Ursula Stickler

Abstract:

How do we create meaning in a second language online? How can we help our learners to comprehend during online tutorials? How can we draw their attention to salient features of their language learning tasks?

These are some of the questions language teachers have been asking themselves over the past year. Underlying these practical aspects of online language teaching, however, are the more fundamental questions of what constitutes knowledge, how understanding can be established and shared, and how we can ensure that our pedagogies build on this shared understanding.

My plenary talk will touch on theoretical aspects and different methods for researching online communication. It will also present alternatives to the deficit view of online teaching, and last but not least give some practical examples of making the most of a shared understanding of knowledge creation for the design of online teaching and learning materials.

Bio:

Ursula Stickler is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics at the Open University, UK. She teaches German and research methods. Her research interests are in online synchronous language learning and teaching, the use of qualitative and methods, including eyetracking, to investigate how online learners and teachers establish joint attention online.