E learning

E learning is a kind of learning that occurs using technology. There are some terms related to e-learning: distance learning, open learning, online learning (takes place via Internet), and blended learning (is a mixture between on- line and face to face course delivery).

Online learning is performed through a platform called Virtual Learning Environment VLE.

The students access to VLE by Internet. In addition, there are some benefits about VLE : everything is in one place, most VLEs provide tracking facilities and provide a much richer tool for learner evaluation. Some examples are Moodle and Webct.

I used in the last term of 2009, the moodle platform for advanced grammar course and then, I used in the same period WEBCT for Applied Linguistics and Literature Critics. For me, the simplest program which presented no inconveniences was Moodle. On the other hand, WEBCT had some technical problems and the lack of enough training for the teachers is a serious problem. In order to avoid this, tutors should have the experience of taking an online course and receive appropiate training, then make sure that the platform is carefully design, delivery issues are solved at the planning stage.

The subjects for the carreer in English teaching, use the blended learning because the students have face to face course lessons with on line activities. In this case, students also need orientation about using the software appropiately and get the feedback from the tutor after accomplishing the tasks given. If the activities are interestings and interactive, students are going to be more motivated and participate actively during their learning process.

There are discussion lists and online groups that can help teachers to share ideas, comments, advices, and strategies to improve English learning-teaching process. For example, there are mailing lists, discussion lists, discussion groups, and communities of practice or CoPs.

One type of discussion groups is The International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language IATEFL, which has several discussion groups and uses Yahoo! Groups. The link is http://www.iatefl.org

For communities of practice there are two kinds of groups. One is Webheads (http://www.webheads.info) This is a group of ESL/EFL teachers around the world who discuss how to use technology in their classes. The other group is Dogme (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dogme/)

There are some benefits for teachers who voluntarily susbscribe in one of these Cops groups. they can have support through their education tasks, have access to useful data like websites, guidelines, new strategies, put inpractice the new ideas and then analyse what are they doing.

Finally, I agree on the recomendation given in the textbook to belong to at least some of the groups mentioned in this chapter, if teachers want to learn new ways, get updated, and test the strategies given.