English Language Learning & ICT Sarah Schrire Kibbutzim College of Education Prepared February 2004 Revised October 2005

Models of ICT Traditional computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software Electronically mediated texts on the Internet, e.g. Webquests and Thinkquests Computer- mediated communication (CMC)

The CALL approach Aimed at improving on “ paper-based ” instruction – Instant correction and feedback – User-tailored help Attempted to activate strategies used by good learners / readers – Recognition of discrete word and sentence structures – Cloze for prediction of discourse markers – Timed or paced reading – Skimming and scanning for purposeful reading – Concordancing – inductive understanding of vocabulary Reflects an instructivist approach to learning

CALL on Video and CD … Cozy English Courses Wida ’ s Authoring Suite Wida ’ s Authoring Suite SuperCloze QReview series Friendly Forest Into Reading Go On Reading Towards Bagrut English to Go Ohio University Lab Verbocity To Learn English Using English Linguistic Funland – Activities and Exercises Activities and Exercises – Best English Study Websites Best English Study Websites – Bradley ’ s Online Activities Bradley ’ s Online Activities and Internet …

English Language Learning and ICT Traditional computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software Electronically mediated texts on the Internet, e.g. Webquests and Thinkquests Computer- mediated communication (CMC)

Webquests “an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet” (Dodge, 1997)

Characterizing Webquests Based on accessing information from authentic texts on the Internet and other sources Reflect an inquiry-oriented approach to reading and learning around specific topical contentinquiry-oriented approach – defining problem – setting task – specifying resources, process and expected product – explicating evaluation Fit a constructivist approach to learning

Examples of Webquests Authorquest A Tale to be Told Tailing The Samurai ’ s Tale Tailing The Samurai ’ s Tale A Day in the Life of Harry Potter Wuthering Heights Jack London

ThinkQuests ThinkQuests – Variation on a Theme “an international competition where student teams engage in collaborative, project-based learning to create educational websites” (from the ThinkQuest website)

Issues in “ questing ” Internet for English versus English for Internet – Navigating through chaos: – hyperlinks as a blessing or a curse (information overload and confusion) – Internet sites as a text type to both learn and learn through (free versus controlled hypertext) Teacher control over learning situation Balance between instructivist approach and “ hole in the wall ” learning

CMC Asynchronous forums or bulletin boards Synchronous chats Student-teacher Student-mentor Student-student Motivates reading and writing about topics of interest Encourages use of expressions others have formulated

Samplings CALLWebquestsCMC Friendly Forest Go On Reading English for You Into Reading Towards Bagrut Webquests Thinkquests Main project- based learning activities in English Online English Online E-pals / Keypals Forums & ChatsForums Chats E-learning Within project- based learning

Articles to Start With Warschauer, M. (1996). Computer-assisted language learning: An introduction. In S. Fotos (Ed.), Multimedia language teaching (pp. 3-20). Tokyo: Logos International. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from Warschauer, M. (2000). The death of cyberspace and the rebirth of CALL. English Teachers' Journal, 53, Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from Shrock, K. (2002). Teaching Media Literacy in the Age of Internet. [Electronic version]. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from Kurvink, W. (1998). The World Wide Web: Cyber Chaos or Learning Journey? From Now On, 8 (2). [Electronic version]. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from

General Relevant Websites ETNI (English Teachers ’ Network in Israel) ETNI – English Curriculum English Curriculum Kathy Shrock ’ s Guide for Educators Kathy Shrock ’ s Guide for Educators Dave ’ s ESL Cafe Dave ’ s ESL Cafe JALT (Japan Association for Language Teaching) JALT – Links to Teaching Information and Materials Links The Global Schoolhouse Language Links Learning Resources

Web Site Evaluation Cornell University Library. Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from and Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from University of Southern Maine. Checklist for Evaluating Web Resources. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from University of North Carolina, Center for Instructional Technology. Evaluating Web Sites for Educational Uses: Bibliography and Checklist. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from McKenzie, J. (1997, June). Comparing & Evaluating Web Information Sources. From Now On, 6 (9). [Electronic version]. Retrieved February 1 st, 2004, from

Thank you for your attention