Presented By Paul Sweeney, Suzanne Schumacher, Adrian Baldock, Martin Lowder

Session Details

Looking across a range of cases with very different learning technology deployment - from mobile phone to moodle, from mobile device to Second Life, we will explore what is meant by deploying these as 'tools' and / or 'spaces'. We will demonstrate a range of good practice drawing on the various studies represented but we will also look at what the technologies involved have in common, their different affordances and link this to theory and good practice.

The seminar will be divided into two parts. In the first, all will outline their specific projects and set the scene for an input / debate in the second half.

Part 1

Introduction and welcome by convenor Paul Sweeney, former e-learning Manager at the British Council and Director of Education for Languagelab, an online school and community in the 3D world of SecondLife.

Martin Lowder, Global Adult Learning Manager at The British Council London will address the case for reaching learners of English through mobile devices, an overview of British Council projects and strategy for the area.

Suzanne Schumacher, British Council Milan, will outline learning from a number of projects worldwide: the use of mobile technologies in transitional and developing countries from SMS to rich content; how in Milan the mobile devices "formerly known as phones" can be used to foster learning anywhere comparing with a control group.

Adrian Baldock from the Heidelberg International Business Academy used moodle to invite students to take part in a discussion. The aim of the project was to facilitate student reflection on their own use of language in comparison to 'peer and tutor' use. In doing this and through carrying out post discussion interviews we could make an assessment of the reflection that was taking place.

Paul Sweeney will outline the voice enabled virtual world of SecondLife can successfully facilitate a lot of what is currently regarded as being possible only in the language learning classroom, even by learning technologists!

Part 2

Suzanne Schumacher will lead a discussion on tools and spaces and how consumer update of technological development is prompting educators to explore new possibilities.

Adrian Baldock will lead a counter (?) discussion on how pedagogy can dictate what we as educators might do.

Both of these will draw on other panellists and, especially the audience, for a lively debate.

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