Computer assisted language learning and the internationalisation of the Portuguese language in higher education contexts

Authors

  • Ana Sevilla-Pavón Universitat de València

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2015.28.37-44

Keywords:

Internationalisation, Portuguese as a foreign language, virtual learning environment, computer-assisted languague learning, higher education

Abstract

The internationalisation of the Portuguese language has become a priority for academic institutions of different Portuguese-speaking countries which are trying to adapt to the current context of globalisation and ubiquitous communications through digital media. In order to achieve it, several challenges should be faced, namely providing international students with resources aimed at helping them improve their Portuguese while fostering its use in academic and scientific contexts. This can be done by identifying, creating and editing high-quality teaching materials which bear in mind the sociocultural, political, economic and linguistic contexts; using the Information and Communication Technologies effectively in both face-to-face and online learning environments (International Institute of the Portuguese Language, 2010); and promoting the online learning of Portuguese as a Foreign Language in higher education settings through virtual learning environments. This paper explores the challenges brought about by the internationalisation of Portuguese and how computer assisted language learning - and, more specifically, the development of a virtual learning environment aiming at catering for the linguistic needs of international students in different institutions in Brazil, Portugal and elsewhere - could help face these challenges.

Author Biography

Ana Sevilla-Pavón, Universitat de València

Ana Sevilla Pavón es Profesora Ayudante Doctor en el Departamento de Filología Inglesa y Alemana de la Universitat de València y miembro del IULMA. Realizó el doctorado internacional en Lingüística Aplicada en la Universitat Politècnica de València, donde fue propuesta para el Premio Extraordinario. Además, es licenciada en Filología Inglesa y Francesa por la Universitat de València y recibió el Premio Extraordinario Fin de Carrera. Fue beneficiaria de una Beca y de un Contrato FPI de la Generalitat Valenciana en el Grupo de Investigación CAMILLE de la UPV, donde ha colaborado en diversos proyectos de I+D en relación con las tecnologías para la enseñanza de lenguas. Ha impartido clases y cursos en el Departamento de Idiomas de la UCAM de Murcia, en la Escuela de Diseño de la Universitat Politècnica de València y en la Escuela de Extensión de la UNICAMP (Brasil), y realizado estancias de investigación en la University of Massachusetts Amherst (Estados Unidos) y en la UNICAMP (Brasil). Ha publicado artículos y reseñas en revistas nacionales e internacionales, así como libros y capítulos de libro. Asimismo, ha participado y/o colaborado en la organización de numerosos congresos nacionales e internacionales (EuroCALL, CALICO, WorldCALL, AESLA, AELFE, SEDLL, ICT4LL) y recibió el premio al mejor artículo de investigación del simposio TISLID en Madrid en 2010. Su labor investigadora actual gira en torno a la enseñanza y aprendizaje de inglés (tanto general como para fines específicos) asistidos por ordenador.

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Published

2015-12-14

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Peer Review Articles