Dr. Breffni O'Rourke
Associate Professor Applied Linguistics, C.L.C.S.
Biography
Breffni O'Rourke is Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and Manager of Language Learning Technologies and Resources. He is vice-president of UniCollaboration, the cross-disciplinary organisation for telecollaboration and virtual exchange in higher education and a former committee member of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics (IRAAL). Dr 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 current preoccupations include the construct of discussion engagement; student tools and practices around vocabulary collection and learning; and the use of eye-trackers to investigate communicative alignment between online chat partners. His publications include Synchronous communication technologies in language and intercultural learning and teaching in higher education, a special issue co-edited with Ursula Stickler (2017); New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: Selected papers from the second conference on telecollaboration in higher education, co-edited with Sake Jager and Malgorzata Kurek (research-publishing.net, 2016); and Language Learner Autonomy: Policy, Curriculum, Classroom, co-edited with Lorna Carson (Peter Lang, 2016).
Dr O'Rourke teaches modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level on discourse analysis; technology, language, and communication; and pedagogical grammar. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Trinity College Dublin, and an M.A. and B.A from NUI Galway.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
The language of situated joint activity: Social virtual reality and language learning in virtual exchange in, editor(s)Senkbeil, K. and Ahlers, T. , Virtual Reality in den Geisteswissenschaften: Konzepte, Methoden und interkulturelle Anwendungen, Frankfurt, Peter Lang, 2024, [Martin, Gillian; O'Rourke, Breffni; Werner, Sina ]
Hult, Francis M.; O'Rourke, Breffni, Innovation and creativity in virtual spaces: CALL and the future of education - colloquium at AAAL 2023, 20 March 2023, In:Euocall 2022, 2023, Portland, Oregon
Senkbeil, Karsten; Martin, Gillian; O'Rourke, Breffni, SpEakWise VR: Exploring the use of Social Virtual Reality in telecollaborative language learning, Euocall 2022, Reykjavik / online, 16-19 August 2022, 2022
O'Dowd, Robert, and Breffni O'Rourke, New Developments in Virtual Exchange in Foreign Language Education, Language Learning and Technology, 23, (3), 2019, p1 - 7
Language Learning and Technology: Special issue on New Developments in Virtual Exchange in Foreign Language Education, 23, 3, (2019), O'Dowd, Robert and Breffni O'Rourke, [eds.]
Michel, Marije, and O'Rourke, Breffni, What drives alignment during text chat with a peer vs. a tutor? Insights from cued interviews and eye-tracking, System, 83, 2019, p50 - 63
O'Rourke, Breffni, Intercultural encounters as hospitality. An interview with Richard Kearney, Journal of Virtual Exchange, 1, 2018, p25 - 39
O'Rourke, Breffni; Stickler, Ursula, Synchronous communication technologies for language learning: Promise and challenges in research and pedagogy, Language Learning in Higher Education, 7, (2), 2017, p1 - 19
Language Learning in Higher Education: Special Issue on synchronous communication technologies in language and intercultural learning and teaching in higher education, 7, 1, (2017), 1-238p, O'Rourke, Breffni; Stickler, Ursula, [eds.]
Michel, Marije; O'Rourke, Breffni, What drives alignment in SCMC? Insights from eye-tracking and stimulated recall, Seventh International Conference on Task-Based Language Teaching, University of Barcelona, 19-21 April 2017, 2017
O'Rourke, Breffni, Defining and exploring engagement in classroom discussion, IRAAL Annual Conference 2016: Paradigm shifting in applied linguistics: New theories and new methods, Dublin, 19 November 2016, 2016
Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 10, 1, (2016), Lewis, Tim, O'Rourke, Breffni, Dooly, Melinda, [eds.]
Lewis, Tim, O'Rourke, Breffni, Dooly, Melinda, Innovation in language learning and teaching - Online Intercultural Exchange, Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 10, (1), 2016, p1 - 5
O'Rourke, Breffni, New Directions in Telecollaborative Research and Practice: The Second Conference on Telecollaboration in University Education, 2016
New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: Introduction in, editor(s)Jager, Sake Kurek, Malgorzata O'Rourke, Breffni , New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: selected papers from the second conference on telecollaboration in higher education, Dublin, Research-Publishing.net, 2016, pp1 - 15, [Jager, Sake; Kurek, Malgorzata; O'Rourke, Breffni]
Jager, Sake Kurek, Malgorzata O'Rourke, Breffni, New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: Selected papers from the second conference on telecollaboration in higher education, Dublin, Research-Publishing.net, 2016
Breffni O'Rourke, Helen O'Sullivan, Gillian Martin, A discourse-analytic framework for conversational engagement in online discussion tasks, part 2: level of analytic depth, Eurocall 2015, Padova, 26-29 August 2015, 2015
Breffni O'Rourke, Eye-tracking as evidence of individual and discourse processes in online communication, Eyetracking as a research method in online language education, Open University, Milton Keynes, 12-13 June, 2015, Open University, Cambridge University Press, British Association of Applied Linguistics
Eyetracking in CALL - present and future in, editor(s)Ana María Gimeno Sanz Mike Levy Françoise Blin David Barr , WorldCALL: Sustainability and Computer-Assisted Language Learning, London and New York, Bloomsbury, 2015, pp285 - 298, [Breffni O'Rourke, Lijing Shi, Bryan Smith, Ursula Stickler, Claire Prendergast]
Breffni O'Rourke, Synchronous technologies for language learning: promises and challenges in research and pedagogy, Language. Learning. Technology, Leuphana, University of Lueneburg, 20-21 November, 2015
O'Rourke, B, Martin, G.S., O'Sullivan, H, A discourse analytic framework for conversational engagement in online discussion tasks., EuroCALL, Groningen, 20-23 August 2014, 2014
Introducing Blended Learning into Tertiary Level German: An Activity Theoretical Analysis in, editor(s)John L. Plews and Barbara Schmenk , Traditions and Transitions: Curricula for German Studies, Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2013, pp315-332 , [G S Martin, H O'Sullivan, B O'Rourke]
Breffni O'Rourke and Claire Prendergast, Eye-tracking in SCMC for language learning, WorldCALL, Glasgow, 10-13 July 2013, 2013
Using eye-tracking to investigate gaze behaviour in synchronous computer-mediated communication for language learning in, editor(s)M. Dooly and R. O'Dowd , Researching Online Interaction and Exchange in Foreign Language Education: Methods and Issues, Oxford, Peter Lang, 2012, pp305 - 341, [O'Rourke, B.]
'The Irish are too polite': Analysing stereotype and identity dynamics in student webchat in, editor(s)Arnd Witte and Theo Harden , Intercultural competence: Concepts, challenges, evaluations, Oxford, Peter lang, 2011, pp393 - 409, [O'Sullivan, Helen, Martin, Gillian, and O'Rourke, Breffni]
Breffni O'Rourke, Online synchronous discourse in tandem language learning: insights from an eye-tracker study, New Insights into the Study of Conversation. Applications to the Language Classroom, Granada, 26-28 May, 2010
O'Rourke, Breffni and Lorna Carson, Language Learner Autonomy: Policy, Curriculum, Classroom, Oxford, Peter Lang, 2010, 1-413pp
Language and learners, interdependence and autonomy in, editor(s)O'Rourke, Breffni and Lorna Carson , Language learner autonomy: Policy, curriculum, classroom, Oxford, Peter Lang, 2010, ppxix - xxv, [Carson, Lorna and Breffni O'Rourke]
Salience or context in the processing of L1 and L2 multi-word units? in, editor(s)Wysocka, M. , On language structure, acquisition and teaching, Katowice, University of Silesia Press, 2009, pp293 - 304, [Cie licka, A, O'Rourke, B., Singleton, D.]
Breffni O'Rourke, The Other C in CMC: What Alternative Data Sources Can Tell Us About Text-Based Synchronous Computer Mediated Communication and Language Learning, Computer Assisted Language Learning, 21, (3), 2008, p227 - 251
The processing of multi-word units: Evidence from readers' eye movements in, editor(s)Myczko, K., Skowronek, B., Zabrocki, W. , Perspektywy glottodydaktyki i językoznawstwa. Tom jubileuszowy z okazji 70. urodzin Profesora Waldemara Pfeiffera, Poznań, Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, 2008, pp39 - 55, [Cieślicka A, O'Rourke B, Singleton D.]
Models of Telecollaboration (1): E-Tandem in, editor(s)Robert O'Dowd , Online Intercultural Exchange, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters, 2007, pp41 - 61, [Breffni O'Rourke]
Activation of literal and idiomatic meanings during on-line processing of L1 and L2 idioms in, editor(s)Arabski, J. , Challenging tasks for psycholinguistics in the new century, Katowice, Oficyna Wydawnicza Waclaw Walasek, University of Silesia, 2007, pp267 - 282, [Cieslicka, A., O'Rourke, B., Singleton, D.]
The problem of data in L2 computer mediated communication research in, editor(s)Koetter, Markus Traxel, Oliver Gabel, Stephan , Investigating and facilitating language learning, Trier, Wissenschaftlicher Verlag, 2006, pp131 - 144, [Breffni O'Rourke]
O'Rourke, Breffni, Form-focused interaction in online tandem learning, CALICO Journal, 22, (3), 2005, p433 - 466
The crystalline structure of knowledge: Education and the participation of the individual mind in culture in, editor(s)H. Rasche and C. Schönfeld , Denkbilder. Festschrift für Eoin Bourke, Tübingen, Königshausen & Neumann, 2004, pp395 - 406, [O'Rourke, B.]
Talking text: Reflections on reflection in computer-mediated communication in, editor(s)D. Little, J. Ridley and E. Ushioda , Learner autonomy in the foreign language classroom: teacher, learner, curriculum and assessment, Dublin, Authentik, 2003, pp47 - 60, [O'Rourke, B. and K. Schwienhorst]
Breffni O'Rourke, Metalinguistic knowledge in instructed second language acquisition: A theoretical model and its application in computer-mediated communicationi, University of Dublin, Trinity College, 2003
Learner databases and virtual worlds - Using computers to create collaborative learning environments in, editor(s)M. Ruane D. P. Ó Baoill , Integrating Theory and Practice in LSP and LAP, Dublin, ALC & IRAAL, 2000, pp123 - 132, [O'Rourke, B. and K. Schwienhorst]
Little, D., E. Ushioda, M. C. Appel, J. Moran, B. O'Rourke and K. Schwienhorst, Evaluating tandem language learning by e-mail: report on a bilateral project, Dublin, CLCS, Trinity College Dublin, 1999
O'Rourke, B., A network-based tool for organizing second-language vocabulary, ED-MEDIA / ED-TELECOM, Freiburg, edited by T. Ottmann and I. Tomek , Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, 1998
O'Rourke, B., Report on the design of a multimedia tool for self-access language learning, CERCLES, Dresden, edited by D. Little and B. Voss , CERCLES, 1997, pp163 - 175
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Preface in, editor(s)Jager, Sake Kurek, Malgorzata O'Rourke, Breffni , New directions in telecollaborative research and practice: selected papers from the second conference on telecollaboration in higher education, Dublin, Research-Publishing.net, 2016, ppxxv - xxviii, [O'Rourke, Breffni]
Breffni O'Rourke, Review of Language, learning, and teaching: Irish research perspectives, by F. Farr and M. Moriarty (eds.) , Language and Intercultural Communication, 2014
Breffni O'Rourke, Becoming biliterate in English and Spanish, 16 March, 2013, Association of Spanish Parents in Ireland
Breffni O'Rourke, Web 2.0 and the digitally pre-literate language classroom, WEB 2.0 AND LANGUAGE LEARNING: DEFINABLE BOUNDARIES?, University of Limerick, 1 June, 2012, School of Language, Literature, Culture and Communication
O'Rourke, Breffni, Telecollaboration for foreign language learning: How and why?, International Conference on Human and Material Resources in Foreign Language Learning, Murcia, 14 July, 2006, Universidad Católica San Antonio
O'Rourke, B., Review of Tandem learning on the internet: learner interactions in virtual online environments (MOOs), by M. Kötter , System, 33, (1), 2005, p187-189
O'Rourke, B., Review of Media - Multimedia - Omnimedia, by Hogan-Brun, G. and Jung, U. H. , System, 28, (4), 2000
O'Rourke, B., Review of Language Teaching and Language Technologies, by Jager, S. et al. (eds.) , System, 27, 1998, p587-591
Research Expertise
Description
I work chiefly in the area of technologies for language learning and teaching. New technologies 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. Current 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. I have pioneered the use of eye-tracking methods to explore them, alongside innovative discourse analysis techniques.
- Tools and practices of vocabulary learning: This work is driven by two recent developments: in research, increasing recognition of vocabulary as a central component of language competence; and in technology, the rise of ubiquitous online and cloud computing. These developments inevitably have consequences for how learners learn, not least what they do beyond the classroom. My work in this area seeks to find out what tools and practices university students use to collect and learn vocabulary and to develop new technological tools to enhance language acquisition in this central aspect of learners' competence.
Recognition
Representations
Editor-in-chief, Language Learning in Higher Education
Board Member / Publications Officer, UniCollaboration: the Association for Telecollaboration and Virtual Exchange in Higher Education
Co-chair, editorial board, Working Papers in Telecollaboration and Virtual Exchange (online pee-reviewed journal to be hosted in Trinity, under development)
Scientific committee member, Bellaterra Journal of Teaching & Learning Language & Literature
Executive Committee, Irish Association for Applied Linguistics
Awards and Honours
European Language Label - winner for Speakwise project, with Gillian Martin and Helen O'Sullivan
Provost's Teaching Award - nominee
Provost's Teaching Award - nominee
Memberships
UniCollaboration: Board Member / Publications Officer
Irish Association for Applied Linguistics: Executive Committee
Irish Association of Applied Linguistics
European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning (EuroCALL)
European Confederation of University Language Centres (CERCLES)