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Online language teaching has become a prominent facet of modern education, especially in light of recent global changes. The ability to instruct and learn languages online has opened up new possibilities for educators and students alike.

The importance of using tools in online language teaching cannot be overstated. In this digital era, these tools serve as the linchpin for effective and engaging instruction. They enhance the learning experience, promote interaction and provide valuable resources that traditional teaching methods often lack.

The digital language teaching landscape

The shift to online education

As a result of the digital revolution, which has completely changed how information is accessible and disseminated, education is moving toward being done online.

has several benefits, such as:

• Accessibility: Online language courses break down geographical barriers, allowing students worldwide to access quality instruction and teaching.
• Flexibility: Students can tailor their learning schedules to their needs, making education more accommodating for a diverse range of learners.
• Interactivity: Online platforms offer numerous interactive features, such as virtual classrooms, video conferences and chat tools, enhancing student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions.
• Rich resources:ÌýOnline language teaching can harness a vast array of multimedia resources, making learning more engaging and effective.

Challenges for language educators

While the shift to , it also brings challenges that language educators must navigate, including:

• Adaptation: Educators must adapt to new teaching methods, technologies and platforms, which can be a steep learning curve for some.
• Engagement: Maintaining student engagement in an online environment requires creative approaches and the integration of various teaching tools.
• Assessment: Assessing student progress can be more complex online, but it also offers the opportunity for innovative assessment methods.
• Technical issues: Connectivity problems and technical glitches can disrupt online classes, requiring educators to be tech-savvy troubleshooters.
• Isolation: Online learning can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation among students, so educators need to foster a sense of community and support.

Essential online language teaching tools

The right tools are essential to create engaging and compelling learning experiences. This section explores the key categories of tools that educators can utilize to enhance their online language teaching.

Tools for interactive lessons and activities

• Video conferencing platforms: These platforms enable real-time interaction with students, allowing educators to conduct live lessons, engage in discussions and facilitate group activities. Video conferencing helps replicate the classroom experience online. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet provide a virtual classroom environment with features for video, audio and chat communication.
• Interactive whiteboards: Tools like Jamboard andÌý allow educators to write, draw and share resources in real time. This feature enhances engagement and enables educators to illustrate concepts effectively.
• Screen recorder: software allows educators to capture their lessons, which can be invaluable for students who miss a live session. Recorded lessons can also serve as a reference for students during their self-paced learning.
• Teleprompter: A helps educators maintain a smooth and organized delivery during recorded lessons. It ensures that lessons stay on track and within a predefined timeframe, improving the clarity and effectiveness of instruction.

Tools for assessment and feedback

• Quizzes and surveys: Platforms like ÌýandÌý allow educators to create online quizzes and surveys for assessing students' knowledge.
• Assignment submission tools: Learning management systems (LMSs) such asÌýÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC)Ìýand MyEnglishLab (MEL) enable students to submit assignments electronically, making it easier for educators to grade and provide feedback.
• Feedback forms: Google Forms and Microsoft Forms can collect student feedback, helping educators improve their teaching methods.

Tools for content and resource creation

• Video creation tools: Video editing software empowers educators to create engaging educational videos, lectures and tutorials. This multimedia approach can make complex concepts more accessible to students.
• Video compressor: tools reduce the file size of videos without compromising quality. This is especially useful for ensuring students can easily access and stream video content, even with limited bandwidth.

How to implement online language tools

Implementing online language tools effectively is crucial for creating a dynamic and successful learning environment. Here are some best practices for integrating these tools into language teaching.

• Alignment with learning objectives: Ensure your tools align with your course objectives. They should enhance the learning experience and help achieve specific educational goals.
• Teacher training: Invest time in training educators to use these tools effectively. Familiarity with the tools' features and functionalities is essential.
• Clear instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the tools. Create tutorials or to help students navigate them effectively.
• Accessibility and inclusivity: Ensure that the tools and content you use are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This means considering factors like compatibility and providing transcripts for multimedia content.
• Regular feedback: Encourage students to provide feedback on their experience with the tools. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments.

Explore the tools discussed in this guide, experiment with them and adapt your teaching methods to the digital age. By staying curious, adaptable and open to innovation, you'll be better equipped to provide your students with the best possible language learning experience in the online realm. Happy teaching!Ìý

If you're a teacher looking for more hints and advice to level up your language teaching, check out ourÌýlanguage teaching blog posts. We also have opportunities for professional development.Ìý

You may have heard the term learning management system (LMS) at work or perhaps during your time in education. For many, this throws out images of clunky, outdated systems that clumsily distribute course materials and are tough to use.ÌýBut that is no longer the case. Modern LMS's are far more user-friendly, and it's time to relearn what you thought you knew about these tools.Ìý

In this ultimate guide, we will look at everything you need to know about learning management systems and why they are so beneficial.Ìý

What is a learning management system?

is a digital platform or (SaaS) solution that is used to create, organize and distribute online courses.Ìý

The idea is that these LMS platforms offer one central place for users to manage and access courses and learning materials. Depending on the user, this could be anything from self-paced e-courses to classroom training.Ìý

This can help facilitate a range of training, studying and skills development, as well as assessments, exams and certification management.Ìý

Who uses LMS's and why?Ìý

There are many great uses for learning management systems but these are used primarily by businesses and educational establishments. Here are some of the most common use cases for these platforms:Ìý

• HR and management - The HR and management team might implement these across the business to help with learning and development and make sure that organizational goals are being hit

• Employee onboarding - Those starting a new job may be given training via an LMS; this can make the onboarding process much quicker and simplerÌý

• Compliance training - Lots of roles require compliance training, for example health and safety training, and this is a great way for businesses to stay up to date and ensure everyone complies with regulationsÌý

• Customer support - Some businesses use learning management systems to onboard customers or clients. This might include sharing user manuals and product guides. Plus, sales professionals might also use them to train new partners or clients in using their services or platforms.Ìý

• Classroom learning - Lecturers and teachers can create and share course materials and align content and tests from one place. These can also be used to put a twist on traditional classroom learning.Ìý

• Blended learning - Schools, colleges and universities may use these for online lessons and blended learning, particularly for remote studentsÌý

• Volunteer training - Charities and non-profits may also use an LMS to educate volunteers and keep them motivated about the causeÌý

Of course, these platforms can and will be used in other ways, but these are some of the most common and beneficial uses for LMS's.Ìý

Who has access to LMS's?

In most cases, learning management systems will have two primary user groups: administrators and learners.ÌýÌý

Administrators are the people who create, manage and deliver e-learning. They may use these platforms to upload their own learning materials, or they may select courses and materials from an existing list given by the provider.

On the other hand, learners are the professionals or students who will use these platforms to train, study and gain new skills. Many modern LMS's allow multiple learners to train or access materials at the same time.

However, there is a third and final group that we have yet to mention: the parents of students using LMS's, particularly outside of school hours. In some cases, parents may have access to these systems to support students, track their progress or look at feedback from the teacher.Ìý

Key features in modern LMS's

There are a variety of learning management systems out there and some are more advanced than others. That being said, many modern platforms will share similar features to ensure they stay competitive. Some of these key features may include:Ìý

• Authoring tools that allow administrators to upload or build their own courses

• Access to subject matter experts who can contribute to learning and development activitiesÌý

• Automated workflows that allow for the creation of personalized learning journeys

• A resources library that holds all relevant learning materials, such as guides, video clips and courses

• Quizzes and surveys for a more fun and engaging way to assess learnersÌý

• Compliance features, such as automatic reminders that notify learners when it is time to retrainÌý

• Certificates and diplomas that give learners recognition as they study and meet their targetsÌý

• Insights and analysis for individual progress and results, allowing administrators to identify gaps or areas where support is needed

• Compatibility with mobile devices for studying on the goÌý

• Integrations with other internal systems and softwareÌý

This is by no means a complete list and different platforms will have different functionality. However, these are some of the most common and beneficial features of many modern LMSs.

The benefits of using learning management systems

Saving time and money

First and foremost, an LMS can be an excellent way for businesses to save time and money on training.Ìý

Of course there is an initial investment in the platform, but training can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if it must take place in a location outside of the workplace.ÌýTherefore, this can be the more cost-effective solution. Not to mention, the materials are quick to access and can save time and effort.Ìý

Ensuring compliance training is completed

These platforms are an excellent way to ensure that all mandatory training is completed on time and to the highest standard. For example, industry-specific training such as fire safety or cybersecurity training.Ìý

Provide accurate data

Administrators can access data and insights into their employee's learning. This can be a great way to see where more support is needed and to identify any skills gaps that need to be filled.ÌýSimilarly, teachers can get to grips with how well their students are doing and if they need extra help in any subjects or areas.

Improves the learning experience

Whether in school or the workplace, LMS's can be a great way to improve the learning process. It allows users to study and access learning materials from one accessible location.ÌýPlus, through a multimedia approach, they can use guides, videos and more to help them learn. This can ensure they engage with the materials and stay motivated.Ìý

Simplifying communication

Finally, an LMS can make communication between students, teachers, employees and employers far simpler. For example, automated reminders keep everyone in the loop and ensure all training is completed on time.ÌýBut more than that, there is one central place to communicate, review feedback and access the same materials.Ìý

Are you thinking about embarking on a career in education? If so, you’ll be opening the door to an entire world of possibilities. An education degree can help you to work anywhere in the world, making it one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into just how this field of study can broaden your horizons more than you ever thought possible.

Why choose an education degree?

Without teachers, there are a lot of valuable life lessons that we just wouldn’t learn. Of course, learning isn’t just limited to the classroom, but educated teachers seem to consistently have the most impact on young people all over the world. This potential to change young lives is what makes studying for a teaching career desirable for many.

Studying education will also enable you to work from anywhere that you like, as teaching jobs are widely available across the world. The opportunity to teach English to second-language learners in particular can be found in even the most remote locations. Teaching abroad frequently comes with perks, too, , and the chance to meet people from all walks of life.

Where can I work with an education degree?

In short: almost anywhere. Some of the most popular places people immigrate to with an education degree include Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The latter is particularly attractive, as international school teachers are paid well here, and frequently awarded free accommodation and travel.

Saudi Arabia is also known for its vast riches, which they invest in building beautiful, gated communities for their expats. These often include air-conditioned housing and community pools. If you choose to relocate here, you’ll usually find yourself teaching a mixture of fellow expats and locals – most people find the exposure to such vastly different cultures particularly exciting.Ìý

Teaching schemes and programs are available to people with relevant education degrees and overseas teaching roles are always in demand, so it's not uncommon to see new programs pop up over time. Make sure to check out relevant embassy and government websites for up-to-date news on schemes that are running.

If you find a program that interests you, make sure to do your research and find out from others who've participated to ensure its the right program for you. One person's experience teaching can be a lot different from someone else's. The kind of wage, accommodation and benefits can differ greatly depending on the scheme and where you work so its a good idea to research that, comparing it to the area's cost of living.

What should I study alongside my education degree?

If you’re choosing to study education you’re already on the right path to an enriching international career – however, you may wish to study other subjects alongside this to make sure that your future job applications stand out.

An English degree complements education studies nicely. The English language teaching market created approximately , and this number continues to grow. Alternatively, subjects such as maths and computer science continue to be popular choices for hiring companies abroad.

Education is generally seen as the precursor to a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which enables you to work abroad. In the UK alone as of 2023, so when it comes to getting started on your academic journey, the options are endless.

Education: the key to the world

Studying education at degree level will give you the key to the wider world, and is the first step towards a rewarding international career. If you choose to go down this route academically, you’ll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in vibrant global cultures. So, choosing to study for an education degree is sure to be the start of an exciting journey.