moodle mooc4 presentation christina nicole giannikas

Christina Nicole Giannikas, Ph.D

Cyprus University of Technology

Levy (1997) defined CALL as:“the search for and the study of applications of the

computer in language teaching and learning”Levy, M. (1997). Computer Assisted Language Learning: Context and Conceptualization.

Oxford: Clarendon Press.

CALL embraces a wide range of

information, technology applications and

approaches to teaching and learning foreign

languages

When did it all start?

Accessibility to promote in-depth learning

Helps make learning meaningful and relevant

Increases the quality of learning

Ignites self-reflection, collaboration and engagement of

cooperative learning

Promotes dialogue

Provides visual aids

It can build a global community connecting classrooms

from around the globe

Papadima-Sophocleous, S.; Giannikas, C.N & Kakoulli-Constantinou, E. (in press)

Language teachers within the context of Cyprus were reluctant to integrate

technology in their language teaching.Lack of training

Lack of IT supportLack of confidenceFear of change

The majority of teachers who participated in the study considered themselves competent users of Office Applications, such as Word

processing and PPT tools.Teachers also seemed comfortable browsing the internet but reluctant to include any form

of social media in their classes.Equipment such as IW, ipads and ipods were

avoided

Governments are spending enormous amounts of money to promote and

support new technologies in classrooms, but there is still something missing…

Teachers around the globe revealed the same issues and concerns as their colleagues in Cyprus. Hedayati and Marandi’s (2104)

research indicates that this is due to lack of professional preparation, inhibiting attitudes

and lack of support by stakeholders.

Hedayati, H. & Maranda, S.S. (2014). Iranian EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Difficulties of Implementing CALL. ReCALL, available on CJO2014.

DOI:10.1017/S0958344014000172.

Yang and Chen (2007) describe contexts where traditional settings of the language classroom where the preferred teaching approach is the Grammar Translation Method, which would leave very little

space for a communicative and interactive environment for technology.

Yang, S.C & Chen, Y.J. (2007). Technology-enhanced language learning: A case study. Computers in Human

Behaviour, 23, 860-879.

If there is no actual support, how can teachers make the transformation?

There are millions of teachers around the world who want to integrate new

technologies in their language teaching.

Some want to build their self-esteem and there is no better way to accomplish this

than training…

…research to solve an immediate problem or a reflective process of

progressive problem solving…

In his 1946 paper “Action Research and Minority Problems” he

described action research as a ‘comparative research on the conditions and the effects of

various forms of social actions and research leading to social action’

Set your questionsSet a timeline

Arrange data collection tools Organize your dataAnalyze your data

Improve your practice

Think of how you would like to use CALL in your classroom:

For instance, encourage students to become autonomous users of

computers and the internet in class…

Ask students to access learning websites of your choice

Download podcasts for listening Observe your students when using CALL

Keep a research journal

Reflect

Remember: Ethical considerationsInform students and parents of the study, what you are looking for and what your

research will entail.A letter and consent form are always a

good idea.

The combination of listening and visual input technology provides can improve learners’

linguistic developmentCALL in the classroom can develop learners’

motor skillsCALL can provide strong reinforcement which

can effect the learning processStudents take control of their own learning

Preparation is key-all equipment must be tried out and ready for use

Students who are not comfortable using computers should be partnered with students

who areUse of computers should be phased in, not

forced upon.

Program: Accent Coach by Language Connect

Level: Intermediate to Upper Intermediate

The aim of the lesson is to concentrate on how intonation affects understanding and production. The lesson could

start by asking students questions using different intonations to receive various responses based on a

sentence written on the board.

Students inductively learn the importance of intonation in this exercise. This can be

followed by a discussion of the importance of intonation and the difference it can

make in understanding.Computers can be employed to practice

this by using any one of a number of intonation lessons.

As a follow-up, learners can be given a standard response and a variety of questions to be asked.

Students can practice responding with the correct intonation. The teacher can walk about the room controlling the students'

responses.

This exercise can be improved by adding the recording element provided by the computer. By recording the voice students can

compare their pronunciation with a target pronunciation.

http://esl.about.com/od/esleflteachingtechnique/a/t_compclass.htm

There is no reason for the future of CALL to not be bright, full of possibilities.

Technology adds dimensions to the already multifaceted domain of language learning and

teaching. Those who use it can benefit in numerous ways, as teachers and as learners.

https://www.eurocall2014.nl/?page_id=1182

christina.giannikas@cut.ac.cy