Towards an Effective Use of Audio Conferencing in Distance Language Courses
ARTICLE
Regine Hampel, Mirjam Hauck
Language Learning & Technology Volume 8, Number 1, ISSN 1094-3501
Abstract
In order to respond to learners' need for more flexible speaking opportunities and to overcome the geographical challenge of students spread over the United Kingdom and continental Western Europe, the Open University recently introduced Internet-based, real-time audio conferencing, thus making a groundbreaking move in the distance learning and teaching of languages. Since February 2002, online tutorials for language courses have been offered using Lyceum, an Internet-based audio-graphics conferencing tool developed in house. Our research is based on the first Open University course ever to deliver tutorials solely online, a level 2 German course, and this article considers some of the challenges of implementing online tuition. As a starting point, we present the pedagogical rationale underpinning the virtual learning and teaching environment. Then we examine the process of development and implementation of online tuition in terms of activity design, tutor training, and student support. A number of methodological tools such as logbooks, questionnaires, and observations were used to gather data. The findings of this paper highlight the complexity of the organisational as well as the pedagogical framework that contributes to the effective use of online tuition via audio conferencing systems in a distance education setting.
Citation
Hampel, R. & Hauck, M. (2004). Towards an Effective Use of Audio Conferencing in Distance Language Courses. Language Learning & Technology, 8(1), 66-82. Retrieved August 8, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/74456/.
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Cited By
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Instructors' experiences of web based synchronous communication using two way audio and direct messaging
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Australasian Journal of Educational Technology Vol. 23, No. 1 (Jan 01, 2007)
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Instant Messaging in distributed and distance language learning
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EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2005 (Jun 27, 2005) pp. 800–807
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Adding a Computer-Based Oral Component to Distance Education Courses
Janet Flewelling & Donald Snider, University of Windsor, Canada
E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2004 (2004) pp. 615–621
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