Course syllabus

 

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    Langtchg 752 - Computer Assisted Language Learning

    SEMESTER 1, 2018      15 points

 

 Course Convenor and lecturer: 

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Dr Louisa Buckingham       

l.buckingham@auckland.ac.nz

 

Course Outline  (download here)

Course delivery format:

2 hours of coursework each week. This will be a mixture of online lectures and discussions. 

 Summary of Course Description:              

This course on CALL or TELL (Technology-Enhanced Language Learning) or WELL (Web-Enhanced ...) or MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning) covers the theoretical and practical aspects of using technology to promote language learning. The lack of a single suitable acronym reflects the diffuse nature of the use of technology in language learning. We all live in a digital world and we no longer wheel in a particular piece of software to do a specific task in an otherwise technology-free environment.  How many times do you use technology (computers or phones) within one hour? The issue is not whether students are using technology or not, it is how to best use technology. Despite the ubiquity of enabling technology, we still need to investigate the ways in which technology can be used to facilitate interaction, provide tools, or deliver content and feedback.

The general aim of the course is to provide the background that will help you make informed decisions about the use of technology over the next decade. As a teacher or administrator, you may want to supplement your classroom teaching with online materials; evaluate courseware; design a combined face-to-face/technology-based course( blended learning); and author materials using systems such as Moodle. (Or you may want to run a internet-based language school.)

How can technology be used to enhance language learning? Where does technology fit best in the complex process of learning a language? These questions will be explored in this paper and at the same time we will use technology (fairly gently) throughout the course in order to increase your knowledge of technology use and also to foster some reflection on the manner in which content, interaction, and feedback may be handled by computer-based systems. We will conduct the course in the online realm and make use of online resources as much as possible.

The application of technology in language learning adds an extra dimension to an already complex phenomenon involving learners, teachers, materials, and institutions. During the course, you will gain knowledge of the nuts and bolts of technology use as well as the ability to critically assess particular technologies in specific situations.

 Course outcomes:

1. Become familiar with a range of CALL applications
2. Understand how particular technologies can be used to support learning in different situations
3. Increase knowledge and confidence in using technology in teaching/learning
4. Become aware of the social and cultural aspects of CALL
5. Evaluate technologies and implementations
6. Create language courseware

 Assessment Summary:

 This course has a strong practical component. Students are required to interact with and reflect on 3 types of  didactic tools which employ technology. There are no formal essays or tests in this course. All assessments will be uploaded and returned online. 

Assessment 1 -  25% Experience & evaluation of a CALL application  (practical work and written report)

Assessment 2 -  35%   Creating a didactic film/ Audiovisual materials  (creation of online learning materials)

Assessment 3 - 30%   Wiki  (creation of online learning materials)  (Pairwork)

Assessment 4 - 10%  Discussion Forum participation 

 

Course Topics include:

Teaching and learning languages with technology

- Web, wikis and culture

- Experiencing a mobile language learning application

- Language skills and technology

- Vocabulary and grammar and technology

- Using technology to adapt authentic materials

- Research into CALL

Prescribed Texts:

Students are not required to purchase a text. Weekly readings (articles and book chapters) are provided on Canvas  at no charge. They are accessible through the library online system or course page to enrolled students.

Recommended Texts:

See previous information. 

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.

Course summary:

Date Details Due