setting up and running a successful online language course ih dos conference – london 2013
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SETTING UP AND RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE LANGUAGE COURSE
IH DOS Conference – London 2013
Successful online
language course
THE CLIENT
THE TUTOR THE MATERIALS
UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING 3 COMPONENTS
1.1. THE CLIENT – Individual learning style
• Linear, systematic?
• Chaotic?• Carefree• Intimidated
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@mkofab
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@arzuteacherPhotos taken from http://flickr.com/eltpics, used under a CC Attribution Non-Commercial license, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
1.2. THE CLIENT – National / Regional cultural influences
• High power distance vs Lower power distance• Individualism vs Collectivism• Uncertainty avoidance• Masculinity (competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition,
power, materialism) vs Femininity (value on relationships and quality of life)
Geert Hofstede defines national culture as “those things that are shared by people who grew up in the same forest”.
http://geert-hofstede.com/spain.html
Need to be aware of the need to encourage students to ask questions, and be diplomatic with feedback for students in positions of responsibility
Suggests the need for a highly structured course with lots of support
1.3. THE CLIENT – Institutional / Corporate culture
1. What are the training manager’s expectations?2. How much experience does the training manager
have in organising online courses?3. How does this affect the students and their
expectations?
2. THE MATERIALS
THE MATERIALS
What factors might influence your choice of materials?• Time• Expertise• Budget restraints• Continuity• Objectives of course• Customisation• Subsidised courses (fulfil requirements of
funding organisation?)• Specific requirements• Platform (easy to use? Intuitive? Clear for
students, tutors and administrators?)
3. THE TUTOR
The role of the tutor will depend on the materials you use.
1. Track progress, provide support and encouragement2. Help students with writing and speaking skills by
providing feedback, moderating, answering questions and giving remedial support
3. Create course content, deliver course content in groups or 1-to-1
3. THE TUTOR
Define the tutor’s role (job description and person specification)
Consider:• Rate of pay• Experience• Interest
Organise a comprehensive training programme
Successful online
language course
THE CLIENT
THE TUTOR
THE MATERIALS
SUPPORT
SUPPORTSupport for clients• Pre-course Face-to-face presentations or webinarsInformation documentsRecommendations for Training Manager
Support for clients• During the course – help documents
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
Support for clients• During the courseTechnical supportHelplinesTracking and support – in L1 if possible at low levels (email and telephone / skype)Reminders of deadlinesReports and action points to Training Manager
SUPPORT
• Support for tutors
Welcome messagesTutor manualsClear guidelines Email and skype / phone support for issues e.g. difficult students, problem tutorials, other incidentsReminders of deadlines
Successful online
language course
THE CLIENT
THE TUTOR THE MATERIALS
SUPPORT
FEEDBACK
MATERIALS PROVIDER
• Questionnaire • Report sent to:
Training managers Tutors Net Languages
production team• Results and certificates
sent to students with indication of how can continue studying
• IMPORTANT: Congratulate the client and the training manager on how well they have done!
FEEDBACK & Ending the course
Fiona [email protected]
Blog (powerpoint):http://fionacthomas.wordpress.com
Twitter:@FionaTT
Referenceshttp://geert-hofstede.comhttp://vimeo.com/29036835ELTpics http://www.flickr.com/photos/eltpics/www.netlanguages.com
IH DOS Conference – London 2013
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