出版物 ｜Sophia Linguistica
Fumiko Ishinuki
Learning English with TED Talks: Blended Learning for Learner
Autonomy
This paper reports a study based on questionnaire data collected from approximately 150
technical college (kosen) engineering students in a half-year module in which TED Talks
(http://www.ted.com/talks), a free video distribution website on Internet, was used as an
ICT-related learning approach. Data from a mid-module survey showed that few students
see using ICT-related technologies as an effective way to learn English outside the classroom
in spite of media literacy being a requirement for the students. In order to examine
students’ attitudes to ICT-related approaches further, the module requested students to
watch TED Talks outside the classroom. The module consisted of three components:
three to four watching logs (students’ reports on the TED presentations of their choices
after watching); preparation for a group presentation on the TED Talk they recommend
most; and the group presentation. Based on survey results, the usability of TED Talks in
blended learning becomes clearer. Further analysis of the questionnaire data explores the
students’ attitudes to blended learning and evidence of motivational factors, in which students’
recognition of the necessity of studying English is reinforced by their interest in the
topics of TED Talks and also using authentic English texts as a learning resource. Finally,
learner autonomy through the module was evaluated and possible future amendments of
the module are suggested.
