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Online learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) face many unique issues in choosing which program to study. The present paper begins with a review of criteria developed previously, and reassesses these based on subsequent pedagogical and technological innovations, particularly the evolution of Web 2.0 tools and “communicative language teaching” approaches. A new set of criteria were then applied to programs reviewed previously and to newer courses. These exposed ongoing problems of providers failing to adopt newer approaches despite most being available at no cost, a lack of standards, best practice models and external accreditation, and neglect in establishing a sense of community through enhanced student-teacher and student-student communication, which in turn impacts student motivation and the sense of isolation. The author suggests that more research effort it needed to encourage industry players to move forward, and to reassure learners of the quality and value for money of programs they may choose to complete.
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motivation?
all alone?
use the software?
time zone differences?
quality? fun? good value?
standards? criteria? accreditation?
Original Criteria:
clear syllabus various levels specialised programs assessment back-up teacher quality materials enough lessons basic computer needs good value
Original Findings:
big variations some encouraging
signs problems
Conclusion:
cyber-schools inferior
My approach:
see if any changes
newer technology and approaches
earlier sites
newer sites
now meeting the criteria?
need new criteria?
Newer CLT Approaches:
learner input
interaction
skills building
varied assessment
action research
Table 1. Free features of EDU 2.0 for School learning management system.
CATEGORY DETAILS General Activity feed, upcoming events, to-do list,
resources locker, photo album, blog, calendar, SMS & email
Identities Administrator, teachers, co-teachers, students, schools, districts, parents
Classes Catalogue, instructor led/ self-paced/ blended, feed, calendar, syllabus, multiple sessions, enrolling & transferring students
Lessons Embed web resources and assignments Collaboration Groups, forums, chat, wikis, blogs Mobile Access iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry Assessment Quizzes, question banks, surveys,
attendance, freeform, rubrics, grade-books Miscellaneous e-portfolios, 12+ language translation,
Facebook & Twitter integration
Read my full paper
“Evaluating Online EFL Courses: The Learners’ Dilemma”
by clicking on this link:
http://db.tt/Lddbh9z
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