ERIC Number: EJ968793
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jan
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0742-7778
EISSN: N/A
Technology for French Learning: A Mismatch between Expectations and Reality
Karabulut, Aliye; Levelle, Kimberly; Li, Jinrong; Suvorov, Ruslan
CALICO Journal, v29 n2 p341-366 Jan 2012
The qualitative study reported in this article explored the use of technology for language learning in a third-year French class at a public university in the Midwest of the USA. To address the need for a more holistic study of technology for language learning (Basharina, 2007; Thorne, 2003), an Activity Theory framework was employed to investigate the relationships among different elements within a learning environment. Specifically, this multiple-case study examined the relationships between students' reasons for using different types of technology and the instructor's rationale for using technology in the French class. The analysis of interviews conducted with the participants throughout a semester revealed a mismatch between the students' and teacher's rationales for using technology for learning French. The findings suggest that to make technology-enhanced language learning more effective, instructors should assess students' use of technology, their preferences and needs, and thus structure class activities and assignments accordingly. (Contains 2 notes, 1 table and 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Class Activities, Educational Technology, French, Qualitative Research, Expectation, Public Colleges, Holistic Approach, Case Studies, Interviews, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Student Needs, Student Teacher Evaluation, Second Language Instruction, Computer Assisted Instruction, Second Language Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Undergraduate Students, Student Surveys, Measures (Individuals), Assignments, Social Theories
Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium. 214 Centennial Hall, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666. Tel: 512-245-1417; Fax: 512-245-9089; e-mail: info@calico.org: Web site: http://calico.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A