Technology Mediated Learning Environments For Young English Learners

This book explores issues related to the use of technologies to support young second-language learners and looks at promising areas for research, design, and development. Grounded in a sociocultural theoretical framework, it invites educators, researchers, and educational technology developers to consider a range of social and cultural factors in utilizing technology as a tool to help children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds develop their English-language and reading skills. A major contribution is the authors’ consideration of ways that technology outside of school can benefit these students’ English-language development in school. The central chapters are counter pointed by invited reflections that bring to the discussion different, yet complementary, perspectives from notable scholars in the field of second-language literacy and learning. Technology-Mediated Learning Environments for Young English-Language Learners is targeted to researchers, educators, and policymakers in the areas of elementary education, after-school learning, second-language teaching and learning, English language and literacy development, and reading.

Learning environments continue to change considerably and is no longer confined to the face-to-face classroom setting. As learning options have evolved, educators must adopt a variety of pedagogical strategies and innovative technologies to enable learning. Practical Applications and Experiences in K-20 Blended Learning Environments compiles pedagogical strategies and technologies and their outcomes that have been successfully applied in blended instruction. Highlighting best practices as elementary, secondary, and tertiary educational levels; this book is a vital tool for educators who teach or plan to teach in blended learning environments and for researchers interested in the area of blended education knowledge.

The aim of this book was to present innovative applications of technology in second language teaching and learning, as well as to explore the transformation of the different techniques to different theoretical frameworks. It has also been desired to have a representation of researchers from different parts of the world as contributors. When the reviewing process was finished, there were nine selected chapters from seven different countries: Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Singapore. Thus, the chapters of this book consist of the work of eleven young researchers within the field of net-based language learning. These nine chapters all deal with topical areas of Internet-based Computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Following Notes on Contributors, Acknowledgements, and Foreword, the following papers are included in this book: (1) Introduction on Views of Emergent Researchers in L2 Teaching and Learning with Technology (Sylvie Thous͡ny and Linda Bradley); (2) Personal Learning Environments in Higher Education Language Courses: An Informal and Learner-Centred Approach (Ilona Laakkonen); (3) QuickAssist: Reading and Learning Vocabulary Independently with the Help of CALL and NLP Technologies (Peter Wood); (4) Self-Assessment and Tutor Assessment in Online Language Learning Materials: InGenio FCE Online Course and Tester (Ana Sevilla-Pavn̤, Antonio Martn̕ez-Sèz, and Jos ̌Macario de Siqueira); (5) Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: Designing for Your Students (Agnieszka Palalas); (6) A Design for Intercultural Exchange--An Analysis of Engineering Students' Interaction with English Majors in a Poetry Blog (Linda Bradley, Berner Lindstrm̲, Hans Rystedt, and Magnus Gustafsson); (7) Developing Sociolinguistic Competence through Intercultural Online Exchange (Mathy Ritchie); (8) Second Language Learning by Exchanging Cultural Contexts through the Mobile Group Blog (Yinjuan Shao); (9) Dynamically Assessing Written Language: To what Extent Do Learners of French Language Accept Mediation? (Sylvie Thous͡ny); and (10) Computer-Mediated Negotiated Interactions: How is Meaning Negotiated in Discussion Boards, Text Chat and Videoconferencing? (Cďric Sarr)̌. A name index is included. (Individual papers contain references.).

What general principles should inform a socioculturally sensitive pedagogy for teaching English as an International Language and what practices would be consistent with these principles? This text explores the pedagogical implications of the continuing spread of English and its role as an international language, highlighting the importance of socially sensitive pedagogy in contexts outside inner circle English-speaking countries. It provides comprehensive coverage of topics traditionally included in second language methodology courses (such as the teaching of oral skills and grammar), as well as newer fields (such as corpora in language teaching and multimodality); features balanced treatment of theory and practice; and encourages teachers to apply the pedagogical practices to their own classrooms and to reflect on the effects of such practices. Designed for pre-service and in-service teachers of English around the world, Principles and Practices for Teaching English as an International Language fills a critical need in the field.

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. As today’s teachers prepare to instruct a new generation of students, the question is no longer whether technology should be integrated into the classroom, but “how?” The Handbook of Research on Integrating Technology Into Contemporary Language Learning and Teaching is a critical scholarly publication that examines the relationship between language education and technology and the ability to improve language education through technological advances. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics, such as computer-assisted language learning, flipped instruction, and teacher education, this publication is geared toward researchers, practitioners, and education professionals seeking relevant research on the improvement of language education through the use of technology.

In a diverse society, the ability to cross communication barriers is critical to the success of any individual personally, professionally, and academically. With the constant acceleration of course programs and technology, educators are continually being challenged to develop and implement creative methods for engaging English-speaking and non-English-speaking learners. Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source that examines the relationship between language education and technology and the potential for curriculum enhancements through the use of mobile technologies, flipped instruction, and language-learning software. This multi-volume book is geared toward educators, researchers, academics, linguists, and upper-level students seeking relevant research on the improvement of language education through the use of technology.

English Learners at the Top of the Class is a practice oriented book that also contributes to the professional literature. It is written for teacher candidates and both new and experienced practicing teachers who want to design and deliver effective instructional paradigms across this country’s diverse classrooms. Chapter authors bring to this book their experiences as teachers at levels K-12. Many of them learned English as a second language and experienced life as an EL in U.S. classrooms. They were all teachers who along the way began to work with ELs. Their engagement with culturally diverse students led them to become teacher educators. They are committed to preparing teachers who are energized to learn about their ELs’ cultures and who want to make the schoolhouse a culturally responsive environment.

Common Core education standards establish a clear set of specific ideas and skills that all students should be able comprehend at each grade level. In an effort to meet these standards, educators are turning to technology for improved learning outcomes. Cases on Technology and Common Core Mathematics provides a compilation of cases and vignettes about the application of technology in the classroom in order to enhance student understanding of math concepts. This book is a timely reference source for mathematics educators, educational technologists, and school district leaders employed in the mathematics education or educational technology fields.