Successful teaching and learning of languages online

Graham StanleyApril 2017

About me

graham.stanley@gmail.com@grahamstanley

http://blog-efl.blogspot.com/

About you

Online learning and teachingCALL / teaching with technologyonline learning / e-learning / blended learningsynchronous – live, in real timeasynchronous – Martini factorCMC / VOIP / virtual classroomsremote teaching / videoconferencingLMS / VLE / CMS (Moodle, Schoology, Drupal, etc.)MOOCs / mobile learning Informal online learning (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)Virtual worlds, games (Second Life, Minecraft)…and…?

Synchronous (live online)teaching and learning

High-end video conferencing (video conferencing equipment)• Purpose-made VC equipment and dedicated fibre-optic line

Pros / Cons / Uses• Guaranteed connection, reliability, quality of experience• Expensive, teaching tied to where VC equipment is• Large class teaching, fixed timetables

Videoconferencing

Low-end video conferencing (VOIP, virtual classrooms, etc)• VOIP software, domestic webcams and home-grade

Internet

Pros / Cons• Teaching and learning from anywhere, • Expensive, teaching tied to where VC equipment is• Small groups and one-to-one, flexible hours

Videoconferencing

Preparing for the synchronous class

Webcam • Light / positioning / talking heads? / body language &

gestures

Sound• Who’s going to talk? When?• Headsets and microphones / quality / muting / feedback

Presentation• Screenshare / upload / streaming / accessible elsewhere /

video / audio /

Technology

No connection / • Rescheduling / recording / alternative platform

Partial connection • Audio / video / presentation accessible?

Plan B

Motivating and engaging learners in synchronous teaching

Making it memorable and relevant• Audience / Q&A• Talking heads? / dynamics / variation vs distraction /

gestures• Presentation : focus / clarity / images / • Virtual 3D worlds• Warmers / Ice-breakers / fillers • Check your learners are there (Leroy Jenkins - WoW) • Preparation / length? / vary tone of voice • Pre- & post-synchronous activities• Humour (but, don’t overdo it)

…and…?

Engaging synchronous learners

Asynchronous teaching and learning

Formal• MOOC• LMS / VLE / CMS• One-stop shop

Informal• PLE / PLN• Social media (Facebook group, etc)• Small pieces loosely joined• Virtual world / game

Asynchronous platform choice

Preparing asynchronous sessions

Platform access and use• Platform – easy access / registration / signposting• Martini effect – mobile?• Return visits worthwhile• Support if needed – responsive• Privacy concerns

…and…?

Technology

Motivating and engaging learners in asynchronous teaching

Making it memorable and relevant• E-moderation – good practice • Active and responsive (how much time?)• Develop CoP – encourage participation• Deadlines? / Length of course / Study load / Flexibility• Social aspect (forum, etc)• Group & pairwork considerations • Time difference• Intercultural considerations• Netiquette / dealing with griefers

…and…?

Engaging asynchronous learners