Innovation in Language Learning
Vera Leier
Institution: Stockholm University
Country: Sweden
Vera is a teacher of German language and a researcher in the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Her main interest lies in incorporating computer applications from students' daily lives to offer an authentic learning experience. Her research focuses on integrating podcasts into the language curriculum to enhance listening skills and on using social media platforms like Facebook for informal writing and Instagram for developing visual literacy.
She earned her PhD from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where her dissertation, titled The Effect of Facebook-Social Media on the Learning and Teaching of German at the Tertiary Level in New Zealand, explored the use of social media in second language learning environments. Vera has over 25 years of experience teaching German and language teacher education in New Zealand, and since 2023, she has been teaching at Stockholm University. Prior to her university roles, she taught German in high schools in Great Britain and New Zealand.
Some of her recent publications include:
Korkealehto, K. & Leier, V. (2024). Boosting Interaction Skills: How Social Presence Transforms Synchronous Online Language Learning for Adults. EuroCALL conference, Trnava University, Slovakia, 26 Aug–29 Aug 2016.
Leier, V. & Gruber, A. (2021). Team New Zealand-Sweden-Germany: A Joint Venture Exploring Language Learning in Digital Spaces. JALT CALL Journal, 18(3).
Korkealehto, K. & Leier, V. (2021). Facebook for Engagement: Telecollaboration Between Finland and New Zealand in German Language Learning. International Journal of Computer Assisted Language Learning, 11(1).
Areas of expertise:
Social presence in online classrooms
Task-based language teaching (TBLT)
Informal language teaching and learning
She earned her PhD from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where her dissertation, titled The Effect of Facebook-Social Media on the Learning and Teaching of German at the Tertiary Level in New Zealand, explored the use of social media in second language learning environments. Vera has over 25 years of experience teaching German and language teacher education in New Zealand, and since 2023, she has been teaching at Stockholm University. Prior to her university roles, she taught German in high schools in Great Britain and New Zealand.
Some of her recent publications include:
Korkealehto, K. & Leier, V. (2024). Boosting Interaction Skills: How Social Presence Transforms Synchronous Online Language Learning for Adults. EuroCALL conference, Trnava University, Slovakia, 26 Aug–29 Aug 2016.
Leier, V. & Gruber, A. (2021). Team New Zealand-Sweden-Germany: A Joint Venture Exploring Language Learning in Digital Spaces. JALT CALL Journal, 18(3).
Korkealehto, K. & Leier, V. (2021). Facebook for Engagement: Telecollaboration Between Finland and New Zealand in German Language Learning. International Journal of Computer Assisted Language Learning, 11(1).
Areas of expertise:
Social presence in online classrooms
Task-based language teaching (TBLT)
Informal language teaching and learning
