Technology-mediated TBLT in a Hybrid Environment: Bridging Content and Language Production

Abstract

<p>This article examines the use of technology-mediated, task-based language teaching (TBLT) in a hybrid environment as an instructional approach in an intermediate-level Spanish course. It (a) evaluates elements of a hybrid course that was developed with computer-assisted language learning (CALL) materials to help learners improve their Spanish, focusing on two areas of specialization––engineering and business; (b) examines the effectiveness of the course materials and curriculum with a focus on CALL readings; (c) demonstrates that the technology-mediated TBLT approach in the hybrid learning environment was successful in linking content and language; and (d) establishes that the learners’ speaking skills had improved over the course with a computerized oral assessment. Language assessment results indicate that the technology-mediated TBLT program not only had an impact on intermediate Spanish learners’ speaking skills, but also prepared learners to perform tasks in both the target language and their fields of interest (i.e., business and engineering). The results contribute to the research of the effectiveness of technology-mediated TBLT.</p>