Access provided by University of Southampton Highfield
Cart
Computer Assisted Language LearningVolume 27, Issue 2, 2014Special Issue: Special issue: Open Educational Resources in Language Learning |
|||
‘Inspiration, ideas, encouragement’: teacher development and improved use of technology in language teaching through open educational practice
- DOI:
- 10.1080/09588221.2013.818560
pages 163-183
Publishing models and article dates explained
Published online: 23 Jul 2013
Abstract
This paper describes a study undertaken with language tutors who were engaged in a project to publish and create open educational resources. We sought to investigate how far working with open content could offer language tutors opportunities to develop professionally and acquire new technical knowledge for language teaching. Language educators face particular motivational challenges, and often have a lack of training in the use of technology for teaching. We applied a self-efficacy theory of motivation to understand the extent to which tutors felt confident and capable about open practice, and whether they perceived development benefits. On the whole our findings suggest that open practice may be an effective vehicle for professional development, for enhancing knowledge of technology in teaching and for alleviating some specific motivational barriers faced by language educators. However, they also revealed significant issues which challenge tutors’ likelihood of continuing with open practice, which would need to be addressed for the benefits of open working to be fully realised.
Keywords
Related articles
View all related articlesFirst page preview
Details
- Published online: 23 Jul 2013
Author affiliations
- a Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
Author biographies
Kate Borthwick is an academic coordinator for e-learning at the Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS), at the University of Southampton, UK. She has managed a number of research projects related to open educational resources (OERs) and open practice including work on technical aspects of OER and community building. She is an experienced developer of online learning materials, e-tutor and staff trainer in the use of technology for research and teaching.
Angela Gallagher-Brett is a senior academic coordinator at the Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS), at the University of Southampton, UK where she project manages the HEFCE-funded Routes into Languages programme. She has a PhD in applied linguistics (motivation in speaking) from the University of Southampton. She also has expertise in anxiety in language learning and transition from school to university and has published research in these areas.
Librarians
- Librarians' area
- Pricing
- Institutional account
- Access entitlements
- Co-branding
- IP ranges
- Link resolver preferences
- Usage reports