1. Centre for Excellence Languages of the Wider World E-learning, mobile learning and Modern Foreign Languages Towards personalisation or collaborative learning? The Flexi-Pack Project at SOAS-UCL CETL Languages of the Wider World Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA

3. Centre for Excellence Languages of the Wider World “ It is timely to consider the need to support the sector further in taking best advantage of ICT developments, as it moves to: meet the greater diversity of student needs, increase flexibility of provision, enhance the capacity for integrating study with work and leisure through work-based and home-based learning, develop approaches to individualised support for planning and recording achievements.” (HEFCE 2005:4) Higher Education Funding Council for England e-learning strategy 2005 Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA

6. CETL Languages of the Wider World Languages of the Wider World A strong case for the personalisation of e-learning and mobile learning ” A number of researchers investigating cognitive approaches to motivation have proposed that the sense people have of whether they cause and are in control of their actions, or whether they perceive that what happens to them is controlled by other people is an important determinant in motivation. These factors are a part of what is known as a sense of agency.” (Dornyei 1997:127) “Alongside social interaction, more intensely personal use of portable devices promise greater levels of engagement with learning….it is the element of choice that is particularly appealing.” (Kukulska-Hulme 2006:122) Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA

7. CETL Languages of the Wider World Languages of the Wider World The benefits of collaborative learning “ Cooperative learning has been found to be a highly effective instructional approach in education in general and this has been confirmed with regard to second language learning as well.” (Dornyei 1997:482) “ Two interrelated psychological processes underlying collaborative learning contribute significantly to the outstanding learning potential of the method: the unique group dynamics inherent to the collaborative learning process that generate a supportive learning environment characterised by strong cohesiveness among learners and the motivational basis of collaborative learning which underlies student achievement gains.” (Dornyei 1997:483) Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA

8. CETL Languages of the Wider World Languages of the Wider World What do students think? “ It really is what I was looking for” (accelerated Japanese) “It is great to use on the go” (elementary Bengali) “With video clips, you get snapshots of real-life Turkey” (Turkish for beginners) “ I love the format of Flexi-Packs: PDF and MP3 are great!” “With Flexi-Packs, it is easier to progress …” (intermediate Romanian) “Fun to use” (Nepali for beginners) Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA

9. CETL Languages of the Wider World Languages of the Wider World Nathalie TICHELER PGCE MA MRES MCIL FHEA University of London SOAS-UCL CETL Learning Advisor [email_address] [email_address]