In his work, Interaction, Negotiation, and Computer-Mediated Learning, Warschauer (1998) discusses the cross-section of language learning theory and Computer-Mediated Learning (CML or CMC) practice. Similar to Blake (2008), Warschauer proves the validity of using technology in the classroom based on the language learning theories of input, output and socio-cultural perspectives. Background According to Krashen (1981;…
Category: Masters in Digital Technologies for Language Teaching
Primarily, insights into my learning on a Masters distance course with the University of Nottingham.
In his seminal work, Brave New Digital Classroom: Technology and Foreign Language Learning, Blake (2008), suggests that the existence of four dominant myths disrupts the adoption of technology in the language learning classroom. These myths claim that Technology… – is Monolithic – Constitutes a Methodology – Is All We Need to Know – Will Replace…
Interview Background Having just started an (MA) in Digital Technologies for Language Teaching, I thought it would be fitting to enquire about how new technologies have impacted my mother’s teaching career. Mum has worked within Adult Education, at University level and in the Further Education system, going from teaching Fitness Training to devising an Exercise…
OpenLearn is the home for free learning from the Open Unviersity: OpenLearn – http://http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn Works is an online educational platform where individuals can publish their open content, open courses and resources. It has tools for collaboration and reuse giving all the opportunity to browse, choose and learn: OpenLearn Works – http://http://www.open.edu/openlearnworks/
Every week I meet with my Chinese friend, Ginger, to practice Chinese (& English). She is a Teacher Trainer for primary school teachers of English in Beijing. As we are education “obsessives”, no matter how hard we try to find new topics to discuss, we always end up talking about teaching and learning. Even before…
Another interesting article I read this week was a blog post entitled Why today is my last day teaching online Despite being somewhat of an expert in digital technology in the classroom, the author is quite adamant that it is the learning experience that is paramount, above and beyond the learning outcome. In the China…
Week 2 started with Joe Dale’s article in The Guardian about langauges and education technology One of the questions that is brought up in the article is how to keep up with the plethora of tools available today. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Indeed, I’ve started a Popplet to note the tools we will…
It’s the end of Week 1, and nothing has gone as expected. Personal issues abound, and the immediate reaction is to question the logic of my initial study schedule (Morning – Chinese, FX Trading Practice & Non-DTLT blog stuff, Afternoon – DTLT). I know I am a morning person, and therefore Priority 1 is to…
The time has arrived. The time to begin my Masters studies with the University of Nottingham. Week 1 has been mostly administrative, logging into Moodle, getting to know the tutors and students via various online tools, reading the programme handbook and selecting this semester’s modules. Both students and tutors alike are international, multi-lingual, with strong…
Last month, I met up with a friend from Singolingua, a publishing house that deals exclusively with teaching and learning Chinese materials. He has collaborated with Yale University on a series of books called Encounters. These books, which have accompanying multimedia components, were trialled with a select group of beginner students this past summer at…