Review of Researching Language Learner Interactions Online: From Social Media to MOOCs

Learner Interactions Online: From Social Media to MOOCs, edited by Dixon and Thomas, offers a multi-faceted view of the latest developments in technology-enhanced language learning, paying special attention to learner exchanges.The editors claim to have a dual focus, addressing both new empirical research and new research approaches in the field, covering not only pedagogical aspects such as instructional design or learning strategies, but also issues at the institutional level such as teacher training, accreditation, and articulation.A holistic approach to language learning is emphasized throughout the volume, both explicitly (in the introduction and Chapters 1, 3, 8, and 19) and implicitly, which gives this monograph a comprehensive nature.There is a total of 19 chapters which fall into seven sections: (1) Reconceptualizing Learners, (2) Massive Open Online Courses, (3) Digital Video, (4) Social Networking, (5) Telecollaboration, (6) Communities, and (7) Learning Analytics.The 29 contributors come from different parts of the globe: Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.However, since half of them come from the latter, it gives the volume a special "North American flavor", providing empirical evidence from university courses in Connecticut, Utah, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., California, Florida, Wisconsin, and Iowa.Each section is comprised of two to three chapters which combine empirical evidence with theoretical frameworks and proposals.