This paper concerns language learning with online technologies, with a particular focus on the influence of the social web on language learning. In particular, this paper considers the discourses of web-assisted language learning in detail, and argues the necessity of investigating its 'new' affordances from a perspective that is more…

This study reviewed some of the research efforts exploring the use of technology in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom in Saudi Arabia at different educational levels. The review aimed to examine the state of technology use in EFL classrooms and its potential. The findings showed that most studies were conducted by academic researchers…

Learning a language in an effective way has always been considered one of the most important subjects of educational sciences. Lots of theories and assumptions have been put forward and issues have been criticized. Among all these arguments, motivating the learner and help them to improve their self-autonomy can be considered as the most vital…

Computer Assisted Learning (CALL) is defined as the process in which a learner improves language skills by using a computer. Hani (2014) argued that CALL enables individualized, continuous, and authentic activities to teach and integrate the four language skills and indicates that immediate feedback can be given. Thus, this research aims to…

The study aimed at investigating the impacts of mobile-assisted instruction on improving Iranian female EFL learners' speaking skill and exploring their perceptions of the experience. Random sampling was applied to select 90 female students at the Zand Higher Education Institute in Shiraz, Iran. Their ages ranged from 18 to 24. They were randomly…

Creating collaborative working and learning experiences has long been at the forefront of computer-assisted language learning research. It is in this context that, in recent years, the integration of social networking sites and Web 2.0 in learning settings has surged, generating new opportunities to establish and explore virtual communities of…

In this study, 21 university students, who represented thirteen nationalities, participated in an online cross-cultural learning activity. The participants were engaged in interactions and exchanges carried out on Facebook® and Skype® platforms, and their multilingual communications were supported by speech-to-text recognition (STR) and…

In a world which abounds with digitally-driven changes, an orthodoxy of technology adoption and utilisation in higher education is emerging, and it is deemed critical for steering the discussions of experts for planning and implementing a digitally-enabled ecology where students and faculty members alike will benefit. Although several types of…

When face-to-face lecture sessions and classroom seminars are conducted during hours and days that are not convenient to students, the level of student active engagement and participation is considerably reduced. In this situation, the use of Social Networking Sites can be an alternative to get students much more engaged by taking the…

The author reflects on how she has used technology as a language teacher since the mid-1980s. She describes the evolution of technology in language learning pre- and Internet tools, from "blended learning" to social media. She concludes with the telecollaboration projects she has been recently working on and the issues they have found…

Self-directed learning has been researched by scholars for many years. However, there is a lack of literature on web-based self-directed Mandarin learning. This research was aimed to investigate how students can learn Mandarin through self-directed study with Internet resources, what the advantages and challenges are, and what strategies students…

This e-book is a celebration of and reflection on 10 years of the LLAS elearning symposium, an event which is run by the Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS) based at the University of Southampton, UK. Over the past ten years, the symposium has followed the innovations brought about in the digital realm and has offered a…