Topic 1.8.2 E-learning
E-LEARNING
Warm Up
- Have you ever studied/done a course online?
- Would you like to? And if so, what subject would you study?
- How has e-learning changed the way we approach education and training in the workplace?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning compared to traditional in-person learning?
- Do you think e-learning can replace face-to-face learning in all fields, or are there areas where in-person learning is still essential?
- What are some challenges that learners face in e-learning, and how can these be overcome?
Part A:
Many people today are studying online. This has led to the development of new expressions related to e-learning.
Part B:
In pairs or small groups discuss the questions below.
- How much experience do you have of studying online?
- How confident are you using the technology?
Reading
Part 1
Three students are thinking about doing online English courses, but they all have doubts. Read the information and get ready to explain what a problem for each person might be, in your own words. How are you similar to these students?
Jay: My boss suggested that I do an online business English course. She says that if I pass the exam with a high score, she might recommend me for management training. I definitely want to earn more money, but I think the course sounds boring. I also don’t like the idea of spending long hours studying alone. I’m much more of a team player than a lone wolf.
Charlotte: At school, I hated IT! My favourite subject was languages, but I got bored quickly. I tried learning Arabic last year, and I thought I was doing rather well, but the teacher said I made too many mistakes, so I gave up. To be honest, I couldn’t see what the problem was.
Liz: I’m desperate to improve my English but life is so busy! I work full-time, I have a family, and my husband, kids, the dog and I are all living with his parents. The thing is, we’ve always dreamed of taking a year off and travelling around the world, and we’re not getting any younger…
If someone told you they were going to study online, would you give them any advice?
Reading part 2
Read the article “Top tips for online study” and decide which two tips would most benefit each of the students from the previous exercise. Be ready to explain your ideas. Which tips are most relevant to you?
Top tips for online study
How to succeed while learning online?
1.Motivation – why study?
To be successful in any area, you have to want to succeed. Before you start an online course, you should be clear about your motivation. Are you studying online as part of a long-term education programme, to develop your career or for personal interest? You can write yourself an encouraging message to read when you find things difficult:
→When I’ve finished this course, I will have completed my foreign language requirements for university.
→Next year, I will be able to apply for promotion.
→Imagine travelling around Australia- and speaking English the whole time!
2.Persistence- don’t give up!
Online learning can present challenges that you may not have experienced before. You will need to work through technical problems independently and be ready to ask for help. Remember that you will probably encounter the most technical problems at the beginning of the course. Once you have resolved these, you will still need to be ready to face the challenges of following the course itself while learning in a new way. Keep telling yourself that you can do it.
3.Time management
You will find it easier to keep up with your course if you plan your time effectively and set up a routine study schedule. Successful students log on and make progress every day, embracing the flexibility that an online course can offer. At the start of the course, look over the syllabus and make a long-term plan for preparing for end-of course assessments like essays or exams. Then think about breaking down the work you need to do week by week, and day by day. Be specific about which days and times you will be doing coursework and how long for. Make lists and tick off tasks when they are completed. Organising your time like this will help you complete the course and will also be a vital skill for the workplace.
4.Study environment
Having the right space to work (with a strong Internet connection) will help you manage your time more effectively. You need someplace quiet where no one will interrupt you. You need to be comfortable with the furniture and the lighting. Some people work best at home, while others prefer a more social environment like a coffee shop. Listen to music if it helps you concentrate. Turn off your phone and ignore emails and other distractions during your study time. There are apps you can use apps to limit interruptions.
5.Building relationships online
Even if you are not physically in a classroom, remember that you are not alone. You can ask for help from teachers and staff and interact with other students. Stay in touch with others through online meetings, forums, emails or Skype calls. Build relationships by introducing yourself to other students, asking and answering questions, and offering help if you can. Remember that communicating online is very different to real life interaction. You may not be able to see the other person’s face, so you have to rely on words to express what you want to say. Write sentences and use a respectful professional tone at all times. A good guideline is not to write anything that you wouldn’t say in person.
6.High standards- mistakes matter!
Finally, hold yourself to high standards throughout the course. Many online courses rely on students assessing their own work, or the work of classmates. If you’re marking your own work, don’t let little mistakes go. It’s easy to ignore these “dumb mistakes,” but in the long-term, you won’t benefit from the assessment if you do this. If you receive a lower score than you were aiming for, don’t get depressed- turn the experience into a learning opportunity. If you are having trouble keeping to your study schedule, ask a classmate, friend or family member to check on your progress from time to time.
Sources: Minnesota State, Northeastern University, Kajabi, Medium, Wikipedia
Vocabulary
In pairs, discuss the questions below.
What would you like to see on the syllabus of your English course?
Which type of assessments do you prefer and why?
Are you easily distracted?
Have you ever had a promotion at work? How long ago was it?
Would you change any of your company’s guidelines?
Listening
These pictures relate to three more top tips related to online learning.
Can you predict what each tip will be?
Listen and check your ideas. One picture is extra.
https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/e-learning/audioplayer/e-learning-bemp3
How do these tips apply to you?
What’s the most important thing you need to do in order to get ready for online learning?
What do you think the unused picture refers to?
Speaking Activities
1.Role Play: Training Coordinator and Employee
Role 1: Training coordinator
Role 2: an employee looking to enrol in an e-learning course.
Discuss the options available, the benefits of online learning, and the potential challenges of using e-learning in their professional context.
2.Debate: Advantages vs. Disadvantages of E-Learning
Divide into two groups.
For: argue the advantages of e-learning
Against: argue its disadvantages.
After a few rounds of argument, switch positions.
3.Case Study Discussion: Implementing E-Learning in the Workplace
Case Study: XYZ Corporation – Implementing E-Learning for Employee Development
Company Overview:
XYZ Corporation is a global leader in the manufacturing industry, with over 10,000 employees spread across various countries. The company is committed to employee development and continuous learning, ensuring that its workforce stays competitive and updated with the latest skills and knowledge in the industry.
Discuss the challenges XYZ Corporation might face (e.g., employee engagement, technical issues) and propose solutions.