Appropriation of a Representational Tool in a Second-Language Classroom

While the affordances of face-to-face and online environments have been studied somewhat extensively, there is relatively less research on how technology-mediated learning takes place across multiple media in the networked classroom environment where face-to-face and online interactions are intertwined, especially in the context of language learning. This case study contextually investigates the appropriation of a representational tool by students in small groups, in the context of collaborative second language writing activities. In this paper, micro-analysis of cross-media interactions is deployed to unravel how different groups of students evolve alternative approaches to appropriating the technology. The study explores the beneficial affordances of a representational tool that supplement face-to-face communication for second language learning, and draws implications for the design of collaborative L2 learning in networked classrooms.