Developing and using online ESL (EAL) curriculumAmber McLeod, M.Ed., TESL, B.Sc.

Joyce Martens, M.A. TESL/TEFL,

Karen Rauser, M.A. TESOL, B.A. Ling

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST QUESTION ABOUT DEVELOPING AND TEACHING ONLINE ESL?

Please write your question on the paper provided (write BIG!)

The JourneyPart 1 - Questions and Concerns

Part 2 - The Process

Part 3 - Challenges and

Benefits

Part 4 - Take-aways

Part 1 - Questions and Concerns

Let's take a look at our questions:

o What is the role of the Teacher in online learning?

o Based on what we know about the ways that ELL's acquire language, is online learning an effective tool for language learning?

Part 2 - The Process

STEP 1: Where do we start?

STEP 2: Choosing an LMS

STEP 3: Transformation

STEP 1: Where do we start?

Start with a reference point to keep you focused on meeting the objectives.

CLB CEFR ACTFL Exam prep

(IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Certificates)

Benchmarks and

Outcomes

STEP 2: Choosing an LMS

LMS = Learning Management System

Blackboard? Desire to Learn? Moodle?

Blackboard: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/r9/index.htm

D2L: http://www.desire2learn.com/products/learning-suite/

TIPS: o know what support programs you need

(java, flash) o have technical support!!

Moodle- marking

Blackboard- building course content

Desire to Learn- inserting info

STEP 3: Transformation

Transform language learning concepts and techniques from the classroom to an online environment.

o prior knowledge

o teaching vs testing

o repetition & practice

STEP 3: Transformation

eslcourses.ca

Techniques available online:

• types of activities

• question types

• pronunciation practice

• instant feedback

• monitoring student progress

Other Web 2.0 Tools for ELL

• Facebook

• Google docs

• e-clicker (available on the App store for a price!)

• Voice blogs (many LMS systems have these!)

• Skype

• Elluminate

• iPads

• iPhones

• http://nathanhall.posterous.com

Part 3: Challenges & BenefitsChallenges:

• f2f interaction - motivation

• cheating and control

• technical issues- training and support

• teachable moments

• time consuming 20:1 (1 lesson =4 hours of online activity)

Benefits

• millenium students

• support tool

• monitoring/grading

• autonomous learning

• instant feedback

• any place, any pace, any time

Part 4: Take Aways

• wave of online education is here

• teacher's role is vital!

• blended learning

• provide technical training and support

• step out and get your feet wet!