Research on Web 2.0 applications
January 14-February 24, 2008

Description
Just like any new tool, Web 2.0 applications pose a new challenge, especially to teachers. How are they adapting to these new requirements of the 21st Century knowledge society? What and how are we teaching? Are students more “technology” literate than teachers? Can we teach “digital natives”? But, overall, the question is if it is worth using the new Web 2.0 applications? What for?

Research must play an important role when trying to find answers to these questions. Research may provide the “ways” or methods to get knowledge that can be used more meaningfully by students and teachers. Therefore, the purpose of this session is to demonstrate that the role of the class teacher is quite important when collecting and interpreting information about technological applications.

Session Objetives
• To share what other teachers and researchers are doing in the field of research, especially the study of Web 2.0 tools
• To provide a panoramic view of research methods and techniques under qualitative and quantitative approaches that can be used to study the EFL Web 2.0 phenomena
• To show trends about what to do in the future regarding EFL Web 2.0 applications research

Target audience
This session is directed to English Language Learning-Teaching researchers who are studying the Web 2.0 phenomena. Teachers who are interested in this field and want to know more about how they can integrate research into their classes are very welcome.

Outline
Week 1 (Jan 13-Jan 19): Introductions
Week 2 (Jan 20-Jan 26): Role and objectives of research on EFL Web 2.0
Week 3 (Jan 27-Feb 2): Description of Web 2.0 tools
Week 4 (Feb 3-Feb 9): Quantitative methods
Week 5 (Feb 10-Feb 16): Qualitative methods
Week 6 (Feb 17-Feb 23): Wrap-Up

Note: We suggest preparing Powerpoint presentations in advance as most of our discussion will require it.