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April 18th, 2010
Glenn Stockwell and I are excited to announce a panel at the forthcoming Eurocall Conference in Bordeaux (September 8-11) on ‘The Learner in Changing CALL Environments’. Speakers include Cynthia White, Phil Hubbard, Jozef Colpaert and Glenn and myself. We hope you will be able to join us in Bordeaux!
The past few years have produced a new body of research where the learner is given a more central role in a range of different ways, prompted to a large degree by new developments in technology. For example, learners may express their opinions through forums such as blogging (e.g., Pinkman, 2005) or various forms of computer-mediated communication (e.g., Darhower, 2007). The emergence of social networking sites such as Active Worlds and Second Life have empowered learners to make decisions about who they wish to converse with, by what mode (i.e., text chat or oral communication), and to freely engage in discussion with a real audience who shares similar interests (e.g., Dudeney, 2008). Furthermore, learners have free and easy access to an enormous quantity and variety of authentic text, audio, and video material along with tools to aid comprehension. These new developments can leave educators with problems in how to deal with the freedom that learners are given while at the same time designing courses to achieve certain learning goals, raising several pertinent questions. How much freedom should learners be given? Is there such a thing as too much freedom? How can specific goals be incorporated into these learning environments? What are learner expectations regarding instruction? What forms should feedback take? The panelists in this session will address these questions and consider other questions related to the issue of learner centeredness in CALL, and considerations educators need to be aware of with the changing balance between teacher and learner.
Tags: call, conference
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March 15th, 2010
COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING AND THE LEARNER
AILA ReN Symposium
Call for Papers
Background and Aims
Recently, attempts have been made to make learning more flexible for the learner. With developments in mobile technologies, learners have freedom that was previously unavailable to them, and researchers have started capitalising upon this, through provision of lessons that learners can access whenever and wherever they wish (e.g., Stockwell, 2007, 2008), or through encouraging them to access audio and/or video resources of their choosing (e.g., Gromik, 2008). Other researchers have chosen to use these mobile technologies as a supplement to class activities (Levy & Kennedy,
2008; Reinders, 2008) and to make increasing links between formal and informal learning, for example by capitalising on the potential of computer games (e.g. Ranalli, 2008).
Social networking sites such as Active Worlds and Second Life have also empowered learners to make decisions about who they wish to converse with, by what mode (i.e., text chat or oral communication), and freely engage in discussion with a real audience who shares similar interests (e.g., Dudeney, 2008). This is a growth area, where researchers examine the way technology facilitates interaction between teachers and learners, between native speakers and learners, and between learners themselves and the unique characteristics of this type of communication. Another related strand of research looks at the identities learners create online and the ways they develop and build on communities of learners for their language development (e.g., Lam, 2004).
These recent developments in the area of social networking and mobile-assisted language learning are of particular interest to researchers interested in understanding in changes in the way learners approach the learning of a second language. In saying this, however, a crucial question that remains is how best to support learning in these environments. We are only starting to develop methodologies for investigating these forms of language learning, where the teacher’s role is less dominant in controlling learners’ actions, but rather one where the learners must be guided to use the existing resources in a way that has the potential to lead to personal development and to language acquisition. Furthermore, in such an environment where a good deal of the learning may occur outside of a classroom situation, methods of ensuring maintenance of learner motivation also become paramount.
Although research is carried out in the above areas in many parts of the world, the research is not connected and studies done in one field may not be informed by research done in another. It is the aim of this Symposium to bring together people working in the different areas related to the role of the language learner in CALL.
Themes of the symposium include:
- Learner motivation
- Computer-mediated communication (with a focus on the role of the learner)
- Learners’ beliefs in CALL
- (Materials development for) individualising instruction
- Social networking and computer games and second language acquisition
- Mobile-assisted language learning
- Supporting out-of-class language learning
- Teacher education for CALL (this follows on from the AILA Symposium in Essen).
Submitting a proposal
We are inviting proposals for contributions to the symposium. Each paper will be given 20 minutes and there will be time for questions and discussion at the end. To submit a proposal, please send a 250 word abstract to
callandthelearner@gmail.com
You do not need to submit your paper to AILA, as ReN symposium papers are vetted separately.
You can find more information about the conference here: http://www.aila2011.org/en/default.asp
To find our more about, or to join the Research Network, please visit: www.callandthelearner.info
The deadline for submitting a proposal is May 30.
Tags: call, call for papers, conference, interaction, mall, mobile, virtual worlds
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March 3rd, 2010
CALL FOR PAPERS
Immersive Technologies for Learning: A multi-disciplinary approach
First Annual Conference of the International Virtual Worlds
Research Group (iVERG)
28-29 June 2010, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
Keynote speakers will be confirmed shortly.
Abstracts of no more than 200 words should be submitted electronically to s.m.martin@tees.ac.uk. Abstract submission deadline: Friday 26 February 2010.
The Organising Committee encourages submission of individual abstracts in the following general areas:
Collaboration in immersive learning environments;
Communicating in immersive learning environments;
Designing learning environments and experiences;
Implementing tasks in immersive learning environments;
Innovations in immersive learning environments;
Learning in Digital Worlds – identification, metrics and effects;
Multidisciplinary approaches in virtual worlds;
Place and space: physical, virtual and social;
Planning educational experiences in virtual worlds;
Problem-based learning in immersive learning environments;
Rethinking learning in virtual worlds;
Rethinking pedagogy in virtual worlds.
Schedule dates:
Abstract judgments due to authors 26 March 2010 Full conference papers due 3 May 2010 (5,000-7,000 words)
*All accepted conference papers will be published online in the iVERG Conference Proceedings. Selected papers will be included in a special edition of the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning.
Please visit http://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/sssl/sssl_events_details.cfm?event_id=2851
PDF flyer available at http://preview.tinyurl.com/y8duprm
We would also like you announce an International Virtual Environments Research Group.
Please see http://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/sssl/iverg.cfm
Tags: conference, immersive technologies, virtual worlds
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December 5th, 2009
An interesting conference will take place at Zirve University in Turkey next year. More information here.
The conference goals are to
• provide a full understanding of the theoretical basis of learner autonomy in language learning
• review both theoretical and practical gains in the field through the experiences of academics
• present innovations to promote learner autonomy not only in classrooms but in other sites including but not limited to homes, private courses, and self-access centres as well
• pioneer the growth and expansion of the concept of learner autonomy worldwide, especially in Turkey and in the neighbouring region
• highlight the relationship between learner autonomy and e-learning
• shed light on teacher education programmes that train teachers to create learning environments appropriate for learner autonomy
• underline the importance of very early childhood and parental attitudes in nurturing autonomous individuals by reflecting on character or whole-person education
• remind us that learning is an on-going, life-long process and can be enhanced by encouraging independent learning
• provide academics with a space for sharing the results of the newest empirical research in a way to build onto the existing body of research and discussion on all aspects of learner autonomy.
Tags: autonomy, conference
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November 17th, 2009
I just returned from Mexico where I attended a wonderful conference in Ensenada, in Baja California: The XXIII Foro de Especialistas Universitarios en Lenguas Extranjeras with the theme ‘languages: a windown on intercultarality’. Ensenada is the place where 90% of Mexico’s wine is produced (I had never tasted Mexcian wine but can now attest with certainty that it is very good!). It was great to catch up with old friends such as David Toledo Sarracino, and meet new ones such as Maria Elena Solares from UNAM in Mexico City. There were excellent plenaries by Thomas Ricento from Calgary, Jitka Crhová from Tijuana, Teresa Feuentes Morán from Salamanca, and even a lecture on ‘how to appreciate wine’, which always seems a sensible topic for a conference on languages.
With over 600 participants in attendance, compared to around 300 in previous years, this edition of the FEULE conference was a great success. The live music and food prepared by students from the school of gastronomy were a very nice touch.
Tags: conference, mexico
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November 9th, 2009
I’m sure this will be of interest to some of you. Sounds like a great conference.
More information here.
ANTWERP CALL 2010: Motivation and beyond
18-20 August 2010
The editor, associate editors and editorial board of the CALL Journal extend a cordial invitation to attend Antwerp CALL 2010, the XIVth International CALL Research Conference.
Keynote speakers Antonie Alm (University of Otago, New Zealand), Maarten Vansteenkiste (Ghent University, Belgium) and Ema Ushioda (Warwick University, United Kingdom) will provide an overview of literature on motivation, an introduction to Self-Determination Theory and a presentation of the L2 SELF model.
You are hereby invited to present your current CALL activities, highlighting aspects such as:
* the impact of ICT on motivation;
* designing for motivation;
* the role of ICT in the analysis of motivation;
* the relationship between motivation and proficiency level;
* learning styles;
* anxiety;
* technophobia/technophilia;
* self-models;
* teacher motivation.
We welcome proposals that address any of the above or related topics, as well as those involving studies of other individual or group differences that may directly or indirectly influence motivation to use technology effectively in language teaching and learning.
Besides these topics, panels and discussion groups will also tackle questions like:
* How to transform your daily work into research ?
* How to carry out collaborative research ?
* How to get published ?
Deadline for submissions: 15 February 2010
Please send your abstract(s) to ann.aerts@ua.ac.be
Tags: call, conference, motivation
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June 13th, 2009
A very interesting-sounding conference! And great to see that the conference fee is waived for accepted speakers.
Mobile learning and autonomy in second language acquisition
> Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
> Departamento de Filología Moderna
> Facultad de Humanidades
> TOLEDO, Spain
> 17th, 18th & 19th September, 2009
>
> Under the impact of ICTs in general and portable technologies in particular,
> mLearning (mobile learning) is becoming a vibrant variety of e-learning. In
> close connection with its disciplinary neighbours like CALL, CMC or Distance
> Learning, mLearning is challenging conventional teaching-and-learning
> practices, thereby becoming a fundamental area for future developments of
> autonomy and independence in second language acquisition.
>
> In this context, the EU-funded Lingua Projects EUROPODIANS (Language Courses
> for Mobile Technologies) and AMICITIAS (Ambient Intelligence as a Compelling
> Instructional Tool for Interlinguistic and Intercultural Skills) will be
> hosting a conference in the city of Toledo (Spain) on 18-20 September 2009.
> This conference invites 20-minute sessions addressing the connections between
> mLearning devices (iPods, PDAs, mobile phones, portable computers, etc.) and
> self-directed learning. The symposium will become a forum to share
> developments and experiences about theories, approaches, principles and
> applications of mLearning, with a especial emphasis on the application of
> mLearning for second language acquisition in general and learner autonomy in
> particular.
>
> Although other topics may be considered, we welcome paper proposals dealing
> with, but not being limited to, issues such as the following:
>
>
>
> 1. Theorizing mobile learning within second-language acquisition.
>
> 2. Mobile learning and its disciplinary neighbours: ICT-based Learning,
> CALL, Distance Learning, Lifelong Learning, Autonomy and Independence in
> language learning.
>
> 3. Mobile learning and its potential for blended learning programmes.
>
> 4. Portable technologies and their integration within conventional
> face-to-face tuition practices.
>
> 5. Mobile learning devices and language-learning virtual platforms.
>
> 6. The potential of portable technologies for the teaching and learning
> of culture.
>
> THE CITY OF TOLEDO:
> The conference will take place in the magnificent city of Toledo, World
> Heritage Site. The former capital of the Spanish Empire, and the place of
> co-existence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures in the medieval
> period, is today a most culturally and monumentally rich tourist destination
> in Spain, attracting millions of visitors every year. Toledo is conveniently
> located, only 35 minutes from Madrid on the frequent high-speed trains
> servicing the city. The conference venue will be the Palace of Padilla in
> Toledo, located in the historic centre of Toledo.
>
> IMPORTANT DATES:
31st July, 2009: Submission of ABSTRACTS. Please send 250-word abstracts
> to: or Please indicate
> your full name, address and affiliation.
> § August 15th, 2009: Notification of acceptance.
> § 17th, 18th & 19th September, 2009: Conference dates.
>
> KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
> Marie-Noëlle Lamy (The Open University, UK)
> David Robison (University of Bradford, UK)
>
> PUBLICATION:
> Selected papers will be published in a volume after the conference.
> CONFERENCE LANGUAGES:
>
> Although the official language of the symposium will be English, papers in
> other major languages are welcomed.
> CONFERENCE CONVENORS:
>
> Javier Enrique Díaz-Vera & Eduardo de Gregorio-Godeo
> ORGANISING COMMITTEE:
> María del Mar Ramón Torrijos, Helena Aikin, Edel Porter, Rafael Cruz
> González & José Miguel Alcolado Carnicero
> REGISTRATION:
> Regular registration - 100 euros
> Students’ Fee - 30 euros
> Accepted speakers - Free of charge.
> ENQUIRIES may be sent to: >
> > or
> >
>
> FURTHER INFORMATION:
>
> exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.uclm.es/actividades/2009/mobilearn>
> (currently under construction).
Tags: autonomy, conference, mall, mobile
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May 19th, 2009
Autonomy in a Connected World
Friday 11th December 2009
CALL FOR POSTER PRESENTATIONS: Autonomy in a connected world
Sponsored by IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG, the SWON (formerly SWAN) one-day conference will be hosted this year by the Open University, Milton Keynes (within easy reach of London and Birmingham by train). SWON is a network of academics and research students at the universities of Sheffield, Warwick, Nottingham and the Open University, who share an interest in researching and promoting autonomy in language learning.
This year’s event entitled ‘Autonomy in a connected world’ will take place at the Open University in Milton Keynes on Friday 11 December 2009. As well as a number of researchers from the Open University, three invited speakers will be giving presentations at this event:
* Bernd Rüschoff, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Duisburg-Essen, Germany
* Ema Ushioda, Programme Director of the Doctorate of Education in Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick, UK.
* Elspeth Broady, Independent educational consultant, joint editor of Language Learning Journal
Presentations will include the following topics:
* Autonomy and identity
* Autonomy and agency in a virtual learning community
* Developing distance teachers to support collaborative, autonomous language learning
* Teacher-learner autonomy in a connected world
* Affect and autonomy: issues for learning and performance
* Shared autonomy: creating learning objects for others
* Web 2.0 social software and autonomous language learning
* Multimodal competence and autonomy
There will also be a poster session where PhD and EdD students in particular are encouraged to present their work. Poster presenters who would like to take part in the conference are invited to submit a summary of the content for a proposed poster in no more than 200 words by Friday 19th June 2009. Please send your summary to Julie Grayson (j.grayson@open.ac.uk).
The conference fee, which will include lunch and refreshments, will be:
Early-bird registration (by Friday 30th October)
IATEFL Members £45
Non-Members £55
Students £25
Late registration
IATEFL Members £50
Non-Members £60
Students £30
Tags: autonomy, conference
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November 29th, 2008
Regine Hampel’s presentation at the AILA symposium on CALL and Teacher Education is now available on the dedicated website: http://www.hayo.nl/callandteachereducation/Hampel.html You can also view it below.
Tags: aila, call, conference, teacher education, video
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November 26th, 2008
Alex Ding’s presentation at the AILA symposium on CALL and Teacher Education is now available on the dedicated website: http://www.hayo.nl/callandteachereducation/Ding.html You can also view it below.
Tags: aila, call, conference, teacher education, video
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