UNTELE 2004

ICT and Language learning –

Can an e-learning environment promote learner autonomy?

Samuel C LefeverAssistant Professor

Iceland University of Education

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OverviewDistance-learning at the university level ICT use in a language teaching programAn e-learning environment based on:

Communication Cooperative learning Autonomous learning

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Iceland University of EducationA leader of distance education in the

country1990s - ICT use steadily increased

E-mail, WWWeb, Internet, e-learning tools2001 – online distance learning at all

levels of instruction

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IUE – Language teaching programObjectives – that students gain:

an understanding of the nature, structure and use of the English language

knowledge about language teaching theory and language learning and their practical applications

proficiency in English language skills sufficient for teaching at the primary school level

insight into the daily life, culture, and literature of English language countries

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Learning environment

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Communication

Campus sessionsCourse websiteE-mail and web conferencingTelephone conferencing

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Course website

Course description and objectivesCourse planReading materialsStudy guidelinesHyperlinks

http://enska.khi.is/menning1_h03/

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Web conferencing

WebBoardFrontPage – SharepointWebCT

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Communication technologyClosed postlistsE-mailTelephone conferencing

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Cooperative learningCampus sessions

Group ‘belongingness’Web discussions

Shared assignments Reading circles Media issues Peer feedback and interactionhttp://starfsfolk.khi.is/samuel/disc1_frm.htm

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DISCUSSION CONTENTS

A written report about terrorism Helga 11/5/2001

Educational issues report. Sigríður H. Aðalsteinsdóttir. 11/4/2001

Ameica on the edge. Ursula Ásgrímsdóttir 11/4/2001

Gun control and crime report Þórey Einarsdóttir 11/3/2001

Re: Gun control and crime report Sylvía Hilmarsdóttir 12/12/2001

Re: Gun control and crime report Sylvía Hilmarsdóttir 12/12/2001

More about educational issues Sigga Helga 10/30/2001

Re: More about educational issues Ursula Ásgrímsdóttir 11/4/2001

Re: More about educational issues Þórey Einarsdóttir 11/3/2001

Re: More about educational issues Helga 10/31/2001

More about guns Þórey Einarsdóttir 10/29/2001

Re: More about guns Ursula Ásgrímsdóttir 11/4/2001

Re: More about guns Helga 10/30/2001

Re: More about guns Sigga Helga 10/29/2001

60 minutes Samuel 10/26/2001

Re: 60 minutes Þórey Einarsdóttir 10/30/2001

Re: 60 minutes Helga 10/30/2001

Re: 60 minutes Sigríður H. Aðalsteinsdóttir 10/29/2001

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Autonomous learning – with support

Reading materials Course books and articles Web sources and e-journals

Study guidelines Provide direction Facilitate discussion and reflection Provide time framework

Language skills practice and self-study Listening materials Interactive activities

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Student responses

“I like to be able to know in advance when to turn in my work. It was excellent to get the course schedule ahead of time and also the way you would be grading us because then I quickly knew what was expected of me.”

“I liked the web discussions – the communication with the fellow students and the teacher. I found the way of giving feedback very useful and clear.”

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“It was interesting to do the assignments and work in small groups. We were ‘forced’ to communicate. …there were a lot of issues in the book worth discussion.”

“It was good to look for information, e.g. on the internet, about British culture.”

“The course provided support and promoted learner autonomy. …encouraged students to do their own information searches and work independently.”

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Other research Iceland University of Education - 2001

75% students said that distance learning program met their expectations

92% students liked using the the internet for communication in distance learning

65% participated in web discussions once a week or more often

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Communication Iceland University of Education – 2002

89% students reported that communication with fellow students helped them in distance learning

86% students reported that communication with teachers helped them in their learning

65% felt that web discussions were a beneficial part of their studies

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E-learning tools – WebCT, WebBoard Iceland University of Education – 2002

Students commented on the value of being able to read each other’s work

The tools provided them with an ‘invaluable source of information and basis for discussion’

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Learner autonomy and distance learning Iceland University of Education – 2002

students commented on: gaining self-discipline taking the initiative developing independent work habits

Upper-secondary school level -2002 89% students responded that they were more

responsible for their own learning in distance learning than in conventional classroom

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ICT and distance-learning