L2 Learners’ stories: Evidence from language

exchange communities as an autonomous learning tool

Cem BALÇIKANLI

Gazi University

English Language Teaching Department

E-mail: balcikanli@gazi.edu.tr

English as an International Language Conference,

İzmir - 2009

Outline

1* web technologies in language learning

2* language exchange communities- how they work?

3* study

4* conclusions

2

One way

Exclusive

Web designer

Static

In the hands of few

WEB 1.0

3

Social networks

CollaborationCo-creation

Shared controlMy Web

WEB 2.0

4

Today’s students are Digital Natives (Marc Prensky, 2001)

•Visual learners•Multi-taskers•Short attention spans•Use technology to express

themselves • Information analysts•Content producers•Real-time learners -

instant messages.

5

Examples of Web 2.0 Technologies

New technologies (self-access multimedia

facilities, for instance) provide the practical

means whereby learners can take a more

active part in decisions involved in learning.

Raya, M. K. & Fernandez, J. M. P. (2002). Learner Autonomy and New Technologies. Educational Media

International.39 (1) 61-68

7

language exchange communities

8

9

10

11

Worldia

12

The english language institute, in the University of Florida

five international students learning english

Mixxer, Worldia interview

13

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Is it easy to use?

Is it interesting?  Why? 

Is it good for English practice?  How?

How does it contribute to your independent

skills?

What other special features does it have?

15

Extracts from students

… it keeps me alert in English.

…you can only learn some in class, so tools outside the classroom are important.

…thanks to this, I feel I have developed more awareness for my learning.

… it is very good for English practice.

… I feel less nervous when I practice English with it.

… it is essential in a way that it increases contact with language

…it is very motivating to use it.

… I can practice English in a way that I want.

…the potential use for language learning is great as it helps foster learner autonomy.

… I can learn daily expressions through this website.

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Language awareness

Learner independence

Less threatened atmosphere

Learner interaction

Authentic Language Exposure

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THANK YOU