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*the scheduled meeting time and location for this course may vary�in particular towards the end of the semester. Required Texts: Belz, J., & Thorne, S. (Eds.). 2006. Internet-mediated intercultural foreign language education. Boston: Thompson. Optional Text: Warschauer, M., and Kern, R. (Eds.). 2000. Network-based Language Teaching: Concepts and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Various Reading to be accessed online, some available on the web and others in my netfiles account: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/rsadler/shared/CMC (note the capital letters for CMC) Other required materials: � Storage for your electronic stuff�I suggest a USB thumb drive � A uiuc.edu e-mail account � A spirit of adventure and a willingness to experience both joys and disasters! Computer skills needed: None, zero, and zip! Overview of the Course: The purpose of this course is to explore how computer networks (e.g. the Internet) can be used in the language learning process to engage in authentic communication to enhance that learning. The technologies utilized in this course will range from the most basic (email), to Discussion Boards, MOOs, Internet Telephony, and video conferencing. As we become familiar with these tools, we�ll use them to create practical activities/lessons that we will practice in collaboration with students not living in the U.S. Over the course of the semester you will read a number of articles pertaining to the use of these technologies in language classrooms. These articles will range from mostly theoretical (not too many of these) to purely practical in nature. However, it is important to note that this course is not mean to serve as a foundation in the theoretical foundations of CALL, CMC, or any other acronym related to technology in the classroom. The class discussions and assignments will reflect this practical philosophy. I make one assumption about the students attending this class�that some of you have experience (perhaps even extensive experience) with some aspects of CMC that I may be barely familiar with, while other will have no experience whatsoever. Both of these groups are absolutely welcome in this course and will serve vital roles. Because of this, this course will largely be held in a workshop format. Rather than taking the traditional role of the �all-knowing leader� (Ha!), I expect to be a member of these workshops who will guide their direction. Given this format, the assignments for this class are designed accordingly. Evaluation: To successfully complete this course you must turn in all major assignments, come to class prepared to discuss the assigned materials, attend class and conferences, and actively participate in the in-class workshops and on-line discussions. Writing Assignments (see the course website for more detailed descriptions):
Under this system, the attainment of an �A� grade requires at least 720 points (90%); a �B� requires 640 (80%); a �C� 560 (70%); and a �D� requires at least 480 points. A "C" grade for graduates is technically a failing grade. Work at the C-level does not meet the minimum expectations of rigor as articulated for each assignment. Scores from -0% to -3% (e.g., 81% = �B-�) are minus grades, while scores from -7 and up are plus grades (e.g., 87% = �B+�). I round up grades of .5% or higher, so an 89.46% is considered an 89.5%. I would round this up to 90%, which is an �A-� Essay Format: All essays, critiques, and/or reports must utilize the American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Languages Association (MLA) manuscript format and be documented accordingly. These styles are detailed Diana Hacker�s Rules for Writers and many other style guides. All paper essays must be typed and double-spaced (12-point type, 1-inch margins). As you do revisions of your papers, please give each draft a new file name, so that the old version is not destroyed on your computer. So, when you start on a second draft on your computer give it a different name so that it is not copied over (e.g. "Critical Review, draft one"; "Critical Review, draft two"). The format for �essays� appearing online will be discussed later in the course. Course Policies: Attendance: �Attendance� is required. This course will include a great percentage of the work during our scheduled meeting times, so missing a class means you are missing part of the required work for the course. If you will be absent, please let me know in advance, if possible. Tardiness: While it is acceptable to be occasionally late, habitual tardiness or cases of extreme tardiness is simply rude�don�t do it. This is especially true since you will often work with a partner during class time. Cell Phones: Although this is a course related to modern technology, some technology is just damn annoying when it enters the classroom. Therefore, please turn them off your cell phones or put them on silent mode. If your phone rings during class time, I will confiscate it and use it to make long calls to 900 numbers in Tahiti! Classroom Interaction: Come to class prepared (do the readings!), cooperate with your classmates in small-group activities, cooperate with me by coming to class prepared to ask questions, both in-class and during conferences, and use all the components of this course to expand your skills and abilities related to CMC. Since our class will meet in a computer lab, it is expected that you will do a large amount of work in class, including writing, peer review, and research. Because we will also be engaging in collaboration with students from other countries, active and timely participation will be CRUCIAL for your grade�note the participation grade in the table above. PLAGIARISM: According to Troyka and Hesse (540): To plagiarize is to present another person�s words or ideas as if they were your own. Plagiarism, like stealing, is a form of academic dishonesty or cheating. Because it�s a serious offense, plagiarism can be grounds for a failing grade or expulsion from college I agree with Troyka and Hesse. DO NOT DO IT! We will discuss this issue further in class |
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