DisCo 2010
eLearning as a Tool for Distance Language Teaching:
Case Study
Mgr. Linda Pospíšilová & Mgr. Petr Krčmář
Language CentreUniversity of Pardubice
outline
DisCo 2010
Challenges of distance studies
eLearning course designed in
Moodle
Hot Potatoes
Glossary
Big Brother factor
”Dosing” of the content
Results & Experience
+ Feedback from students
University of PardubiceFaculty of Health Studies
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Bachelor's degree coursesMaster's degree coursesDoctoral degree courses
University of PardubiceFaculty of Health Studies
DisCo 2010
Bachelor's degree courses
study programmes:
NURSING
• General Nurse
SPECIALIZATION IN HEALTH CARE
• Professional Rescuer
MIDWIFERY
• MidwifeMaster's degree coursesDoctoral degree courses
Since 2009/10 Distance Studies
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Bachelor's degree courses
NURSING• General Nurse
Distance learning and teaching of languages
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• limited amount of time dedicated to tutorials
• absence of regular seminars
• inability to attend consultations
• other students' commitments
eLearning as a tool of solution
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• individualized approach to students' needs
• theoretically unlimited amount of time to study
• possibility of regular study
• instant feedback
• motivation by interactivity
e-Learning course focused on ESP developmentfor the Faculty of Health Studies
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Target group:
Both full-time and distance students of the first year
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Course creation
eLearning designed as an accompaniment of the existing textbook
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Course structure
Modules ~ Chapters
Balance of Lexis and Grammar
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Module structure
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Module structure
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Module structure
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Module structure
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Module structure
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Module structure
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Module structure
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LMS:
http://hotpot.uvic.ca/
Authoring Tool:
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JCross
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JCross (crosswords creation)
JCross
• intensive vocabulary practice• enforcement of the correct spelling• difficulty of lexis
(+) Great memory enhancer, leisure time aspect of this activity, schola ludus, brain teaser
(-) Demanding vocabulary, too hard for a beginner, “Even our doctors were having a hard time.”
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JCloze (filling in gaps)
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JCloze (filling in gaps)JCloze (filling in gaps)
• impossibility to cover all the acceptable answers
• grammar focused exercises
(+) Stimulating, grammar revision and fixation, the option of showing hints.
(-) No space for individual creativity, too ambiguous.
Lingua Summit Trenčín 2009
JMatch (matching)
Lingua Summit Trenčín 2009
JMatch (matching)
Lingua Summit Trenčín 2009
JMatch (matching)
Lingua Summit Trenčín 2009
JMatch (matching)
Lingua Summit Trenčín 2009
JMatch (matching)
• the most popular with students• involvement of motoric activity
(dragging the options across the screen)
• relative simplicity (no need to type anything)
(+) Fast, fun, logical, you did not have to understand everything.
(-) Boring.
obhajoba grantu 16.02.2010
JQuiz
obhajoba grantu 16.02.2010
JQuiz
• choice from multiple answers• popular
(+) Ideal for a summary of the unit, intriguing, concise.
(-) Too short, sometimes quite difficult.
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Glossary
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Glossary
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Glossary
pronunciation + definition
vocabulary building and practice
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Random glossary entry
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Random glossary entry
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Random glossary entry
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Random glossary entry
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Random glossary entry
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Glossary
creativity X accuracy
failure to delegate responsibility
(+) Fast tool to look up terms, students’ participation, stimulates vocabulary learning.
(-) Useless terms, untrustworthy, problems with phonetic script.
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Availability of all imaginable data about the students
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”Dosing” of the content
gradual opening of units over the period of the semester
to enforce students to study consistently
Unsatisfactory results:Many students were preoccupied by their other commitmentsand studied before the exams only.
CONCLUSION
ProseLearning provided & practised grammar and lexical
content.
Instantaneous feedback highly motivated the students.
Students were actively involved in creation of the
Glossary.
ConseLearning didn’t motivate distance students
towards more gradual and consistent learning process.
Failure to delegate responsibilities over the management of Glossary created
excessive burden for the tutors.
DisCo 2010
DisCo 2010
Mgr. Linda Pospíšilová & Mgr. Petr Krčmář Language Centre, University of Pardubice
Thank you for your attention
