This book presents an indepth, qualitative case study of Chinese undergraduates’ selfdirected, outofclass use of digital technology in relation to learning English as a Foreign Language. This study is significant since there is a growing demand of competent Englishspeaking college graduates in China while there is also growing ownership of digital technologies by Chinese university students. There has been however little finegrained research on how Chinese students are handling the technology in relation to learning English.

Acknowledgements

Abstract

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1 Introduction

 1.1 Introduction

 1.2 Research Foci

 1.3 Research Approach

 1.4 Significance

Chapter 2 Language Leanung and DigitalTechnology

 2.1 Second Language Acquisition - a GeneralPicture

 2.2 Language Lea:ming Involving Digital Technology

2.2.1 Recent Developments in Studies of LanguageLeaming Involving Digital Technology

2.2.2 The Relationship Between Digital Technologyand Language Learning

 2.3 Out-of-class Use of Digital Technology byLeamers

2.3.1 Understanding Leamer, Digital Technology,and Context

2.3.2 Using Digital Technology in Out-of-class Situations

 2.4 Summary

Chapter 3 An Activity Theory View

 3.1 Research Objectives

 3.2 The Theoretical Framework

3.2.1 Activity Theory - a Brief Introduction

3.2.2 Why Activity Theory？

3.2.3 Operationalising Activity Theory

 3.3 A Multiple-case Study Approach

 3.4 Activity Theory-guided Research Design

 3.5 Activity Theory-guided Data Analysis

3.5.1 Data Analysis Framework

3.5.2 Data Presentation

 3.6 Summary

Chapter 4 The Story of Rong

 4.1 Rong as the Computer User

 4.2 Rong as the Language Learner

 4.3 Digital Technology in English-RelatedPractices

4.3.1 I'm using the computer to study Englishand prepare for English tests.

4.3.2 I'm not studying but using Englishon the computer.

4.3.3 I'm learning English in the computeractivities.

 4.4 Conclusion - the Computer Mainly as aTape Recorder

Chapter 5 The Story of Tang

 5.1 Tang as the Computer User

 5.2 Tang as the Language Leamer

 5.3 Digital Technology in English-Related Practices

5.3.1 "I' m using the computer to prepare for English tests. "

5.3.2 "I'm not studying but using English on the Computer. "

 5.4 Conclusion -- the Computer:a Dual Life in Relation to English

Chapter 6 Discussion

 6.1 The Cuhures-of-use of Digital Technology in Relation to Learning English

 6.2 Digitally Mediated Language Learning

6.2.1 A Model of Digitally-mediated-language- learning

6.2.2 The Relation Between Digital Technology and Language Learning from the Learner' s Perspective

 6.3 Conclusion

Chapter 7 Conclusion

 7.1 Summary of Findings

7.1.1 Learners' Out-of-class Use of Digital Technology in Relation to Language Learning

7.1.2 The Driving Forces of the Use of Digital Technology in Relation to English Learning

7.1.3 The Relation Between Digital Technology and Language Learning from the Learner' s Perspective

 7.2 Contributions of the Study

 7.3 Implications on Educational Practices

 7.4 Concluding Remarks

Bibliography