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An introduction to synchronous communication tools used in EFL teaching and learning in Chinese online courses
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Synchronous Communication Tools in EFL Online Learning
in China
Guoqiang CuiThe University of Southern Mississippi
July 22, 2008
Opportunities and Challenges
Online learning is developing at a faster speed
Creative, happy, productive and relevant place for successful learning
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) course has its unique feature and requirement for synchronous communication
Synchronous Communication and tools
communication that happens at the same time,
immediately, a give-and-take
Text based and the audio or video based tools
more tools are integrated with all the audio,
video and text functions
TelephoneThe most popular tool people would use to have the immediate conversation with othersCell phones with SMS, MMS functionsTelephone conference
MSN/Yahoo MessengerFree program for all kinds of communicationHave their user account and install the softwareinstant messagingvideo call
ICQ (I Seek You)
Personal communication tool Sign up for a free account and installInstant messagingPC-to-PC or PC-to-phone callsMultiple-user conference
SkypeOne of the most popular online voice communication toolFree software/free account PC-to-PC callCall land lines and receive callsVideo conferencing
Chat roomOnline forum or communityReal-time online chatInstant messagingAudio or even video discussion
Video/audio conferenceA whole set of telecommunications technologies to connect people from different locationsLive support for students in remote locationsMediated with computers, microphones, cameras, speakers, etc.
EFL Teaching and Learning in China
Students’ passion and interest in EFL learning
Entrance of the WTO and the coming of 2008 Olympic GamesUniversities and colleges requirementsSpringing up of training centers
Distant learning and technology development
The CERNET (China Education and Research Network), connects 900 universities in 100 cities with 1 million computersin total 2.94 million computers, 10,000 schools have their own campus networksLife-long educational system with Chinese characteristics which is diverse in its norms, levels, forms and functions.
Problem in EFL online course
Language is communication Unbalanced emphasis on language skillsNo adequate equipment or software
IntegrationEnglish learning’s special requirements and featuresComprehensive language skillsOnline interaction and communication in EFL course
Reading and WritingChat to know foreigners and learn another foreign cultureWriting while readingTeachers post questions and students reply
Listening and speaking
Skills easily overlooked in the online course
Listening while chatting
Live lecture and communication
Issues to Consider
DistractionTechnical problemsTeachers
ConclusionEFL online teaching and learning will have its great potentials in ChinaSynchronous communication tools will make online EFL online course more interesting and effective
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The End…
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