Dialogue in Networksupported Language Learning and Teaching

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Dialogue in Network-supported Language Learning
and Teaching
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What is network-based language teaching?

• Warschauer and Kern, 2000
• Language teaching involving local or global
  networks (LMS or Internet)
• Focus on human to human communication
• Written communication, electronically archived

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Background

• Experience from net-based courses for training
  language teachers
• Experience from on-campus, network supported
  courses
• Different types of dialogue were identified
  during development and implementation of these
  courses

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Dialogue Interaction Discourse

• Communication between on-line materials and
  learner through complex tasks
• Communication between moderator and learner where
  both are active partners in a process
• Communication between learner(s) and learner(s)
  where all are active partners

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Tools in the LMS

• E-mail
• Forums
• Chat
• Collaborative writing (Fronter Document)

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Tools on the Net

• E-mail
• Blogs
• Messenger
• Skyping
• Use of avatars
• Video conferencing(human)

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Forum

• A defined area in which discussion and
  negotiation take place. Defined in terms of
• Who takes part
• How long it lasts
• What is discussed

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Characteristics of a Forum 1

• Asynchronous
• Task-based
• Written
• Saved and can be referred back to

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Characteristics of a Forum 2

• Participants have time for reflection
• Participants take part in their own time
• Underlying purpose is language practice
• Message more interesting than correct language

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Why use a Forum Discussion? 1

• Motivational value
• Produces a lot of writing
• Individual students more easily included than in
  face to face discussions
• Time for reflection

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Why use a Forum Discussion? 2

• A record of what has been said to refer to
• Meaningful contributions
• Contributions are public have many readers

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Making a Forum Discussion Effective

• Training and practice are necessary
• A good starting question
• Make active participation compulsory
• Use email to bring in and encourage individuals
• Moderating draws threads together and stimulates
  more discussion

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Forum as a Genre

• Informal
• Shared text with multiple authors including the
  moderator
• Requires attention to text coherence through the
  use of linking devices
• Linking devices help to develop deep-level
  thinking

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Ground Rules for participant behaviour ( some
examples)

• Keep your postings fairly short, at least at the
  beginning
• Comment on what others have said before you add
  your own contribution
• Keep to the question under discussion
• Say encouraging things to others
• Try to write postings which keep the discussion
  moving forward rather than stopping it dead

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Conclusion

• Forum is one of a number of tools for creating
  dialogue which
• Is not not just a poor substitute for face to
  face contact
• Has the potential for developing knowledge,
  thinking and language
• Increases individual contact with students