Information Technology and Innovation in Language Education

Information Technology and Innovation in Language Education
Author: Chris Davison
Publisher: Hong Kong University Press
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2005-01-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9789622096967

This book presents a critical analysis and investigation of current developments and debates in the use of information technology (IT) in English language teaching (ELT) internationally. The first section of the book provides an overview of the key issues in IT and innovation in English language education such as the complex nature of IT and its use in ELT, both in the present and future, and the often problematic nature of innovation in relation to IT and ELT. It focuses primarily on the level of programs and curricula, looking at the way organizations and educational systems in different countries respond to the so-called “IT imperative.” The second section adopts a more overtly social constructivist perspective to explore examples of innovative practice in IT use in ELT around the world. It tackles issues arising from classroom implementation and pedagogy, looking at the way learners and teachers can and do use IT in their everyday practice. The final section investigates the problems of building a community of professional practice in IT in English language education. It focuses on the level of professional development and teacher education and in doing so, demonstrates how the implementation of IT in schools and classrooms can be enhanced through taking into account key aspects of teachers’ existing contexts and professional practices. Throughout the book, the contributors adopt a constructive but critical perspective on the use of IT in English language education, often challenging its role in developing learner autonomy, its effectiveness in developing language learning and its capacity to enhance pedagogic practice in the language teaching classroom, at the same time suggesting effective models and guidelines for good practice.

Innovation in University-Based Intensive English Programs

Innovation in University-Based Intensive English Programs
Author: Jason Litzenberg
Publisher: Channel View Publications
Total Pages: 363
Release: 2023-12-12
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1800414463

This book considers the past, present and future directions of innovation in US-based Intensive English Programs (IEPs), which provide international students with an immersion-style environment for learning academic English, prior to matriculating into a full-time college or university degree program. IEPs frequently serve as sites for pre-service teacher preparation, curricular experimentation and research, and yet little published work takes a critical look at the advantages and shortcomings of such programs. The chapters in this book provide a nuanced view of this microcosm of the English language teaching industry, demonstrating the various ways that IEPs have impacted and continue to influence the wider fields of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. They emphasize the unique positioning of IEPs within higher education and describe the various ways IEP practitioners can influence their host institutions and beyond.

Second Language Classroom Research

Second Language Classroom Research
Author: Jacquelyn Schachter
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 264
Release: 2013-11-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1135450455

In an attempt to fill the gap left by the many published studies on classroom second language research, this book explores a variety of human, social, and political issues involved in the carrying out of such studies. Many journals are chock-full of the results of classroom research, with evidence to support one claim or another about the efficacy of one teaching method or another. Many textbooks are replete with statistical procedures to be used, and with experimental designs to fit varying situations. Too often overlooked in these treatments are the human, social, and political issues involved in carrying out research in classrooms that are not one's own. What are the problems going to be when one attempts work such as this? What does one do on discovering that an administrator's agenda is different than one had thought? What does one do when a teacher resents intrusions into her classroom? This book offers a view on those kinds of issues, as presented and managed by successful classroom researchers themselves. The authors present their own experiences including, on occasion, their trials and tribulations and how they dealt with them. They lay themselves open to criticism in doing so, but they make their contributions much the richer as well. The classroom contexts extend to different countries, and range from elementary schools to universities. Some of the issues presented are: * the necessarily collaborative nature of the research; * the question of meshing pedagogically sound and experimentally acceptable practices; * the often strong possibility that political and social decisions will interrupt the research; * the perennial question of reporting out the results; and * the training of graduate student researchers.

Innovative Digital Practices and Globalization in Higher Education

Innovative Digital Practices and Globalization in Higher Education
Author: Keengwe, Jared
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2023-02-17
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1668463407

We are moving toward a future in which digital practices are becoming more ubiquitous. Also, there is evidence to suggest that innovative digital practices are changing the face of 21st-century learning environments. Critical to 21st-century teaching and learning success is continued emphasis on learner preferences, shaped by innovative digital technology-driven learning environments alongside teacher awareness, knowledge, and preparedness to deliver high-impact instruction using active learning pedagogies. Thus, the purposeful and selective use of digital learning tools in higher education and the incorporation of appropriate active learning pedagogies are pivotal to enhancing and supporting meaningful student learning. Innovative Digital Practices and Globalization in Higher Education explores innovative digital practices to enhance academic performance for digital learners and prepare qualified graduates who are competent to work in an increasingly global digital workplace. Global competence has become an essential part of higher education and professional development. As such, it is the responsibility of higher education institutions to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to compete in the digital and global market. Covering topics such as design thinking, international students, and digital teaching innovation, this premier reference source is an essential resource for pre-service and in-service teachers, educational technologists, instructional designers, faculty, administrators, librarians, researchers, and academicians.