Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Independent Language Learning on the Internet: Practical? Possible? Presentation to AAOU ‘98 by Andrew J. Morrall

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Medium of Instruction frequently English learners’ language levels may be too low to cope with academic texts and activities learners may need language support learners want language support on demand

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Planning a Language Support Site Is it possible and practical? Justify it theoretically Get enough resources Build it Learners use it Evaluate it Modify it

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Possible and Practical: Doubts Listening - audio & video files are very big Speaking - immature technology Much more limited than multimedia CDs Learner training - are learners familiar with the Internet? Can we build on the strengths and avoid the weaknesses?

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Scope Review of Independent Language Learning Theory Not about evaluation Look at potential, before doing a lot of development.

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Independent Learning : what is it? Independent Learning is "Learning in which an individual or group of learners study on their own, possibly for a part of parts of a course, without direct intervention from a tutor. This can involve learners in taking greater responsibility for what they learn, how they learn, and when they learn." (Jeffries: 1990)

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Independent Learning and the Internet “In a web, trainees can learn independently and self-directly according to their own pace, interest, attitude, cognitive style, and learning pattern, and can share information and ideas among them.” Jung, I & Leem, J ‘Design Strategies for developing Web- based training courses in a Korean context’ in AAOU98 #2 (page 226)

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Theory says you need: Learner training –Independent learning –Internet skills Authentic and Didactic Materials Communicative activities Opportunities for collaborative learning – , chat programs, conferencing On-line tools; e.g. a concordancer

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Learner Training Training in needs analysis Training in how to plan Training in study skills; e.g. –motivating themselves, –knowing what kind of language learner they are Training in self-assessment Training in Internet skills; e.g. how to install plug-ins

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Materials Authentic e.g. live T.V. Didactic e.g. grammar exercises, style sheets for academic writing Informed choice - learners should know the purpose for studying each activity and be able to reject it if they think it is unsuitable

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Communicating and chat - to: teachers - learners need help students - learners want to share pen-pals - for authentic language use discussion groups - for expert advice Conferencing - text and video, workgroup tools; e.g. whiteboards

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Tools Dictionaries: technical glossaries bi-lingual Concordancers usage grammatical analysis Style sheets - templates for academic writing

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Is it Possible? Yes: Theoretically justifiable Free technology; e.g. , chat Build the site with references to authentic and didactic materials Produce didactic materials within your resources

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Is it Practical? Yes: if you use it as a communication-enabling technology if you do learner training e.g. through FAQs if you have support –teachers –technical advisors

Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Questions Please