Computer Assisted Language Learning (P00350)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-CALLLING

CALL is an area where advances in computer technology interact with language teaching pedagogy. It is important that developments in this field are informed by Applied Linguistics to avoid the all-to-familiar scenario of 'old wine in new bottles'. It is also important that graduates in Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics are able to evaluate CALL materials, approaches and research in a principled manner. This course seeks to develop such critical skills and to explore ways in which computers can be used in the teaching and learning of languages and in conducting research into language teaching and learning. Course delivery is by short lectures and practical task-based sessions in IALS computer laboratory. The course builds on the theoretical framework established in the core course, 'Language learning and teaching', and reinforces the principles of good pedagogic practice established in 'Professional Practice'. In addition, candidates who chose option courses in 'Teaching the spoken language', 'Teaching the written language' or 'Evaluation and design of TESOL materials' will find a useful synergy of ideas.

Venue: IALS, 21 Hill Place

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 20 minutes per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	09:00	11:00			IALS, 21 Hill Place

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	09:00	09:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Participants on completing this course should be able to:
- recommend appropriate hardware and software for a CALL facility
- evaluate CALL materials in a range of media drawing on principles of Applied Linguistics and language teaching pedagogy
- understand and evaluate current developments in Computer Mediated Communication
- utilise CALL activities to collect data for research purposes on learner language, strategies for language learning, language acquisition and other key research issues
- evaluate both teaching activities and research in this area
- use concordances in their target teaching language
- use Web resources in the language classroom.

Assessment Information

Participants will submit a project of 5000 words on one of these topics:
(1) Write a critique of CALL materials in one area of language learning, review the literature in the field, and provide proposals for the design of more effective learning materials together with sample materials. Materials may be submitted on CD-ROM.
(2) Report a piece of original research you have conducted in one area of CALL. Your report should include a review of the literature, the rationale for your research questions, the methods used, an analysis of the data and your conclusions.