Bring your own device to language class – applying handheld devices in classroom learning

Half-day workshop, 20 August, 14-17 hrs

Presenters:

Tord Talmo, Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST), Trondheim
Robin Støckert, Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST), Trondheim,
Even Einum, Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST), Trondheim

Description:

Language students often struggle to understand the logic in foreign languages, reducing their ability to produce texts on their own. There are several reasons for this, everything from the methodology to lack of motivation might influence the situation. Since the 1980s, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has become one of the fastest-growing areas of development in language learning and teaching. There has been a considerable classroom use of generic computer applications, not developed for the special purposes of language learning (e.g. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint), although there has been great interest in designing software specifically for the purpose of exploiting the potential of new technologies in Foreign Language Training (FLT). CALL now handles an enormous range of activities in all FLT skills (listening, speaking, reading, conversation and writing), but it has also given new life to traditional grammar and vocabulary based tasks, such as multiple choice, gap-filling, cloze testing, etc. This field is still new and not fully researched, but it has been suggested that the debate on the role of classic grammar-based education can be helped by studying the use of technology and its role in FLT methodology. Can new technology available to practically all students enable them to improved understanding of the logic behind languages?

The LLP Comenius project named “Identifying the Logical structure of languages by use of new Interactive mobile services, new diagnostic training methods for development of Key competences, and new Evaluation methods introducing assessment for learning practices” (iLike), started 1st December 2012. The aim of the project is to introduce a new and improved way of teaching students the logic behind languages.

Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST) will provide a half-day workshop presenting new software designed specifically for Language Learning. The software is a web-based application utilizing students’ handheld devices in the learning process. The project aims at improving in-class learning via use of handheld devices to improve interaction in the classroom. The students will be provided with a case that they work on and submit using their devices. The teacher will be able to display all the students’ answers immediately, give instant feedback and correct the way the students are thinking before creating a new case, preferably based on the previous submissions. 

The workshop will consist of the methodological framework, presenting best classroom practices, a short technological presentation, introducing the key components in the software, and an extensive hands-on session where the attendants participate both as students and teachers. 

iLike is web-based and only require internet access for both teacher and students, i.e. presenter and attendants. A wireless network with internet connection (without firewall and time out, on connection) should be available, with the minimum capacity of supporting up to 30 mobile devices connected and utilizing the network with an approximate load of 5kB/s per unit. The attendants are invited to bring their own device for the workshop.

Registration:

You may register for this workshop during conference registration. If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add or change your workshop registration, please send an email to info@eurocall2014.nl.

Please note that the number of places for the workshops is limited. If you cannot register for a workshop anymore, please indicate your preference in the comment field at registration. We will then put you on a waiting list.