TECHNOLOGY IN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION:
USING E-NEGOTIATIONS FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Conferência
Local: Espaço Tom da Terra
Data: 12/04/2008 - 8h30-9h30
Autora:
Profª Margaret Kersten (Carleton University, Otawa, Canadá)
Abstract:
Web-based systems allow for content rich and dynamic communication and interaction. They also provide a learning experience in authentic settings. These features make them useful for enhancing language instruction. Inspire is an example of a system developed for business negotiation training. It provides a platform and tools for negotiators to work together to resolve their differences. Because of its business related content and communication features, Inspire has been adopted to teach English for Business Purposes (EBP). This talk discusses the value of integrating Inspire to augment conventional EBP course design. It argues that systems oriented towards solving problems in a group setting lend themselves to the communicative approach and content-based instruction, both of which are embedded in the theory of second language acquisition. The talk has three parts. Part 1 begins with a brief description of the characteristics of business communication, followed by an overview of linguistic theories that informed communicative language teaching and content based instruction. Information about on-line resources used in teaching is also given. Part 2 focuses on the EBP course and the integration of Inspire related activities into its design. A description of the course and its objectives is followed by an explanation of the components of a thematic unit on conflict resolution through negotiation. The features of the system are discussed and the type of communication and interaction which occurs during the e-business negotiations is explained in detail. Part 3 discusses the rationale for using Inspire to teach business English. The benefits of adopting the system are analyzed using the methodological frameworks of communicative- and content-based instruction. Remarks on the methodology-technology fit that led to the adoption of Inspire and observations on how this new technology affected pedagogy conclude the talk.