ERIC Number: EJ1123197
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 10
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1559-663X
EISSN: N/A
Crowdsourced Language Learning: Lessons for TESOL Educators from Online Language-Learning Enthusiasts
Odo, Dennis Murphy
English Teaching Forum, v54 n4 p14-23 2016
In recent years, the Internet has seen an explosion of hobbyists and practitioners for every activity imaginable. These online enthusiasts share their passion and knowledge about an amazing array of activities gained through countless hours of practice, thought, and discussion. Several of the sites also bring together a community of fellow language learners to provide guidance and support for dealing with the practical and emotional challenges encountered during the often arduous journey that is learning another language. Author Dennis Murphy Odo writes that English-language teachers would do well to introduce their learners to these online resources because the enthusiasts can encourage greater learner autonomy, spark genuine student motivation, and facilitate collaborative learning. This article discusses several practical issues teachers need to keep in mind when exploring these resources, including potential benefits to learners, examples of language-learning tools available, and pitfalls to avoid. The article concludes with a suggested sequence of classroom activities that teachers can follow to gradually acquaint learners with these resources.
Descriptors: Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Educational Resources, Electronic Learning, Access to Information, Barriers, Performance Factors, Class Activities, Information Literacy, Information Skills, Electronic Libraries, Educational Research, Educational Practices, Web 2.0 Technologies, Web Based Instruction
US Department of State. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. e-mail: etforum@state.gov; Web site: http://americanenglish.state.gov/english-teaching-forum-0
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A