Mapping research networks, positioning SIG TALE, looking for research opportunities
Submitted by:
Nikolaj Elf
Abstract:
The aim of this round table is to map prior and existing research networks, SIGs etc. focusing on technology in L1 and literacy teaching and learning more broadly. The purpose is to discuss how SIG TALE could and should position itself within the field. The basic point is that we do not need another SIG doing what other SIGs or networks are already doing. Rather, SIG TALE should position itself with a clear and unique profile and identity and affiliate itself with relevant other networks that we wish to learn from and potentially collaborate with.
As part of the round table, we encourage participants to contribute with knowledge on closed (inactive) and current (active) local, regional and international networks whose work are relevant for our network. For example, we should consider the work of COST Action The digital literacy and multimodal practices of young children (DigiLitEY) and COST Action European Literacy Network (ELN) and several EARLI SIGs, such as SIG 06 – Instructional Design and SIG 07 – Learning and Instruction with Computers SIG 07 – Learning and Instruction with Computers as well as similar networks in other regions of the world. We ask, what networks are most relevant, what are their research agenda and findings, and how might SIG TALE build on and/or position itself in relation to these networks.
My own suggestion/working hypothesis is that SIG TALE should emphasize our interest in the subject L1, that is take a disciplinary and subject-specific approach to technology and L1 education on all levels and in all regions of the world. This makes good sense as no other network, to my knowledge, has that aim, and considering that we are a SIG embedded in ARLE.
In a future perspective, we might want to discuss whether the mapping of existing networks etc. point towards opportunities for funding and potential cross-national research project that we should aim at.
Bio:
Nikolaj Elf, University of Southern Denmark, Department for the Study of Culture, SDU, Odense, 5230 Odense M, Denmark, nfe@sdu.dk.
Elf is a PhD and associate professor/senior lecturer at Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark, and (10%) at the National Literacy Centre, University of Stavanger. His main research field is all aspects related to Language 1/L1-education (also known as Mother Tongue Education (MTE)), including literature, writing, technology and multilingual education. He is the vice-chair and portfolio holder of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and a co-coordinator of SIG TALE (Technology and Literacy Education) within the international Association for Research in L1 Education (ARLE; see www.arle.be/) and a co-editor of the ARLE affiliated journal L1 - Educational Studies in Language and Literature (www.l1research.org/). Also, he is a member of the steering committee of International Society for the Advancement of Writing Research (ISAWR) (www.isawr.org/)