Social Networking Services as Informal Contexts for Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

This article focuses on online informal learning contexts, namely social networks to which learners may resort for their linguistic needs. The distinguishing feature of such platforms is that content is neither provided by an educational institution, nor is it necessarily presented in a formal fashion. While research has extensively focused on the connection between technology and autonomy, the social aspect behind 2.0 tools has been partly neglected. Therefore, we argue that learner training, i.e. preparing language learners for autonomous language study through technology, should be partly rethought and include such skills as communicating in didactic interactions and evaluating information.