What is language? How do we understand language and language learning in the light of learning technologies? How do we make sense, make meaning and realize values when technologies are involved in the learning environment? Learning technologies, ranging from vernacular use of YouTube to sophisticated virtual world technologies, bring us new challenges and opportunities for communication and social networking, as well as learning & teaching.
What are the roles of learning technologies in learning, instruction and communication? Do they function as an input to aid learning, such as the acquisition of lexicogrammar? Do they function as tools to help with problem-solving, such as looking up a new word while reading an article? Do they function as a media to make distance communication and interaction possible? Do they function as objects that have the potential to change the way we live so that our communication (language) is becoming inherently different? We will explore these questions as central themes of the course so that we can gain a deeper understanding and be tuned to the affordances of technology in the broadest sense.
- We will explore multiple perspectives of theories of language and their implications for learning, sharing, co-construction, co-authoring and co-creation of meaning, as well as identity development in technology-supported learning environments
- We will investigate the affordances of technologies as indicated by members of the class (through needs analysis) for language learning and teaching.
- We will explore wise integration of technology in language classrooms learning and use that class participants are interested in
- We will develop a prototypical activity that has major components of technology integration.
- We will develop a technology-enhanced mini curriculum for the target language