Innovation and change in English language education – Using technologies to support autonomous learning: From practice to theory

Abstract

Interest in learner autonomy has increased substantially in recent years with the promotion of studentcentered pedagogy and the growing awareness of the need to address learner diversity. New directions and developments in technology are driving and, to certain extent, enabling more innovative approaches to learning and teaching by providing more and more varied online resources, network services, and educational platforms which create opportunities for interaction and support for learning outside the classroom. More recently, developments in mobile technologies and the explosion in the use of social media have accelerated and extended opportunities for autonomous language learning, both in the classroom and beyond.

In this presentation, I will discuss English language education in this time of change and innovation by proposing a reconceptualization of autonomous learning from its general understanding as a set of skills, strategies or attitudes, to more specific abilities to participate in and effectively employ different learning environments, in which technology plays an important facilitative and enhancing role. I will explore various practices in using (emerging) technologies to support autonomous language learning. I will examine theoretical concepts such as collaborative learning, social learning, learning to learn, self-directed learning, and personalized learning in relation to the use of various technologies in facilitating innovation and change in language education.