Optimizing Online English Language Learning And Teaching

This book focuses on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and provides advice on how to approach EFL teaching in the online context. Coronavirus has accelerated e-learning significantly and has highlighted the need of appropriate web tools that will allow teachers to present their material either synchronously or asynchronously, while also adequately assess their students. At the same time, there is a need of tools that can engage the students and motivate them to actively participate in the lesson. With e-learning being a rather new challenge for both teachers and students, this book provides research- and practice- based chapters with strategies, techniques, approaches, and methods which have proven to be successful in e-learning environments, maximizing their impact . Apart from presenting research results with strong pedagogical implications on online or blended English language learning and teaching, the book also trains educators on utilizing online tools and managing online learning environments and platforms.

"This book examines the benefits and costs associated with the utilization of technology-mediated instructional environments, recognizing that instructional technology could offer alternative means of communication for understanding"--Provided by publisher.

Practical and accessible, this book comprehensively covers everything you need to know to design, develop, and deliver successful online, blended, and flipped language courses. Grounded in the principles of instructional design and communicative language teaching, this book serves as a compendium of best practices, research, and strategies for creating learner-centered online language instruction that builds students’ proficiency within meaningful cultural contexts. This book addresses important topics such as finding and optimizing online resources and materials, learner engagement, teacher and student satisfaction and connectedness, professional development, and online language assessment. Teaching Language Online features: A step-by-step guide aligned with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) standards Research-based best practices and tools to implement effective communicative language teaching (CLT) online Strategies and practices that apply equally to world languages and ESL/EFL contexts Key takeaway summaries, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading in every chapter Free, downloadable eResources with further readings and more materials available at www.routledge.com/ 9781138387003 As the demand for language courses in online or blended formats grows, K-16 instructors urgently need resources to effectively transition their teaching online. Designed to help world language instructors, professors, and K-12 language educators regardless of their level of experience with online learning, this book walks through the steps to move from the traditional classroom format to effective, successful online teaching environments.

This collection offers a critical examination of online language teacher education programs (OLTE), looking at a range of issues which have informed their development and the challenges and opportunities in their implementation from a TESOL perspective. Positioning itself uniquely amongst the growing literature at the nexus of technology and language learning, the book focuses on language teacher education programs designed for academic and professional credentials in online environments. Introductory sections provide a brief historical overview of the OLTEs as we know them today, with examples from a global range of programs toward demonstrating their theoretical and philosophical foundations. The second section of the book explores the paradigm shifts borne out of OLTE in the modes, media, and tasks employed and their subsequent impact on instructional efficacy. Subsequent chapters turn a critical lens on OLTE in raising questions around accessibility its implementation in less technologically developed environments, issues of quality measures and accreditation, and practicum concerns. Taken together, this collection is a state of the art of online language teacher education programs and lays the groundwork for future research on the nexus of online education, teacher education, and applied linguistics.

Computer-based technologies can enhance language learning and help students embrace the complexities of an additional language. Due to rapid technological changes, innovative teaching approaches and strategies are necessary in order to successfully integrate new technologies within language teaching. Explorations of Language Teaching and Learning with Computational Assistance provides cutting-edge research which evaluates, improves, and applies effective pedagogy in the fields of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and foreign language learning. It expands on the principles, theories, design, and implementation of computer-assisted language learning programs.

With cultural and linguistic diversity, migration, and constant change as defining features of contemporary societies, it is increasingly necessary to enhance our capabilities within multilingual environments. Reconceptualizing Language Norms in Multilingual Contexts offers a groundbreaking exploration of language practices and norms in the diverse and dynamic world we inhabit today. It challenges the traditional understanding of language norms as stable and stationary. Instead, it embraces multiculturalism and multilingualism as the norm rather than the exception. Drawing upon a wide range of methodological approaches, this book brings together a collection of position papers, critical reflections, and explorations by emerging and established voices in the field. It delves into how language norms emerge, evolve, and shape communication in both collective and individual contexts of diversity. By reconceptualizing language norms, this book sheds light on real and relevant language practices in multilingual and multicultural spaces, offering insights from the people who inhabit and navigate these contexts. While the content of this book revolves around everyday communication, its academic approaches and comprehensive exploration make it a valuable resource for graduate students, educators, and researchers in the fields of multilingualism and applied linguistics. By bridging the gap between language norms and multilingualism, this book seeks to advance our understanding of language practices in the increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

Teaching English language learners has long presented challenges for teachers tasked with bringing these students to a level of language comprehension comparable to that of native speakers. These challenges and issues can lead to difficulty comprehending core academic topics for those learning the English language. Optimizing Elementary Education for English Language Learners is a critical scholarly publication that explores the importance of English as a Second Language (ESL) education as well as the challenges that can arise in striving for effective and engaging learning environments for the students involved. Featuring a broad scope of topics, such as effective lesson plans, teacher education and preparation, and the education achievement gap, this book is geared toward academicians, practitioners, and researchers seeking current research on effective teaching strategies for teachers of English language learners.

Designed for teachers of English Language Learners, Empower English Language Learners With Tools From the Web demonstrates how to use the powerful tools of Web 2.0 to motivate students and increase student learning. Focusing largely on Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, social networking spaces, and blogs, Lori Langer de Ramirez grounds her discussion in the framework of second language acquisition theory, constructivist learning theory, and the acquisition of 21st century skills. The book explains how technology tools can support learning goals while meeting TESOL standards and offers clear examples of how teachers can integrate these technologies into the classroom. This research-based guide is filled with samples of student work, helpful strategies, and sample activities, projects, and lessons to help primary and secondary ELL teachers maximize technology with ELL students, not only for language, but also for improvement in other subjects and acquisition of 21st century skills.