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Student interest in films as a medium for ESL education is high. Interest, however, is not enough to foster understanding in a traditional classroom environment. A more hands-on interactive approach to studying a second language via film is needed. By using online interactive exercises to study the language and culture in film, students are able to gain a better understanding of the language used in the film. This paper outlines a course that was developed using online interactive exercises and film to study language and culture. The course incorporates several modern technologies to allow students to take an active role in their learning and to increase their skills in areas that the students perceive to be of value in the future, namely listening, reading, and presentation skills. Automated feedback functions let the students, as well as the instructors, constantly monitor their progress. These technologies allow a more efficient use of classroom time and permit the students to go into the content of the film – especially the cultural aspects – much more deeply. Through this course, students are able to boost their confidence and their motivation to continue the study of language and culture via films on their own

How can educators empower and encourage their students to be more proactive, and give them the tools necessary to learn on their own, utilizing digital language learning resources in a culturally sensitive way? Described below is a project that introduced students to how technology and the Internet can empower the independent language learner. The goal was for the students to develop knowledge of and confidence in self-instruction and learn how to use technology and the Internet to further their language education independently. This article first outlines research into autonomous language learning with computers, offers a list of key elements for autonomous language learning, gives a description of how an independent language learning project was implemented and reports on results of student surveys that measured student response to the project. These students lacked the skills, knowledge and confidence to study on their own. However, by learning autonomous language learning concepts, and with instruction on how technology and the Internet can support a digital language learner, they gained the understanding and confidence to set and accomplish language learning goals on their own.