Wiki Tools for Languages for Specific Purposes and their Translation

Abstract

Wiki Tools can become very useful for both second language teaching and learning in general, and translation, especially if we take into account the new challenges teachers have to face within the new European Space for Higher Education, in which they deal with a high number of students in class, with fewer onsite hours and with transversal competences added to an extensive programme. This is the reason why, on wiki tools, which allow work outside the classroom, and through which students can carry out both individual and group projects while keeping virtual touch with their classmates and teachers are especially useful. Whereas these simple tools allow teachers to design attractive and useful activities with relatively little effort or basic IT knowledge, for the students they are a great opportunity to learn to work with IT both individually and in groups. Along this chapter we will describe the tasks and activities which were designed and put into practice for various subjects within the Master’s Degree in Intercultural Communication and Public Service Interpreting and Translation, and the English for specific purposes subjects within the undergraduate and graduate Degrees in Law at the University of Alcalá, with a special emphasis on their design process and the advantages and difficulties found, as well as the students’ response to them.