Abstract

This panel will focus on the use of groupware to create social contexts for second language (L2) learners. We will present the case that these collaboration tools provide what Leslie Hart terms as "brain-fitting, brain-compatible" instructional settings that emphasize "real-world" exposure. We will provide evidence that this "real-world" setting with its richness leads to a high level of student engagement in the learning process. We will use Renate Nummela Caine's and Geoffrey Caine's list of "brain/mind learning principles" to explain why our use of groupware has proved successful in L2 learning. We will also discuss how groupware allows our learners to explore issues of social and cultural identity. These are issues that normally arise during study abroad experiences and have been discussed by Valerie Pellegrino Aveni in "Study Abroad and Second Language Use" (2005). Finally, we hope to provide a template that others may use to successfully incorporate groupware into their courses.

Citation

Jaramillo, E., Baron, F. & Johnson, C. (2007). A Case for Groupware in Second Language Acquisition. In C. Montgomerie & J. Seale (Eds.), Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2007--World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (pp. 295-297). Vancouver, Canada: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved November 29, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/25393/.

© 2007 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

Keywords

• Languages
• Social Studies