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 Messenger Free 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 room Online 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 speakingSkills 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

ReferencesHaefner, J. (2000). Opinion: The importance of being synchronous. AcademicWriting. Retrieved June 15, 2008, from http://wac.colostate.edu/aw/teaching/haefner2000.htm

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Zhang S.Y. (2002). Distance Learning in China. Retrieved June 20, 2008 from http://cvd.tp.edu.sg/apan-edu/download/Distance%20Learning%20in%20China%2020020825APAN.pdf

The End…

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