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Blended Learning in English Language Teaching: Course Design and Implementation

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A summary of my blended learn<strong>in</strong>g course design strategy<br />

In my context it was necessary to:<br />

■■ evaluate the suitability of either face-to-face or onl<strong>in</strong>e for particular tasks<br />

■■ create a supportive atmosphere<br />

■■ discuss <strong>and</strong> demonstrate the benefits of collaboration <strong>and</strong> co-operation<br />

with learners <strong>in</strong> class<br />

■■ recognise what was compulsory <strong>and</strong> what could be flexible<br />

■■ give control to learners <strong>and</strong> become a facilitator <strong>in</strong> the onl<strong>in</strong>e space<br />

■■ be flexible <strong>and</strong> ready to respond to needs <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests<br />

■■ expect a variety of learner behaviours<br />

■■ ensure that <strong>in</strong>ternet access was reliable <strong>and</strong> provide support.<br />

Recommendations for blended learn<strong>in</strong>g course designers<br />

Notice what is lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the traditional classroom which may be compensated for<br />

or improved by your blend. Then, <strong>in</strong>vestigate the affordances of various tools <strong>and</strong><br />

select the most suitable approach for your context. Next, decide on the strength of<br />

the different aspects of your blend <strong>and</strong> a strategy for implement<strong>in</strong>g it. Discuss the<br />

reasons beh<strong>in</strong>d the blend with your learners so that they recognise the potential<br />

benefits to their learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

If you select a wiki then:<br />

■■ demonstrate the wiki <strong>in</strong> class <strong>and</strong> use a computer cluster to <strong>in</strong>troduce the log <strong>in</strong><br />

the process <strong>and</strong> basic functions of the wiki<br />

■■ encourage students with good computer skills to mentor others<br />

■■ use a mix of scaffolded, guided activities whilst still allow<strong>in</strong>g freedom to create<br />

new items<br />

■■ <strong>in</strong>tegrate the wiki <strong>in</strong>to the class rout<strong>in</strong>e to encourage participation<br />

■■ persevere, expla<strong>in</strong> the purposes <strong>and</strong> show enthusiasm for the possibilities of wiki<br />

■■ reward contributors with comments onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>and</strong> face-to-face<br />

■■ react to <strong>in</strong>dividual needs <strong>and</strong> personalities.<br />

References<br />

Beetham, H <strong>and</strong> Sharpe, R (2007) Reth<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g Pedagogy for a Digital Age.<br />

London: Routledge.<br />

Garrison, D <strong>and</strong> Kanuka, H (2004) <strong>Blended</strong> learn<strong>in</strong>g: uncover<strong>in</strong>g its transformative<br />

potential <strong>in</strong> higher education. Internet <strong>and</strong> Higher Education 7: 95 –105.<br />

Kuteeva, M (2011) Wikis <strong>and</strong> academic writ<strong>in</strong>g: chang<strong>in</strong>g the writer-reader<br />

relationship. <strong>English</strong> for Specific Purposes 30: 44 –57.<br />

172 | Us<strong>in</strong>g a wiki to enhance the learn<strong>in</strong>g experience on a bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>English</strong> course

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