Presented By Suzanne Schumacher

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 symposium will be divided into two parts. In the first, all will outline their specific projects and
set the scene for 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 D 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 and some findings from a project's using of mobile technologies such as SMS in transitional and developing countries.

Suzanne Schumacher, British Council Milan, will outline learning and findings from a project on using mobile phones already in students' possession as learning technologies: using standard mobile phone applications and executable language exercises; if and how mobile learning can foster learning anywhere". Results will be compared 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 heir own use of language in comparison to 'peer and tutor' use. In doing this and through carrying but post discussion interviews we could make an assessment of the reflection that was taking place.

Paul Sweeney will outline how 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 - In the second part we will consolidate the various technologies and contexts introduced in part 1 and explore two broader themes:Firstly looking at a continuum of tools and spaces and how consumer uptake of technologies is rompting educators to explore new possibilities.

Secondly there will be a counter (?) discussion on how pedagogy can dictate what we as educators
might do.

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

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