This Internet-Based Language Instruction (IBLI) course has helped both broaden and deepen my understanding of how online language education can be utilized.  There was so much I didn’t know about what I thought were basic concepts (such as the Internet and the World Wide Web not being the same thing) so I am thankful to this class for empowering me with a stronger foundation in IBLI. Perhaps what has changed my perspective the most is a greater understanding of how philosophies of learning can be applied into the technical realm.  Many still picture Internet-based learning as going to a website and individually partaking in various language exercises.  In fact, I was still doing a lot of CALL in this fashion.  However, after learning more about the theories of learning, I’m starting to experiment with more collaborative and constructivist approaches to learning.  The readings and discussions have given me plenty of examples of how students use CMC and Internet-based tools to solve tasks, communicate with others from around the world and add their own content to the Internet to share, just to name a few. Likewise, I am now aware of the field of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) and plan to keep informed of this exciting area of IBLI. An excellent example of CSCL was seen in the LIN8016 discussion board.  I learned as much if not more from reading my classmates postings. 

As I have six classes that take place in a CALL classroom each week, this course has had a profound effect on my view of what can occur in the classroom and how I utilize the Internet with my students.  I have already noticed positive reactions from our more collaborative projects and look forward to experimenting more in the future.

Best Regards,
Andrew Johnson