Open AccessSocial Networking Services as Informal Contexts for Foreign Language Learning
Author(s) -
Simone Torsani
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
educazione linguistica language education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2280-6792
DOI - 10.30687/elle/2280-6792/2021/01/001
Subject(s) - autonomy , learner autonomy , informal learning , formal learning , institution , language acquisition , foreign language , feature (linguistics) , computer science , pedagogy , psychology , sociology , linguistics , language education , mathematics education , comprehension approach , political science , social science , law , philosophy
This article focuses on online informal learning contexts, namely social networks to which learners may resort for their linguistic needs. The distinguishing feature of such platforms is that content is neither provided by an educational institution, nor is it necessarily presented in a formal fashion. While research has extensively focused on the connection between technology and autonomy, the social aspect behind 2.0 tools has been partly neglected. Therefore, we argue that learner training, i.e. preparing language learners for autonomous language study through technology, should be partly rethought and include such skills as communicating in didactic interactions and evaluating information.