CFP: (IJCALT) Special Issue TBLT and Technology

Tue Oct 18 23:32:49 UTC 2011

International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning & Teaching (IJCALT)
Call for Papers for a Special Issue on:

Task-based Language Teaching and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities? 
?
Abstracts due: October 31st, 2011
? 
?Guest editors
Michael Thomas, University of Central Lancashire, UK
?Chun Lai, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong ?

This special issue of IJCALT intends to address key issues related to task-based language teaching (TBLT) utilizing technology. Interest in task-based Language teaching has been growing over the last two to three decades, particularly in the west but most recently also in Asia. The TBLT approach emphasizes the importance of real-world communicative tasks as part of an experiential learning process in which learners engage in the negotiation of meaning. Although efforts have been made to align TBLT with an “authentic”, “experiential”, and “process-oriented” approach focused on “non-linguistic” goals, it has attracted a number of critiques. These include challenges associated with implementing TBLT in formal classroom situations, in which both learners and teachers may find it difficult to maintain the illusion of “authentic” interaction which is not geared towards assessments and class assignments. TBLT may also promote a restrictive functional approach that limits learner creativity. Furthermore, TBLT implies an active style of learning which may not fit well with other cultures that rely on more passive interactions between learners and teachers, or where large class sizes and mixed proficiency groups, may present obstacles in terms of learner motivation and involvement. Technology presents opportunities to overcome a number of these challenges, by expanding the range of resources available to learners; presenting learners with the opportunity to participate in online communities and cross-cultural communication; enhancing the authenticity of tasks through the use of online simulations; and enabling learner agency and improving learner identity. Furthermore, the use of technology in language learning contexts may also improve a range of so-called 21st century skills such as digital literacy. By examining the intersection of TBLT and technology, the special issue seeks to examine these challenges and opportunities from both teacher and learner perspectives. Topics relevant to the special issue may include, but are not limited to:? 
•	theoretical considerations pertaining to technology-enhanced TBLT;
•	instructional design of technology-enhanced TBLT environments;
•	empirical studies on the effectiveness of using TBLT with technology;
•	cooperative learning and socio-constructivist approaches;
•	learner motivation;
•	learning styles with technology-enhanced TBLT;
•	TBLT with social media
•	using TBLT in virtual worlds 
•	learning inside and outside the classroom;
•  language teacher professional development
•  learner preparation and planning;
• technology-enhanced TBLT in different sociocultural and instructional contexts.

An abstract (approx. 400-500 words plus references) outlining the content and aims of the proposed article should be submitted via email as a Microsoft Word attachment to the editors mthomas4 at uclan.ac.uk and  laichun at hku.hk no later than 20 October 2011.

Schedule
July 2011			Call for expressions of interest
October 31, 2011	 	Abstracts due
March 31, 2012		Full papers due
July 15, 2012			Revised papers due 
September, 2012		Delivery to the publisher

Following a review of abstracts, full papers between 5,500 and 8,000 words will be required in line with the guidelines available at http://www.igi-global.com/bookstore/titledetails.aspx?titleid=41023.

IJCALT is an Official Publication of the Information Resources Management Association.

********************************* 
Shannon Sauro, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor 
Bicultural-Bilingual Studies 
University of Texas at San Antonio
http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/

The CALLspot - a podcast about computer-assisted language learning
http://callspot.libsyn.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon Sauro
Sent: Tue 10/18/2011 12:03 PM
To: The Educational Linguistics List.
Subject: CFP: 5th International Independent Learning Association Conference 2012

5th International Independent Learning Association Conference 2012
Sponsored by Victoria University of Wellington

When:  Thursday 30 August – Sunday 2 September 2012
Where: Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Call for Papers Reminder

The Conference Committee welcomes proposals for workshops, papers, colloquia, learning fair, swap shop, and poster sessions. The Call for Papers deadline for submissions is less than one month away.  Get your submission in quickly to help shape the conference programme!

For full details and to begin the submission process, visit the conference website: http://www.ila.net.nz/ .

The deadline is Friday 4 November 2011.

For further details about ILAC 2012, please contact the Conference Organisers Paardekooper & Associates:
Phone: +64 4 562 8259
Fax: +64 4 562 8269
Email: ila at paardekooper.co.nz
Web: www.ila.net.nz

********************************* 
Shannon Sauro, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor 
Bicultural-Bilingual Studies 
University of Texas at San Antonio
http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/

The CALLspot - a podcast about computer-assisted language learning
http://callspot.libsyn.com

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