How to Perform Identities Using Different Genres on Twitter

Introduction Photo Credit: seksanwangjaisuk5651 via vecteezy.com Have you ever heard the false contention that your stomach acid could kill the coronavirus if you drink plenty of water and keep your mouth and throat constantly moist? Did you ever swallow such rumors whole regarding the seemingly unfathomable virus at the outset of the pandemic? Well, if […]

Writing on Social Media: Transforming from Language Learners to Language Users

Edited by Yiming LU, Xuanxuan QI, Luyao ZHU, Zhijia ZHANG Have you ever used social media platforms for language learning and using? How do you write your posts? Image from pixabay.com Introduction The development of the Internet makes it possible for learners to integrate social media platforms into language learning and using, and one of […]

Translanguaging in Facebook: What have we learnt from a student in Serbia?

Conducted by Warren, Samson, Charlotte and Connor Summary Introduction “I am what I am, no matter what language I speak,” the words were told by a hip-hop artist named Aleksandar, a student of a Serbian university, whose multilingual posts on Facebook and translingual attitude drew Schreiber’s attention. Schreiber (2015) investigated how Aleksandar used multiple linguistic […]

Teachers’ Self-initiated Professional Learning Through PLNs

Introduction to Personal Learning Networks As a possible ESL teacher in the future, have you noticed that our everyday life is increasingly mediated by technologies and so is our classroom? More and more online applications like Canvas are being used and at the same time videos, images, or useful links are more often seen during […]

Commenting on YouTube Videos to Learn

By Daniel, Tiffany, Lyla, and Vanessa Source of video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSZf4gxlmXw Please click the hyperlink above and skim through the comments. How many languages could you identify in the comments? Did you pick up something from the comments? Do you think these netizens also picked up something through commenting? Looking at these video comments, you can […]

Language learning through interactive websites

As a new mode of language learning, some foreign language learning websites with social networking features appear as collaborative platforms in which users can learn languages by communicating directly with other members of the online community. In Stevenson and Liu’s (2010) article, Palabea (the website has been closed), Babbel and Live Mocha, three language learning websites, are selected […]

The Use of Web 2.0 Functions in Foreign Language Learning Websites

By Grace Wang and Camie Kwok The homepage of Babbel (Photo Credit: Babbel.com) Highlights of Stevenson and Liu (2010)’s article on foreign language learning websites: In recent years, some foreign language learning websites have incorporated Web 2.0 functions. Specifically, they allow users to interact with native speakers of their target languages. Stevenson and Liu (2010) […]

Virtual spaces and foreign language learning

According to Stevenson and Liu (2010), foreign language learning websites provide an interactive platform for people to acquire new languages through online communications. Language learning websites create collaborative communities for people from different countries to communicate. The most intriguing feature is that users can learn new foreign languages and meanwhile teach their native language through […]