1. English Language Teaching Department
L2 Learners’ stories: Evidence from language exchange communities as an autonomous learning tool
Cem BALÇIKANLI
Gazi University
English Language Teaching Department
English as an International Language Conference, İzmir

2. Outline
1* web technologies in language learning 2* language exchange communities- how they work? 3* study 4* conclusions

3. Exclusive Web designer Static In the hands of few
One way
Static
In the hands of few

4. Collaboration Co-creation Social networks Shared control My Web

5. Today’s students are Digital Natives (Marc Prensky, 2001)
Visual learners
Multi-taskers
Short attention spans
Use technology to express themselves
Information analysts
Content producers
Real-time learners - instant messages.
Students today are fundamentally different. Due to the kinds of experiences they have had with interactive technologies their entire lives, they have developed preferences that are different than most of ours. Marc Prensky has given them the title of “Digital Natives.” They are visual learners, multi-taskers, with short attention spans, who use technology to express themselves. They are information analysts, content producers, and real-time learners who prefer instant and text messages. Technology is very important in their lives.
They have to turn off their cell phones and put away their iPods.
Click on underlined text to watch videos.

6. Examples of Web 2.0 Technologies

7. New technologies (self-access multimedia
facilities, for instance) provide the practical
means whereby learners can take a more
active part in decisions involved in learning.
The application of new technologies to education, in this context, language education, is altering, obviously, the way we live, we think, we learn and we teach.
Raya, M. K. & Fernandez, J. M. P. (2002). Learner Autonomy and New Technologies. Educational Media International.39 (1)

8. language exchange communities

12. Worldia

13. the research
The english language institute, in the University of Florida
five international students learning english
Mixxer, Worldia
interview

15. Is it easy to use. Is it interesting. Why
Is it easy to use? Is it interesting?  Why?  Is it good for English practice?  How? How does it contribute to your independent skills?
What other special features does it have?

16. Extracts from students
… it is essential in a way that it increases contact with language
…it is very motivating to use it.
… I can practice English in a way that I want.
…the potential use for language learning is great as it helps foster learner autonomy.
… I can learn daily expressions through this website.
… it keeps me alert in English.
…you can only learn some in class, so tools outside the classroom are important.
…thanks to this, I feel I have developed more awareness for my learning.
… it is very good for English practice.
… I feel less nervous when I practice English with it.

17. Language awareness
Authentic Language Exposure
Less threatened atmosphere
Learner independence
Learner interaction

18. THANK YOU