Sustainability of Blended Language Learning Programs


Book Description

This book focuses on the investigation of the sustainability of technology integration in the context of language programs and is based on an 18-month longitudinal study of a blended EAP (English for Academic Purposes) language program situated within a university pathways course. The integration of technology into language teaching and learning in academic English programs often demands substantial investment in professional development, curriculum change, and technological resources. Given the intense effort required, sustainability of such efforts has gained importance, focus, and urgency. Situated in the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, this book frames, and investigates, the sustainability of technology integration through a series of case studies of specific technologies: tablet devices, a Learning Management System, and an interactive presentation app. The authors explore sustainable integration of technology; the use of argument-based approaches as a basis for research design; and participant ethnography as a form of data collection. The book concludes by looking at the implications of the research and proposes that change management concepts be applied to better introduce, implement, and most importantly, sustain change involving educational technology integration. The content will be of interest to scholars in TESOL and applied linguistics as well as professional language educators who will benefit from insights into sustaining technology integration in their programs.




Creating Effective Blended Language Learning Courses


Book Description

Using an innovative framework, this book provides the rationale, strategies, and tools to create optimal blended language learning courses.




Blended Language Program Evaluation


Book Description

Advocating an argument-based approach, Blended Language Program Evaluation presents a framework for planning, conducting, and appraising evaluation of blended language learning across three institutional levels, and demonstrates its utility and application in four case studies carried out in diverse international contexts.




Blended Learning in Action


Book Description

Shift to blended learning to transform education Blended learning has the power to reinvent education, but the transition requires a new approach to learning and a new skillset for educators. Loaded with research and examples, Blended Learning in Action demonstrates the advantages a blended model has over traditional instruction when technology is used to engage students both inside the classroom and online. Readers will find: Breakdowns of the most effective classroom setups for blended learning Tips for leaders Ideas for personalizing and differentiating instruction using technology Strategies for managing devices in schools Questions to facilitate professional development and deeper learning




Comparative Blended Learning Practices and Environments


Book Description

This book offers in-depth analysis of new technologies in blended learning that promote creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful learning combining expert perspectives from international scholars enabling researchers, academicians, and practitioners to devise innovative Web-based learning approaches.







Blending Technologies in Second Language Classrooms


Book Description

This book analyses the classroom blending of face-to-face and online technologies in the teaching and learning of second languages. Its theoretical framework integrates the rapidly changing and developing fields of both applied linguistics and computer-assisted language learning (CALL). It examines such themes as the normalization of the computer and the rise of mobile devices, the development of open educational resources, flipped learning, gamification, and the increased focus on communication and problem-solving tasks in class. The author illustrates how the design or ‘bricolage’ of blended learning is part of a radical shift in our conceptualisation of the learning environment. Building on the framework established in its first edition, this book will appeal to teachers-in-training, scholars and practitioners of second language education.




Blended Learning Environments for Adults: Evaluations and Frameworks


Book Description

"This book demonstrates the view that Information and Communication Technologies should not be considered as a neutral teaching medium, but instead be implemented under pedagogical conditions; aiming at the development of critical thinking through their creative integration into the social and cultural context"--




Computer-Assisted Language Learning in the Global South


Book Description

This cross-cultural edited volume presents a rich tapestry of experiences, challenges, and innovations, focusing on assessment, course and curriculum design, approaches to pedagogy and teacher professional development in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in the Global South. Comprising chapters from a broad swathe of international contexts, the book presents varied themes in CALL such as inclusion and social justice, artificial intelligence, barriers to online language teaching, skills-based practices, and professional development. By shedding light on the underrepresented research contexts in the Global South, a number of current innovations in these contexts at theoretical and empirical levels are showcased, resulting in a highly novel and cutting-edge volume that gives voice to perspectives on the implementation of CALL in less-privileged countries. Providing comparative research and innovative ways in which CALL can be harnessed in less-privileged contexts despite lack of resources in some cases, this book will appeal to scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of technology in education, language and linguistics, as well as open and distance education and eLearning. CALL and TESOL educators may also benefit from the book.




Cases on Active Blended Learning in Higher Education


Book Description

Active blended learning (ABL) is a pedagogical approach that combines sensemaking activities with focused interactions in appropriate learning settings. ABL has become a great learning tool as it is easily accessible online, with digitally rich environments, close peer and tutor interactions, and accommodations per individual learner needs. It encompasses a variety of concepts, methods, and techniques, such as collaborative learning, experiential learning, problem-based learning, team-based learning, and flipped classrooms. ABL is a tool used by educators to develop learner autonomy, engaging students in knowledge construction, reflection, and critique. In the current educational climate, there is a strong case for the implementation of ABL. Cases on Active Blended Learning in Higher Education explores strategies and methods to implement ABL in higher education. It will provide insights into teaching practice by describing the experiences and reflections of academics from around the world. The chapters analyze enablers, barriers to engagement, outcomes, implications, and recommendations to benefit from ABL in different contexts, as well as associated concepts and models. While highlighting topics such as personalized university courses, remote service learning, team-based learning, and universal design, this book is ideal for in-service and preservice teachers, administrators, instructional designers, teacher educators, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in pedagogical approaches aligned to ABL and how this works in higher education institutions.