Preparing Teachers for Crowdsourced Language Learning
Abstract
Crowdsourcing is among the most popular language learning tools, like Duolingo and Busuu, attracting millions of users worldwide. Its wide acceptance and the necessity to immediately switch to online techniques due to Covid-19 pandemic encourage the inclusion of crowd-oriented features into traditional language courses. The addition of new methodologies changes the role of language teachers from conventional lecturers to proactive coaches of their students. Such a dramatic shift is never painless. Therefore, it must be done skilfully, ethically and equitably. Based on the discussion of each of these points and strategies to successful manage change, a framework for teacher preparation has been developed. It is enhanced with exact examples of teaching procedures intended to put the new knowledge into practice. Implementation of proposed six activities of teacher training sequence enables enhancing of teachers’ learning and teaching activities through crowdsourcing.
keywords: Crowdsourcing for education, teacher training, language learning, online learning and teaching.