“Hybrid Language Teaching and Learning:
Exploring Pedagogical and Curricular Issues”

Lara Ducate, University of South Carolina

Lara Lomicka Anderson, University of South Carolina

Gillian Lord, University of Florida

In this session, presenters focus on the practical uses of alternative technological tools and the pedagogical and curricular issues surrounding them. The tools discussed may be used in face-to-face contexts or could be adapted in blended or hybrid courses (i.e., ‘hybrid” is defined as the combination of virtual work days with traditional face-to-face contact days in the classroom). The first presenter discusses blogs and wikis as tools for language development and student creation both within and beyond the classroom boundaries. The second presenter examines how Facebook can be used as a course organizer and community building tool, and also considers audio/video conferencing tools to enhance oral and aural learning. The third presenter presents the microblogging service Twitter as an ideal tool not only to engage lower-level language students in interaction and communication, but also to connect language teachers with their peers in order to create a community of practice and support. The panelists discuss how these tools enable the enrichment and extension of the classroom setting in both traditional and alternative settings. Following the panel, participants will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas for their own courses and programs.