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<TITLE>CFP: (IJCALT) Special Issue TBLT and Technology</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning & Teaching (IJCALT)<BR>
Call for Papers for a Special Issue on:<BR>
<BR>
Task-based Language Teaching and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities
<BR>
<BR>
Abstracts due: October 31st, 2011<BR>
<BR>
Guest editors<BR>
Michael Thomas, University of Central Lancashire, UK<BR>
Chun Lai, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
<BR>
<BR>
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:
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• theoretical considerations pertaining to technology-enhanced TBLT;<BR>
• instructional design of technology-enhanced TBLT environments;<BR>
• empirical studies on the effectiveness of using TBLT with technology;<BR>
• cooperative learning and socio-constructivist approaches;<BR>
• learner motivation;<BR>
• learning styles with technology-enhanced TBLT;<BR>
• TBLT with social media<BR>
• using TBLT in virtual worlds<BR>
• learning inside and outside the classroom;<BR>
• language teacher professional development<BR>
• learner preparation and planning;<BR>
• technology-enhanced TBLT in different sociocultural and instructional contexts.<BR>
<BR>
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@uclan.ac.uk and laichun@hku.hk no later than 20 October 2011.<BR>
<BR>
Schedule<BR>
July 2011 Call for expressions of interest<BR>
October 31, 2011 Abstracts due<BR>
March 31, 2012 Full papers due<BR>
July 15, 2012 Revised papers due<BR>
September, 2012 Delivery to the publisher<BR>
<BR>
Following a review of abstracts, full papers between 5,500 and 8,000 words will be required in line with the guidelines available at <A HREF="http://www.igi-global.com/bookstore/titledetails.aspx?titleid=41023">http://www.igi-global.com/bookstore/titledetails.aspx?titleid=41023</A>.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
IJCALT is an Official Publication of the Information Resources Management Association.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
*********************************<BR>
Shannon Sauro, Ph.D.<BR>
Assistant Professor<BR>
Bicultural-Bilingual Studies<BR>
University of Texas at San Antonio<BR>
<A HREF="http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/">http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/</A><BR>
<BR>
The CALLspot - a podcast about computer-assisted language learning<BR>
<A HREF="http://callspot.libsyn.com">http://callspot.libsyn.com</A><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: Shannon Sauro<BR>
Sent: Tue 10/18/2011 12:03 PM<BR>
To: The Educational Linguistics List.<BR>
Subject: CFP: 5th International Independent Learning Association Conference 2012<BR>
<BR>
5th International Independent Learning Association Conference 2012<BR>
Sponsored by Victoria University of Wellington<BR>
<BR>
When: Thursday 30 August – Sunday 2 September 2012<BR>
Where: Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Call for Papers Reminder<BR>
<BR>
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!<BR>
<BR>
For full details and to begin the submission process, visit the conference website: <A HREF="http://www.ila.net.nz/">http://www.ila.net.nz/</A> .<BR>
<BR>
The deadline is Friday 4 November 2011.<BR>
<BR>
For further details about ILAC 2012, please contact the Conference Organisers Paardekooper & Associates:<BR>
Phone: +64 4 562 8259<BR>
Fax: +64 4 562 8269<BR>
Email: ila@paardekooper.co.nz<BR>
Web: www.ila.net.nz<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
*********************************<BR>
Shannon Sauro, Ph.D.<BR>
Assistant Professor<BR>
Bicultural-Bilingual Studies<BR>
University of Texas at San Antonio<BR>
<A HREF="http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/">http://faculty.coehd.utsa.edu/ssauro/</A><BR>
<BR>
The CALLspot - a podcast about computer-assisted language learning<BR>
<A HREF="http://callspot.libsyn.com">http://callspot.libsyn.com</A><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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