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Workshop For Language Instructors

Listening Comprehension in the Age of Web 2.0

Richard Robin
George Washington University

3:00-5:00 pm, Tuesday November 27, 2012
254 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive

Main premise: The opportunities available in Web 2.0 make the learner-centered acquisition of skills in listening comprehension in a technology-mediated environment a reality for the first time. In this session we will discuss how the features of Web 2.0 can be made to further the development of listening skills. We will examine raw sources, the instructional attenuation of those sources, and the results one can expect from using web-based resources.

Important Note: This is a tech-driven presentation. Once we have dealt with the basic concepts (See immediately below), we will examine each technological possibility from the standpoint of ease of use (how to…) and then by its potential place in a learning agenda: its plusses and minuses from the standpoint of L2 listening comprehension theory and practice. Afterwards, we’ll take a look at the bigger theoretical implications of listening in a Web 2.0 environment.

Important initial concepts:

Web 2.0
Constructivist learning
Learner autonomy
Participatory vs. non-participatory listening
Authenticity
Top down vs. bottom-up processes in listening comprehension

Sources of audio and audio support material for commonly spoken (if not commonly taught) languages:

Over-the-air radio/TV with Internet access, archives, and printed versions
Over-the-air radio/TV with Internet audio access only
Internet radio/TV
YouTube and other user-filled video outlets
Movies with captions (mostly DVD rips)
Movies with SRT captions
Skype conversations
Privately recorded interviews

Levels and topics: How to hunt for audio on specific subjects at specific levels

Pedagogical modifications: “Authentic”

Speed manipulation (available in many players and editors)
Accompanying transcripts
User discussions
Additional background material (Google, Wikipedia, etc.)

Pedagogical modifications: User-created

Direct editing (with technical details)
Targeted captions (also with technical details)
Additional scaffolding (old school stuff)

Big-picture questions

Bottoms up! Theoretical implications for the return of bottom-up processing.
Listening proficiency descriptors (ACTFL, ILR, CEFR) — caught in a pre-Web time warp?

This lecture is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Language Institute, with funding from the Anonymous Fund. For more information or accommodations, contact: Dianna Murphy, (608) 262-1473.

Upcoming Events

Brownbag discussion: Innovation in Language Teaching and Learning Brownbag: New Directions?
12:00-1:00pm, Thursday, May 16
1418 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive

At our final brownbag conversation this spring, we will reflect on the many discussions that we have had so far this semester: on distance learning and course sharing; business models for distance learning; preparing, mentoring and supporting language teaching assistants and instructors; summer and professional language programs; assessing student learning outcomes in languages; maximizing language and culture learning outside of the classroom; and language learning and study abroad. We will discuss those areas that you would like to further explore or develop, in the context of other discussions currently taking place regarding possible future directions for languages on our campus.
Please come to join the discussion!
A buffet lunch will be provided.