Tesol 2010

Language and Culture through Technology. The Challenge”

“

Lourdes ReyLourdes ReyUniversidad del NorteUniversidad del Norte

TESOL 2010TESOL 2010BostonBoston

An Experience integrating…

• This report describes the experience of integrating communication technologies to support the development of language and cultural competences


Context: • students were not motivated to

attend their English classes. L2 not a priority.

• Needs Analysis : the computer, extra activities during their free time

• Decisions : language laboratory , communication technologies available, teacher development, networking.


Technology because …• It challenges and motivates

students. • Interaction and negotiation of

meaning: social process. • Interaction with authentic

audience. • Authenticity of tasks.


Technology because …• Production of varied and creative

language • Enough time for feedback• Attention to learning process• Ideal stress/anxiety level• Support to learner’s Autonomy


Culture because …• Cultural self-awareness• Respect (valuing other cultures);• Openness (withholding judgment);• Curiosity & discovery (tolerating

ambiguity)• Understanding and knowledge of

culture

Objective: Promote the use of communication technologies to support the linguistic and intercultural development of English language students at Instituto de Idiomas, Universidad del Norte

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. Evaluate the use of Skype and Webct as effective tools for the development of language and intercultural competencies.

2. Determine the level of progress in language learning after the experience.

3. Determine the level of progress in interculural development after the experience.

1. Instituto de Idiomas. Universidad del Norte. Three groups of the second level of English Language program. A1 Level of L2(CEFR). 60 students participated.

2. Richmond Senior High, Richmond, North Carolina. Three groups of Levels 1 & 2 of Spanish Language Program. A1 Level of L2 (CEFR). 60 students participated.

PARTICIPANTS

1 2

Mi nombre es Brian Love. Soy Mi nombre es Brian Love. Soy de Rockinghamde Rockingham

I’m Maria Alejandra.I’m Maria Alejandra.I’m from BarranquillaI’m from Barranquilla

THE EXPERIENCE

The Experience1. Design of tasks, timeline and

selection of technology to be used.

2. Development of the experience

3. Evaluation of achievement

THE EXPERIENCE

Designing the experience1. Comparison of language goals, topics and

students language level in both programs.

2. Virtual exchange: using the webct and skype

3. Emphasis on communication.

4. Tasks focused on culture

5. Pairing students

Summary of ActivitiesTopic Tool DescriptionMy Personal Information

Webct forum: asynchronic activity. In class.

Talk about them, their families, city and country

My Personal Information: wanting to know more

Chat: synchronic activity.Peer correction and self monitoring strategies.In class

Find out more about the peer student.

This is me Webct forum: asynchronic activity. In class.

Design a p.p presentation with pictures about them. Peers would comment on it

Interacting Skype. In class Talk to each other (in Spanish and English)

Achievements.

• Motivation: students´ active participation, positive attitude

• Identity reinforcement: expressed their nationalistic pride.

• Collaboration: peer work, responsibility of their peer´s learning process.

• Language improvement: negotiation, use of the language for a real purpose.

Achievements.• Teacher training: technology users• Going beyond boundaries:

Institutional development, participation in international projects and in academic events.

• Technology use: implementation of NCT in language teaching

• Respect and tolerance towards others

• Promotion of intercultural exchange

Constraints

• Availability of resources:• Lack of familiarity with the tool:

first time skype users.• Technicalities: Quality of sound

and image.

[email protected]

Education

Tesol 2010