Paradoxes of Social Networking in a Structured Web 2.0 Language Learning Community

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Paradoxes of Social Networking in a Structured Web 2.0 Language Learning Community
Language: English
Authors: Loiseau, Mathieu, Zourou, Katerina
Source: Research-publishing.net. 2012.
Availability: Research-publishing.net. La Grange des Noyes, 25110 Voillans, France. e-mail: info@research-publishing.net; Web site: http://research-publishing.net
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2012
Document Type: Reports - Research
Speeches/Meeting Papers
Descriptors: Web 2.0 Technologies, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Social Networks, Communities of Practice, Second Language Instruction, Teaching Methods, Peer Teaching
Abstract: This paper critically inquires into social networking as a set of mechanisms and associated practices developed in a structured Web 2.0 language learning community. This type of community can be roughly described as learning spaces featuring (more or less) structured language learning resources displaying at least some notions of language learning methodology. Taking Livemocha as an example, and especially the Culture space, social networking will be analyzed in terms of the extent to which it is used and taken up by language learners by means of social networking technologies comparable to those of a Social Networking Site (SNS). In addition, we critically examine the role of social networking architectures in sustaining peer language learning in highly networked spaces. We argue that social networking, both as a conceptual framework and as a technical incarnation, can be put in the service of collective activity and instrumented in a way that leads to effective language learning, beyond merely being a trendy or fun component of an SNS-like community. [For the complete volume, see ED574893.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 5
Entry Date: 2017
Accession Number: ED574961
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This paper critically inquires into social networking as a set of mechanisms and associated practices developed in a structured Web 2.0 language learning community. This type of community can be roughly described as learning spaces featuring (more or less) structured language learning resources displaying at least some notions of language learning methodology. Taking Livemocha as an example, and especially the Culture space, social networking will be analyzed in terms of the extent to which it is used and taken up by language learners by means of social networking technologies comparable to those of a Social Networking Site (SNS). In addition, we critically examine the role of social networking architectures in sustaining peer language learning in highly networked spaces. We argue that social networking, both as a conceptual framework and as a technical incarnation, can be put in the service of collective activity and instrumented in a way that leads to effective language learning, beyond merely being a trendy or fun component of an SNS-like community. [For the complete volume, see ED574893.]