Web 2.0 Tools for Language Learning Sadykova G.V Kazan Federal University
Web 1.0 vs Web 2.0 Web 1.0: HTML based, slow & expensive Internet connection, expensive software, limited interactivity, one-to-one/many communication (NikPeachey, 2008) Web 2.0: more sophisticated programming language XML and browsers; faster, accessible to common users, open source programs, many-to-many communication > collaboration & communication, active participation > linking people not just information (Wesch, 2007)
The WWW is an endless source of authentic material adaptable for language classroom; an excellent source of language materials such as audioand video- extracts, written texts, quizzes and other interactive exercises, as well as fully developed lessons and projects; a place to find friends and communicate with other language learners, teachers and native speakers; a space for publishing course materials and students work; a way to learn and teach languages from home or on the go.
Podcast a program (as of music or talk) made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet video-based podcasts - vodcasts or vidcasts (itunes) Uses: excellent authentic materials in a range of genres, topics, language variations, etc podcasting services that target language learners for different language proficiency levels (+printable transcripts, comprehension check activities, teaching suggestions and learning tips) Convenient - on-the-go language learning + motivating
BLOGGING weblog - type of website where entries are posted in reverse chronological order and could be commented Uses: space for practicing reading, writing and listening; online personal journals that show language development over time; providing real audience outside of the class and making students be more thoughtful of their work; supporting cross-/inter-cultural collaboration; encouraging feedback from classmates through the comment feature;
Blogging Uses (cont.) space for informal communication on non-academic topics class publications of group work such as newspaper, multimedia presentations space for posting assignments, photos, audio, video organizing learning resources according to language proficiency level or topic; encouraging further exploration of the topic under discussion by linking texts to external sites; sharing ideas, lesson plans among language teachers; reflecting on one s own teaching practices
Wiki a website that could be built, updated and managed collaboratively from any computer with an Internet access and a web browser Uses: practicing writing skills in a variety of genres by having a storytelling project, reviewing articles, posting comments, or making students write entries for existing wikis such as Wikipedia, WikiHow, or Wikibook; enriching a variety of reading materials by using wiki resources, such as Wikisource and Wikinews; building vocabulary by creating a course dictionary and/or using and contributing to wikis, such as Wictionary (wiki dictionary and thesaurus); locating excellent topics and supporting material for in-class and online discussions;
Wiki uses (cont) planning ice-breaking activities where students introduce themselves, share photos and personal information;developing language skills and cultural awareness by establishing intercultural communications and getting involved into intercultural projects; making students projects public to increase quality of students work; supporting learning by posting online class materials and additional resources; locating free language learning materials and postings one s own on a personal wiki or on such sites as WikiUniverisity; getting in touch with like-minded language teachers; organizing teaching materials
Video/YouTube enriching vocabulary, specifically conversational phrases, and idiomatic expressions; showing and discussing culturally-specific actions, such as weddings, birthdays, public holidays, etc.; getting acquainted with architecture and life of cities and towns of English speaking countries; publishing students works to increase their motivation to learn and produce quality materials; locating, sharing and publishing your own teaching materials. talking about persuasion techniques used in advertisements and letting students invent their own slogans and stories related to the advertised products.
OPEN SOURCE AND OPEN ACCESS UNIVERSITY COURSE pre-teaching vocabulary (lectures related to the major) improving listening comprehension skills needed to be able to follow lectures and take notes. preparing to real-life academic tasks, such as reading academic articles, writing papers, keeping journals, etc. providing culturally-specific knowledge about what happens in the classroom/lecture room, how students interact with each other and the professor diminishing a gap between prior knowledge learners possess and required. just enjoying watching how students may learn while having fun. http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm MIT OpenCourseWare
Social Networking Many-to-many interaction, good for connecting with people, expressing one's personal identity, sharing media SNS for language learners: http://www.voxswap.com/ Usage: - SN as a class site or for pen pal > semi-formal discussions, documenting progress - find native speakers/friends -creating personal profiles, do site activities, as e- portfolio.
Computer-mediated communication CMC rivals f2f communication synchronous/asynchronous, text-based\voice-based + video capabilities Chats: real audience, immediate feedback, negotiation of meaning, encourages collaboration Types of chats: free-topic chats, collaborative taskoriented, presentation or academic seminar, practice, evaluation chats. Voice chats (Skype) simulate f2f communication Chat services: Language Trade
CMC: Web conferencing text\voice\video + desktop sharing, slide-show presentations, whiteboards + recording sessions and break-out rooms for group work - introducing new vocabulary and practicing pronunciation - explaining grammar, illustrating grammar rules with sentences, - practicing speaking; - conducting class and small-group activities; - recording class sessions for later analysis of the language quality; - assessing students needs and progress (interviews or quizzes); - providing one-on-one and one-to-many tutoring; - offering immediate feedback
CMC: discussion forums Asynchronous (convenient) Many-to-many communication Easy to keep track Focus on form (structure, grammar, style, etc.) Archiving logs Combination of different CMC is recommended
Online language learning Course\learning management systems (CMS/LMS), virtual learning environment (VLE) include many features, allow grading Blackboard/Moodle WebSwami http://www.webswami.com/: listening gapfiils, sentence ordering, speech modeling, simulations, instant translation, intonation graphs, video recording Virtual worlds Second Life: real-world activities with real participants: use for role-playing, understanding culture, online tutoring Need to alter teaching philosophy and practices
Questions?