Dr. Breffni O'Rourke

Breffni O'Rourke is Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and Head of the Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CLCS), in the School of Linguistic, Speech, and Communication Sciences. Professor O'Rourke's research focuses on the use of online technologies for language and intercultural learning, including eTandem and blended models. In particular, he investigates peer interaction in online language learning contexts, using innovative discourse analysis and eye-tracking methodologies. Other research interests include the construct of discussion engagement; the use of eye-trackers to investigate aspects of online communication, such as alignment between online chat partners; and the use of immersive social virtual reality for online language and intercultural learning. He has been vice-president of UNICollaboration, the cross-disciplinary organisation for telecollaboration and virtual exchange in higher education, and a committee member of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics (IRAAL). Professor O'Rourke teaches modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level on discourse analysis; first language acquisition; technology, language, and communication; and pedagogical grammar of English. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Trinity College Dublin, and an M.A. and B.A from the University of Galway.

  2ND LANGUAGE   Autonomy in Language Learning   classroom second language learning/acquisition   Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)   Foreign language pedagogy   Foreign Languages Education   Language Acquisition (first & second)   Language Acquisition and Development   Language education   Language pedagogy   modality and language   online chat   Second language acquisition, socio-cultural and psychological aspects   SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS   synchronous computer-mediated communication   Technology and communication   Technology and language   WRITTEN LANGUAGE

I work chiefly in the area of technologies for language learning and teaching. Recent technological developments have transformed the everyday communicative landscape for users of most languages, and can be transformative of language pedagogy. But pedagogical practice lags innovations and social developments. Researchers in technology-enhanced language learning aim to help learners, teachers and curriculum designers to understand and systematically exploit the potential of new media and technologies. My main interest is in the potential of online communication between language learners, particularly telecollaboration or virtual exchange, a burgeoning area of practice and research. My publications on online tandem learning and metalinguistic focus in online chat are widely cited. Focuses of investigation include: - Learner/learner interaction in virtual exchange environments: attention to linguistic form; discussion engagement; communicative alignment. These phenomena are central to online language learning, but they also have consequences for our understanding of communication generally. - Eye-tracking methodology: I have pioneered the use of eye-tracking methods to explore online communication, alongside innovative discourse analysis techniques. - Virtual reality in online language and intercultural learning: I explore the linguistic and communicational affordances of immersive virtual reality, and their pedagogical potential.