Abstract:Since the beginning of 1980s, Holec introduced the concept of learner autonomy into foreign language teaching. After that, researches on learner autonomy have been widely concerned by linguistic circles both at home and abroad. Recent years, with the development of information and communication technology, various kinds of modern educational technology have been applied to teaching and learning practice, providing a solid support for the construction of autonomous learning models. Autonomous learning models under technology context are based on such learning theories like Constructivism, Autonomous Learning and Distributed Cognition, emphasizing the application of modern educational technology on fostering students’ learning autonomy. Promulgated by the Ministry of Education in 2007, “College English Curriculum Requirements” put forward the requirements of fostering students’ autonomous learning ability and facilitating teaching practice with modern educational technology, which shows the importance of educational technology and learning autonomy in modern English teaching. 

This paper adopts the concept of technology context, which covers the application of all educational technology in English autonomous learning models. First, it makes a review on previous studies on educational technology and autonomous learning, and then probe into the theoretical foundation of technology-based autonomous learning. After analyzing relative literatures, it summarizes the advantages and deficiencies of applying technology into autonomous learning. At last, some guiding suggestions on technology-based autonomous learning models can be given to improve its teaching effectiveness.

Keywords: Learner Autonomy; Educational Technology; Constructivism; Distributed Cognition

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 Literature Review-3

2.1 Technology Context-3

2.2 Educational Technology-3

2.2.1 Relative Theory of Educational Technology [9]-4

2.2.2 Some Applications of Educational Technology-4

2.3 Autonomous Learning-5

2.3.1 Researches on Autonomous Learning-6

2.3.2 Researches on Technology-based Autonomous Learning Models-6

Chapter 3 Theoretical Basis for Applying Modern Technology into Autonomous Learning Models-9

3.1 Constructivism Learning Theory-9

3.2 Autonomous Learning Theory-10

3.3 Distributed Cognitive Learning Theory-11

Chapter 4 Findings and Discussions about Previous Studies-13

4.1 Advantages of Appling Educational Technology into Autonomous Learning Models-13

4.1.1 Advantages of Mutimedia-based Autonomous Learning-13

4.1.2 Advantages of Network-based Autonomous Learning-13

4.2 Problems of Appling Educational Technology into Autonomous Learning Models-14

4.2.1 Imbalanced Relationship Between Teachers and Students.-14

4.2.2 Teachers’ Lacking Technology Application Skills-15

4.2.3 Deficiencies of Network Environment-15

4.2.4 Imperfect Autonomous Learning Equipment-16

4.3 Summary-17

Chapter 5 Conclusion-19

References-21

Acknowledgements-24