Autonomous Language Learning with Technology: Beyond The Classroom

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This book looks beyond the classroom, and focuses on out-of-class autonomous use of technology for language learning, discussing the theoretical frameworks, key findings and critical issues. The proliferation of digital language learning resources and tools is forcing language education into an era of unprecedented change. The book will stimulate discussions on how to support language learners to construct quality autonomous technology-mediated out-of-class learning experience outside the classroom and raise greater awareness of and research interest in this field. Out-of-class learning constitutes an important context for human development, and active engagement in out-of-class activities is associated with successful language development. With convenient access to expanded resources, venues and learning spaces, todays learners are not as dependent on in-class learning as they used to be. Thus, a deeper understanding of the terrain of out-of-class learning is of increasing significance in the current educational era. Technology is part and parcel of out-of-class language learning, and has been a primary source that learners actively use to construct language learning experience beyond the classroom. Language learners of all ages around the world have been found to actively utilize technological resources to support their language learning beyond formal language learning contexts. Insights into learners out-of-class autonomous use of technology for language learning are essential to our understanding of out-of-class learning and inform educators on how language learners could be better supported to maximize the educational potentials of technology to construct quality out-of-class learning experience.

Reviews

Lais book proves to be a rich resource for language teachers, language teacher educators, and researchers ... The second part regarding promoting out-of-class autonomous language learning with technology is particularly useful as it provides an in-depth and detailed guide for those either involved or who wish to be involved, in fostering autonomy in language learners through technology. * CALL-EJ: Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal *
Overall, fleshing out the phenomenon with a wide range of research-based findings, this book is an important resource for the promising, uncharted terrain of L2 research and is worth reading if you are interested in researching new vistas of autonomous language learning with technology beyond the classroom. * LINGUIST List *
This is an important book about an area of language learning and teaching of which we will hear much more in the years to come. Chun Lai has done an impressive job of covering the roles of technology and autonomy in learning beyond the classroom. * Hayo Reinders, Professor of Education, Unitec, New Zealand and Director of the Doctor of Education in TESOL program, Anaheim University, USA. *

Author Bio

Chun Lai is Associate Professor in the Division of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Hong Kong. Her PhD is from Michigan State University, USA.