1. BA(CEE)
Core Module
ENG2281
Integrating Information Technology in the ESL
Classroom
Session 9
Blended learning in second language
teaching and learning
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Prepared by Ruby Yang, Department of English, HKIEd
2. What is blending learning?
• Blended learning refers to “a language course which
combines a face-to-face classroom component with an
appropriate use of technology” (Sharma & Barrett, 2007,
p. 7).
• The term technology covers a wide range of new
technologies. It also includes the use of computers as a
means of communication, such as chat and email, virtual
learning environments (VLEs), blogs and wikis.
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3. What is blending learning?
• Thorne (2003, p. 16) suggests that blended learning is a
mix of:
▫ Multimedia technology
▫ CD-ROM video streaming
▫ Virtual classroom
▫ Voicemail, email and conference calls
▫ Online text animation and video streaming
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5. 5
Components of blended learning
• Synchronous & asynchronous conferencing
• Face-to-face interaction
• Course website
• Online quiz/assessment
• Email
• PowerPoint slides
• Phone conferencing
• Digital sound and movie
• Print materials
• Digital lecture delivery
• Video conferencing
• Digital whiteboard
(Macdonald, 2006, p. 36)
6. Why is blended learning important?
• Blended learning represents a real opportunity to
create learning experiences that can provide the
right learning at the right time and in the right
place for each and every individual.
• It can be truly universal, crossing global
boundaries and bringing groups of learners
together through different cultures and time zone
(Thorne, 2003, p. 18).
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7. Key principles for adopting a
blended-learning approach
• Separate the role of the teacher and the role of
technology
• Teach in a principled way
Teaching is driven by the pedagogy and
supported by the technology
• Use technology to complement and enhance face-
to-face learning
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8. Using portable devices
• Digital audio recorders (e.g. MP3 players)
• Digital cameras
• Digital camcorders
• Mobile phones
• PDAs
• iPods
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9. 9
Mobile phones
• The common features of mobile phones now
include Internet access, SMS text-messaging,
cameras, and video-recording.
10. 10
PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants)
• PDAs are more often associated with m-learning.
• They can access to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
• They can be used as wireless handheld computers
for various classroom activities.
11. 11
iPods
• Using iPods in education
e.g. Apple in Education
http://www.apple.com/education/
12. 12
Discussion
• Talk to your classmates some benefits and
challenges of using mobile technologies in
language teaching and learning.
13. Computer-mediated communication
Text chat (a synchronous form of communication)
• Windows Live Messenger
http://windowslive.com/desktop/messenger
• Yahoo Messenger
http://messenger.yahoo.com/
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14. Computer-mediated communication
• Email
• Forums and bulletin boards
A bulletin board is an electronic version of a
noticeboard where a user can leave a message
for everyone to read (Sharma & Barrett, 2007).
• Video-conferencing
• Audio-conferencing (e.g. Skype)
• Virtual Learning Environments
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15. 15
Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs)
• Moodle
Moodle is a Course Management System
(CMS), also known as a Learning
Management System (LMS) or a Virtual
Learning Environment (VLE). It is a free Open
Source web application that educators can use
to create effective online learning sites.
http://moodle.org/
17. Discussion
• Discuss with your classmates how Flickr/Picasa
and Slideshare can be used in English language
teaching and learning.
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18. 18
Social Networking
• Social Networking is a website that allows
individuals of similar interests spend time
together. They communicate with each other by
voice, video conferencing, instant messaging, and
blogs (Sharp, 2009).
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Some popular social networking
websites
• Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/
• MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/
• Twitter
A user can update a blog from a cellphone, send
text messages, do instant messaging, and email.
http://twitter.com/
20. 20
Assessment for blended learning
• Assessing online participation
• Inviting feedback
• Reflecting on learning
E.g. Collecting feedback/information by creating
a form in Google Docs.
21. 21
References
Sharma, P. & Barrett, B. (2007). Blended learning: Using
technology in and beyond the language classroom.
Oxford: Macmillan Education.
Sharp, V. F. (2009). Computer education for teachers:
Integrating technology into classroom teaching (6th
ed).
Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley.
Thorne, K. (2003). Blended learning: How to integrate
online & traditional learning. London; Sterling, VA:
Kogan Page.
Notas del editor
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Digital camcorders record directly onto a DVD.
M-learning (mobile learning)
The wireless Internet access allows file-sharing between teachers and students and among students themselves (Chinnery, 2006).
Benefits:
Portability / easily to be used outside classrooms
Challenges
The cost to educational institutions of purchasing mobile technology equipment could be staggering.
Limited social interaction