Course description

Digital media have been widely incorporated into language classrooms, and with the rich user experiences afforded, most students accept this alternative approach with eagerness and excitement. Concerning such favor that digital media have won, this course attempts to guide students to (1) accumulate first-hand experience of operating several digital media platforms, and (2) further discover the acknowledged benefits to language learners, as well as the overlooked side effects (especially on how the target language is used and even perceived).

Course objective

This course aims to evoke awareness of  probable effects of digital media use on second language acquisition. Students are guided through structured lectures to reach an overall understanding of what L2 learning is and how it is affected by both internal and external factors. Current news events and research studies are covered as rich sources for further discussion on how L2 learners might benefit in a digital classroom (using mainly mobile applications, social networking websites, and open coursewares), but meanwhile risk being manipulated. Students are encouraged to participate in small group sharing and online discussion to boost their active and in-depth exploration of course topics.

Grading policy

• Attendance 30%
• Class participation 30%
• Final oral presentation 40%

Contact information
wendychangnchu@gmail.com