APLNG/CMLIT/FR/GER/SPAN 589
Technology, Mediation, and Second Language Acquisition:  Research and Praxis

Spring, 2008, Thursdays, 6-9pm; Class meetings: IST 210

Steve Thorne (sthorne@psu.edu) (Office: 304A Sparks Bldg, University Park, PA)

Department of Applied Linguistics; The Pennsylvania State University

Course description | Course Blogs | Course Wiki | CMC Activity Library



WEEK 1, 1/17: General discussion and orientation to the course

WEEK 2, 1/24: Overview articles of CALL; History of the Internet; Intro to Blogs


WEEK 3, 1/31: Computer-mediated Communciation;  Intro to Wikis
Suggested -- read if interested:

WEEK 4, 2/7: Computer-mediated Communication
Optional Readings (oldies and pretty goodies):
  1. Bernhardt, E., Kamil, M. (1998). Enhancing foreign culture learning through electronic discussion. In Judith A. Muyskens (ed.), New ways of learning and teaching: Focus on technology and foreign language education. Boston: Heinle & Heinle Publishers.
  2. Sullivan, N., & Pratt, E. (1996). A comparative study of two ESL writing environments: A computer-assisted classroom and a traditional oral classroom. System 29: 491-501.
  3. Thorne, S. (1999).Chapter 3: Educational and foreign/second language uses of computer-mediation: A review of research. In: An activity theoretical analysis of foreign language electronic discourse. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of California, Berkeley.
  4. Warschauer, M., & Healey, D. (1998). Computers and language learning: An overview. Language Teaching, 31, 57-71.

WEEK 5: 2/14:
Introduction to Internet-mediated intercultural communication and L2 learning
Optional Readings and Resources:
WEEK 6, 2/21: Computer-mediated communication; Intro to Second Life and online gaming
Info resources and examples of gaming, virtual environments, & innovative CMC tools

WEEK 7, 2/28: More Second Life; Interpenetrations between VE and IRL;
Intro to podcasting
WEEK 8, 3/6:
More Internet-mediated intercultural communication and L2 learning
<<  March 10-14 -- Spring Break -- NO CLASSES >>

WEEK 9, 3/20: << Class session cancelled --> Rescheduled for Thursday, May 8th, 5-8pm >>


WEEK 10, 3/27: Distance learning and e-learning principles and issues; Project work in groups WEEK 11, 4/3: Critical and new media literacies on technology

*Recent critical scholarship on technology, language, & literacy

WEEK 12, 4/10: Heritage language issues; Teacher training and technology; Discussion of final projects

WEEK 13, 4/17: Perspectives


WEEK 14, 4/24:
Collective discussion of pedagogy projects; Student research project presentations

WEEK 15, 5/1:
Student research project presentations

WEEK 16: 5/8: Wrap-up and student research project presentations