1. Distance Learning & Telecollaboration
IKT
Distance Learning & Telecollaboration

2. Purpose Purpose: Test out the technology for next week and
Foster a discussion on distance learning and telecollaboration.
Caveat:
This does not necessarily reflect best practices for distance teaching.

3. Overview Project I Check-In Distance Learning Telecollaboration
Preparing for Next Week

4. Useful Links for Today IKT Kursen Wiki IKT Kursen Blog Cultura Project
IKT Kursen Blog
Cultura Project

5. Project I Check-In 5 5

6. Check-In
Be sure to edit the Project 1 page on the wiki with your intended site/software.
How’s it going?
Any questions?

7. Distance Learning 7

8. Opening Questions
What has been your own experience with distance learning and teaching?
What worked?
What didn’t?
Are we ready?

9. Trends in US Foreign Language Classes
Distance Foreign Language Instruction
Enhanced Learning Environment
or Marketing Tool?
Standardized assessment has had a deleterious effect on the teaching of FLs in K-12.
Budget reductions in state universities have led to cuts in many language programs.
One consequence is the use of hybrid and online classes as an attempt to save money:
-facilities
-instructors
-outsourcing teaching and materials development
-larger classes

10. Some Advantages
Remote Access
Availability of LCTLs

11. Wow! These people are really happy.
Some Issues
Are teachers sufficiently trained?
Are students sufficiently autonomous?
What is the level of tech support needed?
What is the level of digital literacy needed?
How do you maintain engagement?
What are the best teaching methods?
Wow! These people are really happy.

12. _______________________________________________
Discussion Questions
Do you ever see a role for distance language learning among the populations you are working with? Why or why not?
What did you think of the research methods employed by Sánchez-Serrano (2008) in her study?
_______________________________________________
For the Blog
According to Nancy, one of the Spanish language distance education teachers surveyed by Sánchez-Serrano (2008), “the online curriculum should be designed to match, as closely as possible, the needs of the environment and of the students, while not attempting to imitate its face-to-face counterparts as the perfect model” (p. 157). This sentiment is echoed in the comments by Stickler and Hempel in Episode 5 of the CALLspot, who point out that putting ones powerpoint and lecture notes online is not enough for online instruction. How should a curriculum and lessons for online language instruction differ from a curriculum and lessons for face-to-face language instruction? 12

13. Telecollaboration 13

14. Questions
How much is the teaching of culture incorporated into your courses?
How is this done?
What is your experience with telecollaboration?

15. Telecollaboration
“internationally-dispersed learners in parallel language classes use[ing] Internet communication tools such as , synchronous chat, threaded discussion, and MOOs ... in order to support social interaction, dialogue, debate, and intercultural exchange” (Belz, 2003, p.1).

16. The Cultura Project
“It offers learners (and teachers alike) on both sides of the Atlantic a unique comparative, cross-cultural approach for gradually constructing knowledge of other values, attitudes, and beliefs, in an ever-widening approach to understanding the foreign culture. “
“to look at the universe through the eyes of others.“ 16

17. The Cultura Project: Initial Format
Let’s poke around a bit.

18. Topics for the PKU/UTSA Telecollaboration
Session & Topic
UTSA
Week
Date 3
March 2
S1 Introduction 7
March 1 4
March 9
S2 Language Learning & Teaching 8
March 8 5
March 16
UTSA Spring break
March 15 6
March 23
S3 American Culture/Immigration 9
March 22
March 30
S4 Chinese Culture 10
March 29
April 6
S5 Campus Life 11
April 5
April 13
S6 Technology 12
April 12

19. Some Issues Time changes. Misaligned academic calendars.
Sufficient language focus.
Alignment of goals.
Relevance of topic.
Sensitivity of topic.
Age difference.
Class size.
Blocked sites and tools.

20. Discussion Question
Do you ever see a role for telecollaboration among the populations you are working with?
What specific logistical and pedagogical issues would you face in setting up a telecollaboration in your context? 20

21. A Look Ahead 21 21

22. Next Session Online in Adobe Connect to present and discuss results.
Please upload your typed document to the Project 1 Wiki Page.
Two Separate AM Sessions
Group A: Kent, Linda S., Celine, Lisa, Henrietta (Swedish with Jonas)
Group B: Tina, Maria, Linda B., Karina, Helena (English with Shannon)
One Joint PM Session
Everyone