BAAL-CUPseminar2007-SOLE

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BAAL/CUP, Spoken Online Learning Events: The need for a new paradigm in languages research and practice 22-23 June 2007, at the Open University

Theme

Behind the hype and the unrealistic expectations surrounding e-learning, there is a genuine global expansion of online teaching and learning. And given the importance of interactions in both a cognitive and a socio-cultural model of second language acquisition, it is no surprise that language teachers have been pioneers in using computer-mediated communication.

This seminar will create a space for in-depth discussion and reflection about an area that is newly established and growing but as yet little researched: spoken online language learning. Drawing on theoretical expertise from the invited researchers, we expect to explore and address what is emerging as the major issue for oral learning of languages and cultures online: technologies have been developing faster than pedagogical and methodological reflection and practice is often still characterized by a trial-and-error approach.

Objectives

To develop a shared understanding of a new disciplinary area drawing on a range of domains
To address major issues for oral learning of languages and cultures online
To address the limitations of existing pedagogical parameters for spoken online learning and teaching
To re-evaluate theoretical paradigms underpinning research in spoken interaction
To examine and extend the repertoire of analytical tools and methodologies
To bring together scholars in synchronous online interaction, online discourse, spoken interaction at a distance, communication studies, multimodality and the spoken mode, and online pedagogy
To establish networks of shared interests
To open up avenues of investigation and provide a stimulus for new research projects
To involve early career researchers by offering two student bursaries and by webcasting all discussions

Speakers

Discussion will be led by 3 invited speakers:

Professor Cynthia White, Massey University (New Zealand);
Professor Dorothy Chun, University of California, Santa Barbara (USA), editor Language Learning and Technology;
Dr Glenn Stockwell, Waseda University, Tokyo (Japan).

The British Academy

Internationally supported by:
CALICO
JALT CALL
IATEFL Learning Technologies SIG