An introspective account and critical evaluation of an e-moderators experience
teaching in an online pilot EFL course.
Andy Webster (s1013230)— MScTESOL Edinburgh University
Abstract
Research Design and Methods
This dissertation will explore the processes
involved with teaching an online efl course. It
will consider how effective Salmon’s five stage
model can assist in preparing a new emoderator to successfully teach in an online
environment .. Qualitative research will be
carried out which will involve an analysis of
the e-moderators reflective journal. In depth
data will be collected, which will evaluate my
approach to on-line teaching and critically
appraise the skills needed to become a
successful e-moderator.
The following questions will be
addressed in accordance with teaching
in an on-line environment
• How can
computer
mediated
communication be used effectively to
encourage learning on-line ?
• Can face-to-face language learning
pedagogy translate to an on-line
learning environment?
• Does Salmon’s five stage model
adequately prepare an e-moderator
for the complexity of an on-line
language learning environment?
• What is the teachers role in an on-line
learning environment?
• What challenges does an e-moderaor
face when teaching on-line for the
first time?
• What are the e-moderators beliefs and
perceptions about teaching within an
on-line
language
learning
environment?
Rationale
“Teaching online is not the future
anymore. It is an important part of the
here and now of language teaching
education. Teachers need to know what
tools are out there and what techniques
can help them use these tools.”
(Clandfield, 2010: 3)
It is no longer necessary for learning to be
confined to the classroom. The online
environment provides flexible learning, where
students can connect with learners globally and
learn at their own pace. This dissertation will
assist in evaluating my first experience of
teaching online and will explore how my
development relates to Salmon’s Five stage
model. My perceptions and attitudes towards
teaching in a fully online environment will be
analyzed thoroughly.
Timetable For the Dissertation
Date
Section
May
• Literature
Review
• Methodology
June
Field Work
July
August
The e-moderator will keep a reflective
journal prior to and during a one
month on-line course. This will then
be analysed thoroughly and the role of
e-moderator in accordance with
Salmon’s Five Stage model will be
critically evaluated. This will provide
a greater understanding of the
processes and challenges encountered
when teaching online for the first time
•
•
Analysis
Discussion
• Conclusion
• Finish
Activity
• Write up literature
review
• Write up method and
design
•
•
Conduct field work
collect data
• Analyse data and
write findings.
• Write discussion
•
•
Write Conclusion
Proof read
“Teachers’ must learn to recognise the social
processes that technology enables and
understand how to support these processes as a
way to foster the emergence of meaningful
communities.” Wenger(2009: 191)
Literature in the Area of Study
• Beetham, H. and Sharpe, R.(2007)
Rethinking pedagogy for a digital age :
designing and delivering e-learning. New
York : Routledge
• Compton, L. K. L. (2009) Preparing
Language Teachers to Teach Language
Online: A Look at Skills, Roles, and
Responsibilities. Computer Assisted
Language Learning, 22(1): 73-99.
• Goodfellow, R. & Lamy, M-N. (2009)
Learning Cultures in Online Education.
London: Continuum Publishing.
• Hockley, N. and Clandfield, L. (2010)
Teaching Online: Tools and Techniques,
Options and Opportunities. Surrey: Delta
Publishing
• Murugaiah, P. & Thang, S. M. (2010)
Development of Interactive and Reflective
Learning Among Malaysian Online Distant
Learners: An ESL Instructor’s Experience.
International Review of Research in Open
and Distance Learning, 11(3): 21-41.
• Pachler, N. and Daly, C. (2011) Key Issues
in E-Learning. London: Continuum
Publishing.
• Salmon, G. (2002) E-tivities: the Key to
Active Online Learning. London: Kogan
• Senior, R. (2010) Connectivity: A
Framework for Understanding Effective
Language Teaching in Face-to-Face and
Online Learning Communities. RELC
Journal, 41(2): 137-147.
• Wenger, E. (2009) Digital Habitats:
Stewarding Technology for
Communities.Portland: Cpsquare.