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Focus on the language learner in an era of globalization: Tensions, positions and practices in technology-mediated language teaching

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 September 2007

Cynthia White
Affiliation:
Massey University, New Zealandc.j.white@massey.ac.nz

Abstract

Globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations (Giddens 1990) continues to exert an influence on language, language use, and learning and teaching around the world. In this paper I examine the nature and influence of globalization on online language teaching through the lens of learner-centred principles, and the tensions between different positions and practices adopted by participants within virtual learning environments. I conclude by arguing that a focus on technology or innovation within global learning environments needs to be balanced by a focus on the learner in order to engage with and respond to emerging issues, challenges and practices, and to extend our understanding of language learning and teaching in the twenty-first century.

Type
Plenary speeches
Copyright
© 2007 Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

This is a revised version of the opening plenary paper presented at the Applied Linguistics Association of New Zealand (ALANZ) Symposium entitled ‘First things first: Focus on the learner’, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand, October 2006.