The online language learning challenge

[ann gavriel]

Tommy,
You have the insight and deep grasp of language-culture interface etc.  You
therefore understand the limitations of online language learning.  I  began
learning Spanish in an evening class- it was such a blessing because every
member of that class - 18 people - was a learning and teaching asset to
themselves and to their classmates.  Language learning is about feeling
happy that 'they' (whoever they are) understand, respond, speak back to
you.. To feel successful in the first faltering steps.  We need
interpersonal reassurance in the flesh.. to see the sudden joy when a person
communicates, and to feel that yourself.  Is that possible online.... Like
you, I wait to hear how it 'feels' and how successful...
Ann S. Gavriel
Norwich, UK

  _____  

From: edling-bounces at bunner.geol.lu.se
[mailto:edling-bounces at bunner.geol.lu.se] On Behalf Of Tommy B McDonell
Sent: 01 April 2014 22:22
To: Ed Ling
Subject: Re: [Edling] The online language learning challenge


I would like to see the term "learn/ing" defined. I live in NC now and no
longer have access to NYU's wonderful databases, and only can access NC
consortium, which does not give me all the journals you all read. However,
when I left NYC in 2008, while there was research on people doing better in
certain areas of technology enhanced language learning (TELL or the old
CALL), it was in specific areas. For example, reading, and being able to see
the glossary.  

However, just because one can access a free app, doesn't mean that you can
learn a language. Learn to speak it? Learn to read it? What happens to
sociocultural pragmatics (which I have enough trouble being a New Yorker and
having moved to the South, much less if I were in Poland where I can read
but not enough vodka in the world will get me to speak, my affective filter
is that high!). 

I will be interested in what comes up. 

Tommy

Tommy B McDonell, Ph.D.
tbmcdonell at gmail.com
Artist: Pinehurst, NC
http://tbmcdonellart.com



On Apr 1, 2014, at 2:54 PM, Francis Hult <francis.hult at englund.lu.se> wrote:


The Guardian

 

The online language learning challenge

 

The Guardian wants to find out if it is possible to learn a language only
using online tools. Over the next six weeks, three writers will each try to
learn a language using a piece of language-learning technology.

 

Full story:
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/21/can-i-learn-a-language-onli
ne
_______________________________________________
Edling mailing list
Edling at bunner.geol.lu.se
http://bunner.geol.lu.se/mailman/listinfo/edling


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/edling/attachments/20140405/dcf83c5c/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
_______________________________________________
Edling mailing list
Edling at bunner.geol.lu.se
http://bunner.geol.lu.se/mailman/listinfo/edling