L2 Learners’ stories: Evidence from language exchange communities as an autonomous learning tool Cem BALÇIKANLI Gazi University English Language Teaching Department E-mail: [email_address] English as an International Language Conference , İzmir - 2009

Outline 1* web technologies in language learning 2* language exchange communities- how they work? 3* study 4* conclusions

1* web technologies in language learning

2* language exchange communities- how they work?

3* study

4* conclusions

One way Exclusive Web designer Static In the hands of few WEB 1.0

Social networks Collaboration Co-creation Shared control My Web WEB 2.0

Today’s students are D i g i tal Nat i ves ( Marc Prensky , 2001 ) Visual learners Multi-taskers Short attention spans Use technology to express themselves Information analysts Content producers Real-time learners - instant messages.

Visual learners

Multi-taskers

Short attention spans

Use technology to express themselves

Information analysts

Content producers

Real-time learners - instant messages.

Examples of Web 2.0 Technologies

N ew technologies (self-access multimedia facilities, for instance) provide the practical means whereby learners can take a more active part in decisions involved in learning . Raya, M. K. & Fernandez, J. M. P. (2002). Learner Autonomy and New Technologies . Educational Media International.39 (1) 61-68

language exchange communities

Worldia

T he e nglish l anguage i nstitute, in the University of Florida f ive i nternational s tudents l earning e nglish Mixxer, Worldia i nterview

Is it easy to use? Is it interesting? Why? Is it good for English practice? How? How do es it contribute to your independent skills? What other special features do es it have ?

Extracts from students … it keeps me alert in English. … you can only learn some in class, so tools outside the classroom are important. … thanks to this, I feel I have developed more awareness for my learning. … it is very good for English practice. … I feel less nervous when I practice English with it. … it is essential in a way that it increases contact with language … it is very motivating to use it. … I can practice English in a way that I want. … the potential use for language learning is great as it helps foster learner autonomy. … I can learn daily expressions through this we b site.

L anguage awareness Learner independence Less threatened atmosphere Learner interaction Authentic Language Exposure

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