Linguistics  2148

 Introduction to Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Spring Semester, 2008

 

 

Instructor: Claire Bradin Siskin                                                                    Telephone: (412) 624-5939

Office: G-17 Cathedral of Learning                                                          E-mail:  cbsiskin@pitt.edu

Personal website: http://edvista.com/claire                                          Office hours: By appointment

Classroom: 314 Bellefield                                                                                

 

 

Course website at Pitt:                         http://www.pitt.edu/~cbsiskin/ling2148/index.html

Course website on Blackboard:           http://courseweb.pitt.edu/

Language Media Center website:        http://www.polyglot.pitt.edu

ClaireÕs personal website:                    http://www.edvista.com/claire/index.html

 

Text:    Ducate, L., & Arnold, N. (Eds.). (2006). Calling on CALL: From theory and research to new directions in foreign language teaching (CALICO Monograph Series Volume 5). San Marcos, TX: CALICO (Computer-Assisted Language Instruction Consortium). ISSN: 1085-2999

Note: You may also wish to purchase a USB Òthumb driveÓ for storing files.

 

Course Description: Both the practical and theoretical aspects of using computers in second language learning will be explored. Topics will include software evaluation, the role of word processing and other common applications, text reconstruction programs, resources for language learning on the Internet, classroom and self-access modes of CALL, roles of the computer in second language learning, creating CALL materials with authoring programs, use of audio, video, and graphics in CALL, role of hypermedia and hypertext in CALL, Web-based classroom activities, Web page creation, concordance programs, integration of CALL into the curriculum, and research in CALL. The Internet will be used extensively.

 

Grading Policy:

 

Software critique

20%

CALL-based lesson plan

10%

Web page assignment

10%

Midterm exam

20%

Participation

10%

Final project

30%

 

Basis for participation portion of grade:

 

1. Attend all classes.

2. Come to class well prepared.

     (It is assumed that assignments will be done before the date for that class.)

3. Participate in class discussions.

4. Respond to email promptly; participate in on-line discussions.

5. Be a good net citizen.

6. See the Guidelines for more specific information.