Instructional Technology
Conference 2005
Proposal #24
Title: Building Learning Communities with Internet for English as a Second Language (ESL) Education in China
Name: Quan Zhou
Audience Level: All
Audience: : Faculty, ESL instructors and researchers, instructional technology specialists, general
Length: One hour, including presentation and discussion
Abstract:
This presentation addresses the role of Internet in English as a Second Language (ESL) education in a non-English speaking country---China. It introduces the history and current challenges of ESL education in China, analyzes the characteristics of ESL education, compares traditional instructions with Internet-assisted instructions, advocates why and how Internet helps make ESL education effective and efficient, and provides suggestions on building digital English learning communities in China.
Description:
As information technology grows rapidly and Internet access becomes more widespread, traditional education is dramatically changing to the "Information Age". Around the world, more and more learners and instructors use Internet as a medium of knowledge communication. Along with the digitalization, the globalization brings learners and instructional resources from different countries to a "learning village". One challenge for non-English speaking countries is to educate people with English skills. In China, a fast developing country, English language education is undoubtedly becoming more important in this "learning village" in the "Information Age".
This presentation focuses on the role of information technology, especially Internet, in English as a Second Language (ESL) education in China. It starts with an overview of the history and the current situation of ESL education in China. The presentation examines the contrast between the increasing enthusiasm of learning English and the inaccessibility and inadequacy of learning resources and opportunities.
It identifies the key factors that make learning English difficult in China. Although Chinese students learn English from a variety of channels and in multiple ways, most students focus on grammar, reading and writing. Nevertheless, many students are weak at listening, speaking, and communicating because they don't have enough chances to communicate and interact with native speakers due to geographical and economic gaps. Students form their learning styles and gain knowledge through lots of mandatory examinations, but far away from being able to communicate. The instructor to student ratio is low in face-to-face classes. Most students mainly use textbooks, radios and tapes although advanced technologies such as digital tools are available in some cities. The delivery and dissemination of instructional resources through traditional ways in this big country is also a problem. Culturally, Chinese students are often shy to speak out and practice. All the factors above limit the possibility of building English learning communities.
Internet changes the way of accessing English information and learning English. The presentation analyzes that due to the special characteristics of ESL education and the special characteristics of China's situation, it is highly important that Chinese students can learn and communicate in a "native environment", getting better equipments and overcome shyness. In order to build a community of English learners and native speakers, the presentation advocates why and how to use Internet ubiquitously in ESL education. Internet provides much more information on English language and cultural backgrounds; it encourages learners to interact and communicate with native speakers in online platforms; it provides asynchronous and long distance learning choices for learners in different levels, ages and locations; it increases enjoyment and stimulates learners' interests; it helps build "digital campus" and use Multimedia to encourage learners to use eyes, mouth, hands, and ears together.
The presentation analyzes the challenges and opportunities of ESL education in China, and provides suggestions on using Internet to build English learning communities, share English information, and facilitate interactions.
Session Type: Lecture/Presentation
Contact information/affiliation:
Quan Zhou
Ph.D. student
Department of Technical Communication
College of Engineering
University of Washington
14 Loew Hall, Box 352195
Seattle, WA 98195-2195
Telephone: (206) 685-1611
Email: qzhou@u.washington.edu
Equipment: Data video projector