NERALLT 2010 Spring Conference Call for Proposals

Originally posted by Anthony Helm on January 29, 2010

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The New England Regional Association for Language Learning Technology Spring 2010 Conference, Boston University, April 16th, 2010

LANGUAGE LEARNING ON A SHOE STRING: SUPPORTING FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNERS ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Each week, across the country, the media publishes stories about the current economic downturn and its adverse effects on the financial standing of many colleges and universities. Reductions in budgets and/or staffing often place faculty and staff in the challenging position of supporting learner while managing more work that needs to be done in less time with fewer resources. This trend has forced many supporters of language learning to rethink how we can continue to provide a wide variety of resources and programs with limited time and funds.

In response, the New England Regional Association for Language Learning Technology will devote its Spring meeting to exploring and showcasing ideas for creative solutions that deliver language learning opportunities and resources in these hard economic times. The conference will be hosted by Boston University on April 16, 2010. We invite proposals for papers, panels, and posters focusing on productive responses to new challenges in supporting foreign language learning and instruction.

Suggested topics include:

• Using freeware and open source software to replace costly licensed software.
• Bringing in outside speakers via web conferencing.
• Using technology to bring culture into the classroom when study abroad is not possible.
• Making the time for ongoing assessment of students' language proficiency using technology.
• Optimizing efficiency by utilizing services such as course management systems, self-paced tutorials, Web 2.0 technology to create out-of-class learning opportunities
• Adopting effective techniques for tracking language resource usage by faculty and learners to target efforts.
• Applying for additional funding sources to support language resources at your institution.
• Implementing green-computing (desktop virtualization, power management, paperless classroom, thin clients/IT initiatives).
• Fostering inter-departmental and/or inter-institutional partnerships to develop resources and extend services.
• Re-imagining collaboration between classroom faculty and organizers for various campus venues to optimize access to resources and media sources.

Proposals should be submitted online for 30-45 minute presentations or demonstrations, 45-60 minute panel discussions, 25-minute posters, or 3-hour pre-conference workshops. We welcome a variety of perspectives and encourage presentations that report on ongoing projects or research.

For more information, please contact: Michelle Cheyne (mcheyne@umassd.edu) or John Graves (j.graves@yale.edu )

Proposal deadline: Monday, March 1, 2010 by 5:00 pm

Notification of acceptance: Monday, March 8, 2010