Preparing Teachers for Crowdsourced Language Learning
Journal
Infotheca
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Gajek, Elżbieta
DOI
10.18485/infotheca.2020.20.1_2.1
Abstract
Crowdsourcing is among the
most popular language learning tools, like
Duolingo and Busuu, attracting millions of
users worldwide. Its wide acceptance and the
necessity to immediately switch to online techniques due to Covid-19 pandemic encourage
the inclusion of crowd-oriented features into
traditional language courses. The addition of
new methodologies changes the role of language teachers from conventional lecturers to
proactive coaches of their students. Such a
dramatic shift is never painless. Therefore, it
must be done skilfully, ethically and equitably.
Based on the discussion of each of these points
and strategies to successful manage change, a
framework for teacher preparation has been
developed. It is enhanced with exact examples of teaching procedures intended to put
the new knowledge into practice. Implementation of proposed six activities of teacher
training sequence enables enhancing of teachers’ learning and teaching activities through
crowdsourcing.
most popular language learning tools, like
Duolingo and Busuu, attracting millions of
users worldwide. Its wide acceptance and the
necessity to immediately switch to online techniques due to Covid-19 pandemic encourage
the inclusion of crowd-oriented features into
traditional language courses. The addition of
new methodologies changes the role of language teachers from conventional lecturers to
proactive coaches of their students. Such a
dramatic shift is never painless. Therefore, it
must be done skilfully, ethically and equitably.
Based on the discussion of each of these points
and strategies to successful manage change, a
framework for teacher preparation has been
developed. It is enhanced with exact examples of teaching procedures intended to put
the new knowledge into practice. Implementation of proposed six activities of teacher
training sequence enables enhancing of teachers’ learning and teaching activities through
crowdsourcing.