kinaesthetic learners

CONSTRAINTS Back up Takes time – calibrate IWB Cutting through the hype Infrastructure – cost “Don’t use it for the sake of it” vs $$$

IWB Pros Power of multimedia Transparent fourth wall Promotes learner engagement Review is easy Memorable presentations Cons Cost – benefit ratio Return to teacher- centred learning Ignores Web 2.0

On-line grammar practice Non-standard forms unfinished product vs process ‘grammaring’ Discussion Internet research Reference book

Stakeholders Cline of understanding about potential use of technology (Peachey): Studentsexcellent Teachersok Trainers not so good Educator of teacher trainerpoor Employer of educatorwhat???

Students “What’s the fuss?” Learner training electronic dictionaries ‘wikipedia’ plagiarism

Teachers confront technophobia teacher development ‘appropriate’ start with learner needs

Academic management / management Training infrastructure Online ‘is best’ for subject specific / ‘Blended is best’ study shows – language teaching? Win-win is possible

Final thoughts New tools are emerging all the time 2 years time – ‘buzz’ technology....? Principled teaching Embrace a digital future