Cebu International EFL Conference

Abstract of paper

Authors

Tarryn Goodman 
Aubrey Olsen, Erik Ramsay, and Tarryn Goodman 

Title
Technological Tools for Distance Education

Abstract

New administration at Brigham Young University Hawaii recently endorsed a distance learning initiative.  English language teachers, accustomed to teaching in a face-to-face environment, were called upon to develop distance courses for students in Asia and the islands of the South Pacific.  This mandate provided the necessary motivation to explore various technological possibilities and incorporate technological tools now available to language teachers. 

One simple but effective tool is the Comment feature in Microsoft Word.  This tool allows teachers to make electronic comments on student writing.  While many language teachers have this technology at their fingertips, it is often underused. 

Another tool that can be particularly useful in organizing listening/speaking tutor sessions is Skype.  Skype is software that allows users to make calls over the Internet for free.   It downloads quickly and is extremely user-friendly. 

This paper outlines a variety of ways to integrate these two tools into an English language teaching / learning environment.  First, participants will learn to use the Microsoft Word Comment feature to make comments on student writing samples.  Then, they will be introduced to the process of creating a Skype account: downloading the free software and navigating Skype.  Participants will also enjoy observing a live Skype session with a volunteer at a remote location. 

The final portion of this paper focuses on evaluative research currently in progress.  At this point, BYU Hawaii is interested in determining the effectiveness of these two technological tools for online tutoring in distance education. The results of this research will help to guide the development of tutoring components for future distance courses.  

While the original implementation of these tools was designed to meet the needs of distance students, the use of this technology will enhance the curriculum for any on-campus or online language course.       
 
Biographical Data

Aubrey Olsen is a lecturer in the English as an International Language program at Brigham Young University Hawaii.  Her interests include distance learning, curriculum development, and encouraging extensive reading among young adult students to promote language skills and reading pleasure.

Erik Ramsay is a TESOL major and serves as president of the TESOL Society at BYUH.  He is a writing tutor in the Reading Writing Center.  He intends to enter a graduate program focusing on speech development and fluency.

Tarryn Goodman is a TESOL Education major and works as an English tutor at the BYU Hawaii Language Center.  Her interests include distance education and listening/speaking activities for young adults.  She has been involved in online tutoring since 2004.