Encouraging participation in online discussion forums with university EFL learners

Using an e-learning environment undoubtedly has many advantages in foreign language learning contexts, especially when we consider their potential for enhancing learner autonomy and providing out-of-class language practice as well as maintaining language learning motivation. In this paper we describ...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rodríguez Juárez, Carolina, Oxbrow, Gina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2010
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/34251
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11441/34251
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:E-learning environments
Language learning anxiety
Learner autonomy
Motivation
Online discussion forums
Entornos virtuales de aprendizaje
Ansiedad
Autonomía del aprendizaje
Motivación
Foros de discusión virtuales
Descripción
Sumario:Using an e-learning environment undoubtedly has many advantages in foreign language learning contexts, especially when we consider their potential for enhancing learner autonomy and providing out-of-class language practice as well as maintaining language learning motivation. In this paper we describe an action research project conducted with first-year university students enrolled in the degree “English Language and Literature” (“Filología Inglesa”) at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain, which explores affective and methodological reasons for limited participation in our interactive online learning platform (“Moodle”). We report on the effect of using different formats in the discussion forum application in our virtual learning environment (“Campus Virtual”) and the insights for future practice that we have gained.