Personal Language Learning Environments

My proposal for JALT CALL 2006 was recently accepted. Marco mentioned that it might be a bit off-putting to participants, because I mention too many specific terms that people don’t understand - he might be right about that. The organizers also requested that I further explain why I feel its necessary to mention Moodle - I thought that was already clear. I guess I have a long way to go before I learn how to write clearer proposals and plan for better presentations. Anyway, here it is:

Recent developments in the evolution of the Web 2.0 (read/write web), especially those concerning the proliferation of RSS/Atom subscription feeds and social networking tools, have made it possible for students to create Personal Language Learning Environments (PLLEs) using a mix of free, web-based applications and services. This presentation will examine how Japanese university students in an elective EFL course used computers and cell phones to put their language skills to use by making connections and creating conversation with people in different countries. Blogging, photo sharing (with Flickr), and “dream” sharing (with 43 Things) in combination with aggregation (Superglu) and social networking strategies - such contact building, tagging, linking, commenting, and searching - were the primary activities taking place. Moodle was used to organize weekly tasks, offer help and explanations, and deliver weekly English language exercises and quizzes. The strengths and weaknesses of such an approach to language learning will be discussed, and recommendations will be made.

Keywords: weblogs, photo sharing, social networking, RSS, tags, aggregation

Trackbacks & Pings

  1. The Carnival of English Language Teaching :: CELT Midway #6 :: April :: 2006 on 25 Apr 2006 at 1:57 pm

    [...] Speaking of JALT 2006; those of you planning to attend should be sure to catch APcambell’s presentation “Personal Language Learning Ecologies”. I can tell you that he’s been working hard on it. [...]

Comments

  1. EFL Geek wrote:

    Sounds like a great proposal and I wish I could attend.

    Posted 23 Mar 2006 at 9:37 pm

  2. Aaron wrote:

    Thanks EFL Geek. Are you presenting this year?

    Posted 29 Mar 2006 at 8:47 am

  3. EFL Geek wrote:

    Actually I won’t be going to JALT - can’t afford the overseas trip and hotel. I am considering presenting at KOTESOl but haven’t decided yet.

    Posted 29 Mar 2006 at 1:27 pm

  4. Rudolf wrote:

    I prefer “learning environment” to “learning ecology” — it’s less pretentious. Still, you know the eco-thing is catching on when they begin to use Weglogging Ecosystem as an upmarket synonym for “blogosphere”.

    Congrats on the acceptance, too.

    Posted 07 Apr 2006 at 6:03 pm

  5. daniel wrote:

    Congrats on having your proposal accepted!

    I have to say that I agree with Marco: there is a lot of language in the proposal that leaves me scratching my head. I feel like I ought to know what’s going on, but I don’t.

    The bit on Moodle is clear enough so I can’t imagine what the organizers want.

    Hope it goes well.

    Posted 11 Apr 2006 at 2:06 pm

  6. Aaron wrote:

    I agree too, Rudolf. Learning environment’ sounds more practical and accurate. I will still draw upon the ecology metaphor when explaining the concept.

    Posted 19 Apr 2006 at 12:03 am

  7. Aaron wrote:

    Thanks Daniel. I’ll be sure to explain things clearly and concisely.

    Posted 19 Apr 2006 at 12:07 am

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