LSMNTR: New Technologies in Language Learning and Teaching

Module code: LSMNTR

Module provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics; School of Humanities

Credits: 30

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Erhan Aslan , email: erhan.aslan@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will acquaint students with the major principles and practices associated with new technologies in second language learning and teaching. Students will explore the connection between second language acquisition theories and the implementation of current Internet and computer technologies. Specifically, students will examine ways in which technology can be used to support the development of linguistic and communicative competence as learners engage in the process of acquiring another language in both instructional and everyday life settings. In addition, students will develop skills in selecting, creating, evaluating, and using technological resources and tools for second language teaching, with an understanding of how technology can be integrated into the language curriculum in theoretically and pedagogically sound ways.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Critically examine the links between pedagogy, SLA theory, and technology;
2. Evaluate the role and usefulness of technology in second language learning and teaching;
3. Formulate the aims of learning and learning outcomes using appropriate technology-based learning methods for specific language learner groups;
4. Create technology-mediated activities to use in the classroom to develop various language-related skills, such as accuracy, fluency, and cross-cultural awareness.

Module content

Material covered: Artificial intelligence, Internet and computer technologies in second/foreign language education; synchronous and asynchronous Web 2.0 (e-mail, chat, blogs, wikis, discussion forums, virtual learning environments) audio and video; virtual world/digital gaming; mobile technologies; social media technologies; CALL (computer-assisted language learning); CMC (computer-mediated communication); second language acquisition; digital literacies.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module will consist of lecture and seminar sessions. It will rely heavily on class interaction and the active participation of class members in discussions and activities. Lecture and seminar activities in class will give students several opportunities to understand applications of technology in language learning and teaching and make links between theory and practice. Given the interactive nature of the module format, class participation and regular attendance of all class members are essential to fully benefit from this course.

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will receive on-going feedback from the instructor and from other students in the form of comments during class and online discussions. There will also be in-class seminar activities which will formatively assess learned knowledge and skills.

Reassessment

Additional costs