Schedule: 2009-09-09 (18:30 - 19:00)
Educational Showcase (Sala de Conferencias 1)

Title: Online Writeboard Journal Exchanges and Other Activities
Authors: Harry Harris
Abstract: Research supports the individual and collaborative use of computer technology for language acquisition purposes. In concert with this research, many language teachers are turning to CALL, an arena in which they can help their students prepare for the employment markets and social demands of the 21st century.

Research also strongly indicates that the student-student relationship in a variety of academic situations is one that rivals that of student-teacher, with students often finding their peers more accessible, in and out of the classroom, because of the psychology of the student-teacher relationship, scheduling issues, and other reasons.

One CALL forum that can allow educators to exploit and nurture both the student-student and student-teacher relationship is Writeboard, an easy-access, user-friendly free online tool that can be used successfully in different types of language- and content-related activities. In this demonstration, we will explore some possible collaborative uses of Writeboard, first examining how to use this tool to establish--and facilitate--journal exchanges among students, then taking a look at other content-based activities on which students can work together in this arena.

It is hoped that educators who attend this demonstration will understand the potential of Writeboard, adapting the activities to the needs and demands of their own students upon return to their home institutions.
Keywords: Writeboard, writing, journals, collaborative learning

Main topic: Curriculum development for CALL.

Biodata: With an M.A. in Spanish linguistics and one in Applied Linguistics, Harry Harris has taught languages in various countries. He is now a faculty member at Hakuoh University, in Japan, working with curriculum development, participating in teacher training workshops, and writing materials for publishing companies. His contact address is HarryWHarris@hotmail.com.
Type of presentation Courseware Exhibition

Paper category (Other)

Target educational sector Adult education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-09 (18:30 - 19:00) Educational Showcase (Sala de Conferencias 1)
Title:	Online Writeboard Journal Exchanges and Other Activities
Authors:	Harry Harris
Abstract:	Research supports the individual and collaborative use of computer technology for language acquisition purposes. In concert with this research, many language teachers are turning to CALL, an arena in which they can help their students prepare for the employment markets and social demands of the 21st century. Research also strongly indicates that the student-student relationship in a variety of academic situations is one that rivals that of student-teacher, with students often finding their peers more accessible, in and out of the classroom, because of the psychology of the student-teacher relationship, scheduling issues, and other reasons. One CALL forum that can allow educators to exploit and nurture both the student-student and student-teacher relationship is Writeboard, an easy-access, user-friendly free online tool that can be used successfully in different types of language- and content-related activities. In this demonstration, we will explore some possible collaborative uses of Writeboard, first examining how to use this tool to establish--and facilitate--journal exchanges among students, then taking a look at other content-based activities on which students can work together in this arena. It is hoped that educators who attend this demonstration will understand the potential of Writeboard, adapting the activities to the needs and demands of their own students upon return to their home institutions.
Keywords:	Writeboard, writing, journals, collaborative learning
Main topic:	Curriculum development for CALL.
Biodata:	With an M.A. in Spanish linguistics and one in Applied Linguistics, Harry Harris has taught languages in various countries. He is now a faculty member at Hakuoh University, in Japan, working with curriculum development, participating in teacher training workshops, and writing materials for publishing companies. His contact address is HarryWHarris@hotmail.com.
Type of presentation	Courseware Exhibition
Paper category	(Other)
Target educational sector	Adult education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No