Stickler, Ursula and Hampel, Regine (2010). CyberDeutsch: Language production and user preferences in a Moodle VLE. CALICO Journal, 28(1), pp. 49–73.
Abstract:
This case study focuses on two learners who took part in an intensive
online German course offered to intermediate level students in the
Department of Languages of the Open University. The course piloted the
use of a Moodle-based virtual learning environment and a range of new
online tools which lend themselves to different types of language
learning activities (e.g., wikis for collaboration and blogs for
reflective learning). The study shows that an online language course can
combine different approaches to learning and teaching, such as using
language communicatively and focusing on form and language practice. It
also illustrates the link between students' choice of tools and their
learning preferences (focus on form or communication; preference for
written or spoken language). More...