TITLE:

APPROACHING EUROPE: LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH VIRTUAL CONTACT

Author:

Melinda Dooly Owenby

Institution:

Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona

E-mail:

melindaann.dooly@uab.es  

ICT has been a “key word” in education for several years now, nonetheless, at times it seems that there are gaps between theory and practice, as far as complete integration of ICT into the curriculum is concerned.  In this presentation, the authors will discuss possible roles of ICT in language teaching; particularly when ICT is seen as a type of “toolkit” for promoting collaboration amongst language learners.  Indeed, the idea of collaboration, especially international collaboration, is a powerful means of teaching a language through genuine language use. This paper will demonstrate the role computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) can play in developing task-based language learning environments. 

CSCL implies moving away from using computers as digitalized, mechanized, multiple-choice exercises which often appear to be “hyped-up workbooks”.  This can be achieved by aiming for more computer mediated communication, thus stimulating group work processes and collaboration, including international collaboration. 

This paper will discuss one such network-based project which is designed to promote the development of teacher and student competencies in the area of online collaborative teaching.  The project included 11 international partners who are involved in practical experiences in network-based language teaching, including the use of wikis, e-journals, blogs and webquests. The overall goal of the project is not only to improve students’ language awareness and language skills; it also aimed to increase students’ general awareness of other cultures.  Results and discussion of those aims, as well as some examples of collaborative efforts between different countries will be provided.