Sunday, August 24, 2014

Overview of the Course
The purpose of this course is to explore how computer networks can be used in the language learning process to engage in authentic communication to enhance that learning.  The technologies utilized in this course will range from the most basic (email), to Discussion Boards, MOOs (old school technology!), text-based Interactive Fiction, Virtual Worlds, podcasting, Internet Telephony, video conferencing, and more.  As we become familiar with these tools, we’ll use them to create practical activities/lessons.  A core element of this course will be a 9-week interaction between students here in our course at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with students taking a similar to ours at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) taught by Professor Melinda Dooly


U of Illinois and UAB logos


Our collaboration with them will enable us to create better materials and also give you the chance to practice telecollaboration in a totally authentic way. 

Over the course of the semester you will read a number of articles pertaining to the use of these technologies in language classrooms.  These articles will range from mostly theoretical (not too many of these) to purely practical in nature.  However, it is important to note that this course is not mean to serve as a foundation in the theoretical foundations of CALL, CMC, or any other acronym related to technology in the classroom.  The class discussions and assignments will reflect this practical philosophy. 
Cartoon--the evolution of communication
 I make one assumption about the students attending this class—that some of you have experience (perhaps even extensive experience) with some aspects of CMC that I may be barely familiar with, while others will have no experience whatsoever.  Both of these groups are absolutely welcome in this course and will serve vital roles.  Because of this, this course will largely be held in a workshop format.  Rather than taking the traditional role of the “all-knowing leader” (Ha!), I expect to be a member of these workshops who will guide their direction.  Given this format, the assignments for this class are designed accordingly. 

For more details on the course, follow the links in the "Course Contents" on the top of the page.

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