Abstract

Interaction in EL classes has traditionally been teacher-controlled/directed, course book based, constrained by classroom time and limited either to the physical or virtual classroom (LMS). Today, the Web, social tools and the convergence of different digital media have brought about more opportunities for learners and educators throughout the world to connect, exchange information, socialize and practise the target language in other contexts than those offered by the educational institution. This exposure and mobility, the blend of formal and informal learning along with multimedia resources and social networking, challenge us to re-think our basic assumptions about conventional classroom delivery and the traditional concept of e-learning.

Proposal

In this presentation I will first contrast the concept of closed environments and practices to open participatory Web publishing in the present educational context. I will then argue that working in the latter asks for a change not only in the focus/perspective of how the target language (or subject matter) is learnt/taught but also in the organizational structure of institutions. Finally, I will draw attention to some of the most common issues interaction in these open environments brings up . Specific examples will be given of how some of the applications currently available online have been used during conventional language courses to facilitate independent language learning.