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Welcome to the beginning of a new year, filled with countless possibilities and exciting opportunities for learning a new language. If you're like most people, you probably have some language learning resolutions and goals you'd like to achieve this year.

While setting these goals is easy, sticking to them can appear daunting. But don't worry, we’re here to help you not only set those goals but also achieve them like a pro. Below are some useful tips to help turn your language aspirations into reality this year and to keep you motivated towards your goals.

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